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Recommend this book:
After Happily Ever After
A Novel
Leslie A. Rasmussen
2021 Finalist
272 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Maggie is a feisty, funny, mixed-up, stressed-out woman and the star of After Happily Ever After by Leslie A. Rasmussen. Maggie is forty-five, dealing with her only daughter, Gia, going off to college, and the fact that she has been out of the workforce since Gia was born and is no longer needed as a caregiving mom. She will have nothing to fill her days. Her once-loving husband Jim is not giving her the attention she so badly needs, and her beloved father is ill. When she meets Michael, a tall, handsome younger man who finds her attractive, she turns to him for advice, attention, and approval. We share with Maggie in her everyday encounters, her best friend, the frustration of dealing with her mother and brother. We feel both her joy and pain as she has to make decisions about what the future will hold for her.
After Happily Ever After is a mixture of happiness and drama that reflects real-life feelings and issues in a kind and caring way. I immediately liked Maggie and found myself rooting for her and wanting the chance to talk with her up close and personal. I wanted to yell at Jim and Gia and wasn’t sure what I wanted to tell Michael. Leslie A. Rasmussen has written a fiction story that most women can relate to in one way or another with compassion and love. After Happily Ever After is a wonderful read that will not disappoint. I highly recommend After Happily Ever After to women both young and old.
Maggie is a feisty, funny, mixed-up, stressed-out woman and the star of After Happily Ever After by Leslie A. Rasmussen. Maggie is forty-five, dealing with her only daughter, Gia, going off to college, and the fact that she has been out of the workforce since Gia was born and is no longer needed as a caregiving mom. She will have nothing to fill her days. Her once-loving husband Jim is not giving her the attention she so badly needs, and her beloved father is ill. When she meets Michael, a tall, handsome younger man who finds her attractive, she turns to him for advice, attention, and approval. We share with Maggie in her everyday encounters, her best friend, the frustration of dealing with her mother and brother. We feel both her joy and pain as she has to make decisions about what the future will hold for her.
After Happily Ever After is a mixture of happiness and drama that reflects real-life feelings and issues in a kind and caring way. I immediately liked Maggie and found myself rooting for her and wanting the chance to talk with her up close and personal. I wanted to yell at Jim and Gia and wasn’t sure what I wanted to tell Michael. Leslie A. Rasmussen has written a fiction story that most women can relate to in one way or another with compassion and love. After Happily Ever After is a wonderful read that will not disappoint. I highly recommend After Happily Ever After to women both young and old.
Recommend this book:
The Unlikely Occultist
A Biographical Novel of Alice A. Bailey
Isobel Blackthorn
2021 Honorable Mention
321 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
Shortly after her loving Aunt Hilary’s funeral, Heather faced a challenge at her job. At the State Library in Victoria, Australia, she was assigned the task of assessing a one-hundred box collection donated by the late Professor Foyle. She was a professor of religious studies, with a strong interest in Alternative Spiritualities, often called New Age. Heather soon became engrossed in the professor’s writings, and how her own belief system was affected by the study of this collection is a fascinating aspect of this book. Author Isobel Blackthorn has crafted a thought-provoking, insightful book in The Unlikely Occultist: A Biographical Novel of Alice A. Bailey. The journey of Alice is told in a chronological format, including both her personal life and her work in the spiritual realm.
This biographical novel is written in an easy-to-read, flowing manner. It describes the facts of Alice Bailey's life – the early years of strong Christian beliefs; her commitment to service; the expansion of her spiritual beliefs; the telepathic connection with several Masters; her marriages and mothering three daughters. It also includes how some spiritualists accepted and others vilified her prolific writings and presentations. How Isobel Blackthorn interweaves the life of Alice of the last century and the life of Heather at the present time is truly masterful. This book provides a context for anyone interested in Alice’s teachings and books, the Arcane School, or organizations she or her followers founded. A novel based on historical facts, The Unlikely Occultist is truly an exceptional read.
Shortly after her loving Aunt Hilary’s funeral, Heather faced a challenge at her job. At the State Library in Victoria, Australia, she was assigned the task of assessing a one-hundred box collection donated by the late Professor Foyle. She was a professor of religious studies, with a strong interest in Alternative Spiritualities, often called New Age. Heather soon became engrossed in the professor’s writings, and how her own belief system was affected by the study of this collection is a fascinating aspect of this book. Author Isobel Blackthorn has crafted a thought-provoking, insightful book in The Unlikely Occultist: A Biographical Novel of Alice A. Bailey. The journey of Alice is told in a chronological format, including both her personal life and her work in the spiritual realm.
This biographical novel is written in an easy-to-read, flowing manner. It describes the facts of Alice Bailey's life – the early years of strong Christian beliefs; her commitment to service; the expansion of her spiritual beliefs; the telepathic connection with several Masters; her marriages and mothering three daughters. It also includes how some spiritualists accepted and others vilified her prolific writings and presentations. How Isobel Blackthorn interweaves the life of Alice of the last century and the life of Heather at the present time is truly masterful. This book provides a context for anyone interested in Alice’s teachings and books, the Arcane School, or organizations she or her followers founded. A novel based on historical facts, The Unlikely Occultist is truly an exceptional read.
Recommend this book:
Lost Souls
A fictional journey through 50 years of Pink Floyd
Edwin Ammerlaan
2021 Bronze Medal
248 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Lost Souls is a fictionalized take on the history of progressive/psychedelic rock behemoth Pink Floyd. Written by rock journalist Edwin Ammerlaan, the book follows a fictional character named Matt Hallander, a journalist for Rock Parade magazine, as he traces the journey of Pink Floyd from 1967 to the present. On a trip to Spain, Matt acquaints himself with an unknown band named The Pink Floyd and a couple of months later watches their show at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. Matt quickly forms a rapport with the band members and follows them through the decades as they achieve mainstream success, break up over clashing egos, and eventually reunite for a couple of shows. Using facts, actual interviews, and events, author Edwin Ammerlaan crafts a captivating narrative that showcases the complex history of Pink Floyd.
Lost Souls feels like an ode to Pink Floyd that primely encapsulates the heights they achieved alongside the very few noticeable low points of their remarkable careers. Edwin Ammerlaan masterfully showcases the impact of Pink Floyd on generations of music lovers and provides an intimate and personalized glimpse into the lives of its members. He paints a realistic depiction of the mad genius Syd Barrett, the peacekeeper Nick Mason, the introverted Richard Wright, the gifted David Gilmour, and the flamboyant extrovert Roger Waters. Everyone knows about the rift between Gilmour and Waters, but Edwin Ammerlaan provides a thorough breakdown to put things into perspective. As someone who grew up listening to Pink Floyd records, I thoroughly enjoyed Lost Souls. A must-read for Pink Floyd fans.
Lost Souls is a fictionalized take on the history of progressive/psychedelic rock behemoth Pink Floyd. Written by rock journalist Edwin Ammerlaan, the book follows a fictional character named Matt Hallander, a journalist for Rock Parade magazine, as he traces the journey of Pink Floyd from 1967 to the present. On a trip to Spain, Matt acquaints himself with an unknown band named The Pink Floyd and a couple of months later watches their show at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. Matt quickly forms a rapport with the band members and follows them through the decades as they achieve mainstream success, break up over clashing egos, and eventually reunite for a couple of shows. Using facts, actual interviews, and events, author Edwin Ammerlaan crafts a captivating narrative that showcases the complex history of Pink Floyd.
Lost Souls feels like an ode to Pink Floyd that primely encapsulates the heights they achieved alongside the very few noticeable low points of their remarkable careers. Edwin Ammerlaan masterfully showcases the impact of Pink Floyd on generations of music lovers and provides an intimate and personalized glimpse into the lives of its members. He paints a realistic depiction of the mad genius Syd Barrett, the peacekeeper Nick Mason, the introverted Richard Wright, the gifted David Gilmour, and the flamboyant extrovert Roger Waters. Everyone knows about the rift between Gilmour and Waters, but Edwin Ammerlaan provides a thorough breakdown to put things into perspective. As someone who grew up listening to Pink Floyd records, I thoroughly enjoyed Lost Souls. A must-read for Pink Floyd fans.
Recommend this book:
Turn Back Time
The Full Circle Series Book 1
Annette G. Anders
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Turn Back Time is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, slice of life, and contemporary romance sub-genres, and was penned by author Annette G. Anders. Written as the opening novel in The Full Circle book series, this charming and heartfelt work explores the nature of life’s rare second chances and how we often struggle to believe in ourselves, no matter what stage of life we have reached. Protagonists Stella and David have loved and lost, and Stella has vowed to shake David off after he shattered her heart. Little does she know that David is still haunted by their break up, and a chance trip to France might be just the ticket to reunite them and put their ghosts to bed at last.
Author Annette G. Anders has crafted a truly charming romance and work of drama for mature reading audiences, one which commits itself to true realism in its depth of feeling, as well as the highs and lows that life delivers to us. One of the things which impressed me the most in this novel was the presentation of character, which takes center stage as we get to know the past and present of our central couple, as well as begin to hope for their future. The dialogue is witty and flows well to move the story forward, but it also has some truly raw moments of realism that will pluck at the heart-strings. Overall, I would highly recommend Turn Back Time as a must-read for fans of contemporary drama with much realism and accomplished prose.
Turn Back Time is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, slice of life, and contemporary romance sub-genres, and was penned by author Annette G. Anders. Written as the opening novel in The Full Circle book series, this charming and heartfelt work explores the nature of life’s rare second chances and how we often struggle to believe in ourselves, no matter what stage of life we have reached. Protagonists Stella and David have loved and lost, and Stella has vowed to shake David off after he shattered her heart. Little does she know that David is still haunted by their break up, and a chance trip to France might be just the ticket to reunite them and put their ghosts to bed at last.
Author Annette G. Anders has crafted a truly charming romance and work of drama for mature reading audiences, one which commits itself to true realism in its depth of feeling, as well as the highs and lows that life delivers to us. One of the things which impressed me the most in this novel was the presentation of character, which takes center stage as we get to know the past and present of our central couple, as well as begin to hope for their future. The dialogue is witty and flows well to move the story forward, but it also has some truly raw moments of realism that will pluck at the heart-strings. Overall, I would highly recommend Turn Back Time as a must-read for fans of contemporary drama with much realism and accomplished prose.
Recommend this book:
The Flying Cutterbucks
Kathleen M. Rodgers
2021 Gold Medal
296 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Flying Cutterbucks by Kathleen M. Rodgers is a women-centric drama novel that follows three women whose fates irrevocably changed after a traumatic event in their lives. It's 2016. Trudy watches with horror as the man admitting to groping women without their consent on record becomes the President of the United States. The shocking result of the election transports her decades back to that fateful day in 1974 when she was a witness to her thirteen-year-old sister, Georgia, being assaulted by a heinous relative. Trudy, Georgia, and their Aunt Star kept the aftermath of that event a secret for all these decades. However, with the current political climate, the memories came flooding back. Meanwhile, Trudy reunites with her old high school sweetheart, Clay Cordova.
An absorbing story about sisterhood and trauma, The Flying Cutterbucks is full of heart, humor, romance, and much more. Author Kathleen M. Rodgers doesn't shy away from delving into some sensitive topics that have become increasingly relevant in our era. Issues such as child abuse, trauma, and incompetent and corrupt people in positions of power are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding a sense of depth to the story that makes it all the more captivating to read. The plot is non-linear as the narrative switches timelines between 1974 and 2016. I found the characters genuine and authentic. Their distinct traits and idiosyncracies charm their way into your heart and make you root for them. If you love women-centric character dramas, The Flying Cutterbucks is the book for you.
The Flying Cutterbucks by Kathleen M. Rodgers is a women-centric drama novel that follows three women whose fates irrevocably changed after a traumatic event in their lives. It's 2016. Trudy watches with horror as the man admitting to groping women without their consent on record becomes the President of the United States. The shocking result of the election transports her decades back to that fateful day in 1974 when she was a witness to her thirteen-year-old sister, Georgia, being assaulted by a heinous relative. Trudy, Georgia, and their Aunt Star kept the aftermath of that event a secret for all these decades. However, with the current political climate, the memories came flooding back. Meanwhile, Trudy reunites with her old high school sweetheart, Clay Cordova.
An absorbing story about sisterhood and trauma, The Flying Cutterbucks is full of heart, humor, romance, and much more. Author Kathleen M. Rodgers doesn't shy away from delving into some sensitive topics that have become increasingly relevant in our era. Issues such as child abuse, trauma, and incompetent and corrupt people in positions of power are seamlessly woven into the narrative, adding a sense of depth to the story that makes it all the more captivating to read. The plot is non-linear as the narrative switches timelines between 1974 and 2016. I found the characters genuine and authentic. Their distinct traits and idiosyncracies charm their way into your heart and make you root for them. If you love women-centric character dramas, The Flying Cutterbucks is the book for you.
Recommend this book:
Sorrow's Garden
A Novel
Anthony Carinhas
2020 Finalist
271 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
The Sorrow's Garden: A Novel by Anthony Carinhas is set in the period just before World War II. Radulf Berliner is a compelling character in the way he is developed and in his personality, an architect and writer in Leipzig, Germany. If he hates one thing in people, it is their selfishness and mindless behavior and this is reflected in his treatment of Franziska, a girlfriend whom he claims threatened to tell everyone he is a fraud if he broke up with her. He puts her in a very embarrassing experience, with paintings of her nude pictures found in a men’s restroom. But he is worse than what he hates in others —a surprising irony! The reader encounters a character who is manipulative, intimidating, and who embraces duplicity. He lives by the philosophy that no one should ever turn against him, so he puts fear into people’s minds to keep them under control. This is a strong narrative with themes of art, education, relationships, manipulation, and murder.
Anthony Carinhas is a great storyteller who transforms the ordinary experience of characters into fodder that nurtures the plot and makes it exceptional, infusing it with realism and humanity. While I detested the cockiness of Radulf and his manipulative nature, I enjoyed how well the author explored this aspect of human nature, and this reflects the way of life of the society that produced this character. No doubt, the sense of humanity would be put to the test with the rise of the likes of Hitler. The prose is beautiful and given that it explores the theme of art, the aesthetics in the writing are just fitting for the genre. The Sorrow's Garden: A Novel is one of the finest novels that diligently and expertly explore the pervasive aspect of human nature, with a protagonist that curiously engages readers, a man who finds creative genius in the adrenaline rush from stress. It is captivating and hugely entertaining.
The Sorrow's Garden: A Novel by Anthony Carinhas is set in the period just before World War II. Radulf Berliner is a compelling character in the way he is developed and in his personality, an architect and writer in Leipzig, Germany. If he hates one thing in people, it is their selfishness and mindless behavior and this is reflected in his treatment of Franziska, a girlfriend whom he claims threatened to tell everyone he is a fraud if he broke up with her. He puts her in a very embarrassing experience, with paintings of her nude pictures found in a men’s restroom. But he is worse than what he hates in others —a surprising irony! The reader encounters a character who is manipulative, intimidating, and who embraces duplicity. He lives by the philosophy that no one should ever turn against him, so he puts fear into people’s minds to keep them under control. This is a strong narrative with themes of art, education, relationships, manipulation, and murder.
Anthony Carinhas is a great storyteller who transforms the ordinary experience of characters into fodder that nurtures the plot and makes it exceptional, infusing it with realism and humanity. While I detested the cockiness of Radulf and his manipulative nature, I enjoyed how well the author explored this aspect of human nature, and this reflects the way of life of the society that produced this character. No doubt, the sense of humanity would be put to the test with the rise of the likes of Hitler. The prose is beautiful and given that it explores the theme of art, the aesthetics in the writing are just fitting for the genre. The Sorrow's Garden: A Novel is one of the finest novels that diligently and expertly explore the pervasive aspect of human nature, with a protagonist that curiously engages readers, a man who finds creative genius in the adrenaline rush from stress. It is captivating and hugely entertaining.
Recommend this book:
The Widow's Mite
Allie Cresswell
2020 Honorable Mention
316 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
After a few short years of marriage, a widow fights freezing temperatures and starvation, while her stepchildren threaten her efforts to survive in the heartrending novel The Widow's Mite by Allie Cresswell. Shy and unassuming, Minnie Price discovered love a little later in life. To the surprise of everyone who knew her, she married Peter, the most eligible and well to do widower at church. Enjoying life with Peter, Minnie never considered finances or even contemplated the future until fiscal reality was suddenly thrust upon her. After six joyful years of marriage, Peter succumbed to a heart attack. After his funeral, his two children informed Minnie she needed to vacate the manor in the next few months. Her former place of employment was gone, and Minnie didn't have any idea how to make money. Peter's income expired, and Minnie had very little money left in their joint banking account. Letting no one know of her dire circumstances, not even her friends, Minnie just barely managed to survive the following winter months. What is Minnie to do when her stepchildren take possession of their childhood home? Will she be forced to live in the streets?
A Widow's Mite by Allie Cresswell is a poignant and soul-stirring novel that evokes a haunting sense of sadness. Victimization is the core of the heartbreaking plot, realistically depicting the life of an introverted widowed seamstress. Portrayed as a vulnerable figure, Minnie encounters trials and tribulations, some of which could have been avoided. Her ability to withstand the hardships and survive indicates her character is strong. Adversely, instead of taking charge of her life and being proactive, she actually chooses to be a victim. The story excellently illustrates how fostering feelings of inadequacy prevent a person from taking affirmative action, which blocks future prospects and inevitably stunts emotional growth. This sensational novel is an emotionally charged drama that has the potential to inspire and motivate readers to step out of a victim mindset and step into personal power.
After a few short years of marriage, a widow fights freezing temperatures and starvation, while her stepchildren threaten her efforts to survive in the heartrending novel The Widow's Mite by Allie Cresswell. Shy and unassuming, Minnie Price discovered love a little later in life. To the surprise of everyone who knew her, she married Peter, the most eligible and well to do widower at church. Enjoying life with Peter, Minnie never considered finances or even contemplated the future until fiscal reality was suddenly thrust upon her. After six joyful years of marriage, Peter succumbed to a heart attack. After his funeral, his two children informed Minnie she needed to vacate the manor in the next few months. Her former place of employment was gone, and Minnie didn't have any idea how to make money. Peter's income expired, and Minnie had very little money left in their joint banking account. Letting no one know of her dire circumstances, not even her friends, Minnie just barely managed to survive the following winter months. What is Minnie to do when her stepchildren take possession of their childhood home? Will she be forced to live in the streets?
A Widow's Mite by Allie Cresswell is a poignant and soul-stirring novel that evokes a haunting sense of sadness. Victimization is the core of the heartbreaking plot, realistically depicting the life of an introverted widowed seamstress. Portrayed as a vulnerable figure, Minnie encounters trials and tribulations, some of which could have been avoided. Her ability to withstand the hardships and survive indicates her character is strong. Adversely, instead of taking charge of her life and being proactive, she actually chooses to be a victim. The story excellently illustrates how fostering feelings of inadequacy prevent a person from taking affirmative action, which blocks future prospects and inevitably stunts emotional growth. This sensational novel is an emotionally charged drama that has the potential to inspire and motivate readers to step out of a victim mindset and step into personal power.
Recommend this book:
White is the Coldest Colour
A dark psychological suspense thriller
John Nicholl
2020 Bronze Medal
282 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite
White is the Coldest Colour by John Nicholl is a dark psychological novel that is realistic and disturbing at the same time. The novel starts with a sadistic pedophilic scene in the sound-proof cellar of a psychiatrist named Dr. David Galbraith. To all outward appearances, Dr. Galbraith is a respectable, law-abiding citizen. However, what most people don’t know is that he is also a sexual abuser and sadistic pedophile. He torments and completely controls his wife, Cynthia, with whom he has two daughters. He preys on young boys and has already sexually abused, made videos of, and murdered a young child. That is when he is asked to take on a new case of a young seven-year-old boy named Anthony. Anthony is a troubled child raised by a single mother, and starts seeing Dr. Galbraith for therapy. What he or his family don't know, however, is that the psychiatrist has already marked Anthony as his next victim. What follows next is a realistic story of abuse, power, strength, and triumph.
White is the Coldest Colour by John Nicholl is a dark, powerful, gripping novel about themes that are especially important and relevant in today’s society: namely, childhood sexual abuse and its lifelong repercussions, the mind of a sexual predator, and the psychology of a pedophile. John Nicholl himself has a background in law enforcement and, as a result, the novel definitely has a ring of authenticity to it. None of the events described in the book seem far-fetched and, although this is a work of fiction, it is to be hoped that it will spread awareness of sexual abuse, such that all of us with a social responsibility are better prepared to watch for warning signs as well as the reporting and handling of such incidences. The writing is crisp and engaging; overall I would very highly recommend this book for everyone.
White is the Coldest Colour by John Nicholl is a dark psychological novel that is realistic and disturbing at the same time. The novel starts with a sadistic pedophilic scene in the sound-proof cellar of a psychiatrist named Dr. David Galbraith. To all outward appearances, Dr. Galbraith is a respectable, law-abiding citizen. However, what most people don’t know is that he is also a sexual abuser and sadistic pedophile. He torments and completely controls his wife, Cynthia, with whom he has two daughters. He preys on young boys and has already sexually abused, made videos of, and murdered a young child. That is when he is asked to take on a new case of a young seven-year-old boy named Anthony. Anthony is a troubled child raised by a single mother, and starts seeing Dr. Galbraith for therapy. What he or his family don't know, however, is that the psychiatrist has already marked Anthony as his next victim. What follows next is a realistic story of abuse, power, strength, and triumph.
White is the Coldest Colour by John Nicholl is a dark, powerful, gripping novel about themes that are especially important and relevant in today’s society: namely, childhood sexual abuse and its lifelong repercussions, the mind of a sexual predator, and the psychology of a pedophile. John Nicholl himself has a background in law enforcement and, as a result, the novel definitely has a ring of authenticity to it. None of the events described in the book seem far-fetched and, although this is a work of fiction, it is to be hoped that it will spread awareness of sexual abuse, such that all of us with a social responsibility are better prepared to watch for warning signs as well as the reporting and handling of such incidences. The writing is crisp and engaging; overall I would very highly recommend this book for everyone.
Recommend this book:
Songbirds and Stray Dogs
Meagan Lucas
2020 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Songbirds and Stray Dogs by Meagan Lucas is a Southern fiction novel that revolves around two characters who have both found themselves in situations that feel impossible, particularly at the tender early twenty-something ages. Jolene has been smacked down by life since her earliest childhood, abandoned and orphaned (and made to feel a burden about it), bullied, taken advantage of by a man who saw her as a prize, and tossed to the curb by literally everyone she knows in her time of greatest need. Chuck is an uncle who didn't expect to become a father-figure, but he's forced to take care of his nephew Cash and find a way to protect his sister—a task that is hindered when he helps a woman he doesn't know in a parking lot, offering a ride to a pregnant, vulnerable, and hopeless Jolene.
Songbirds and Stray Dogs is immediately engrossing and Meagan Lucas does an excellent job in creating a narrative that pulls a reader in and holds them there. Jolene is well developed as a character, with a growth in her almost immediately as she transitions from naivete into palpable desperation, which inevitably turns to strength. It's a natural progression that doesn't feel rushed; a fitting attribute in a storyline where the South is as much of a character as Jolene and Chuck are. Nothing moves quickly in Lucas' depiction of the Bible Belt, where ideas and progress are hindered by outdated principles. This is a really great book with a solid, heartache of a story. I enjoyed every moment of it.
Songbirds and Stray Dogs by Meagan Lucas is a Southern fiction novel that revolves around two characters who have both found themselves in situations that feel impossible, particularly at the tender early twenty-something ages. Jolene has been smacked down by life since her earliest childhood, abandoned and orphaned (and made to feel a burden about it), bullied, taken advantage of by a man who saw her as a prize, and tossed to the curb by literally everyone she knows in her time of greatest need. Chuck is an uncle who didn't expect to become a father-figure, but he's forced to take care of his nephew Cash and find a way to protect his sister—a task that is hindered when he helps a woman he doesn't know in a parking lot, offering a ride to a pregnant, vulnerable, and hopeless Jolene.
Songbirds and Stray Dogs is immediately engrossing and Meagan Lucas does an excellent job in creating a narrative that pulls a reader in and holds them there. Jolene is well developed as a character, with a growth in her almost immediately as she transitions from naivete into palpable desperation, which inevitably turns to strength. It's a natural progression that doesn't feel rushed; a fitting attribute in a storyline where the South is as much of a character as Jolene and Chuck are. Nothing moves quickly in Lucas' depiction of the Bible Belt, where ideas and progress are hindered by outdated principles. This is a really great book with a solid, heartache of a story. I enjoyed every moment of it.
Recommend this book:
Fall Out
Courage Always Stands its Ground (Gray Girl)
Susan I Spieth
2020 Silver Medal
284 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Fall Out: Courage Always Stands its Ground is the fourth book in the Gray Girl series by Susan I. Spieth. Hoping to end her final year at West Point on a high note, Cadet Jan Wishart wants to avoid trouble. She is a hard worker, tenacious, and the best at what she does, so she has high expectations for when she will graduate. However, her dreams are in danger of becoming nightmares. It seems as if her friendship with Dimitri will cost her a lot. She trusted him, but when things go south, it is Jan who is stuck in the middle. Her whole career is now at stake before it can even begin. Jan has to fight for her rights, stick to her training and prove she is innocent before it is too late. Can she do that? Or will her troubles finally catch up to her?
Oh, this was a ride. Jan is a firecracker; she is feisty and she knows it. Perhaps this is the reason why she is a magnet for trouble. The relentless fast pace and the momentum of Fall Out had me hooked the moment Jan was introduced. I didn’t like Dimitri; he was too sarcastic and sharp for my liking. I loved Jan’s dialogues and how shrewd she was. I enjoyed how Susan I. Spieth kept the mystery going, how seamlessly she involved Jan in the mess and then allowed her to dig her way out of it. Although I haven’t read the previous novels in the series, I had zero issues connecting with Jan and rooting for her. The descriptions are vivid, the mystery gave me an adrenaline rush and I bulldozed through this story in a single sitting. This is entertainment at its best.
Fall Out: Courage Always Stands its Ground is the fourth book in the Gray Girl series by Susan I. Spieth. Hoping to end her final year at West Point on a high note, Cadet Jan Wishart wants to avoid trouble. She is a hard worker, tenacious, and the best at what she does, so she has high expectations for when she will graduate. However, her dreams are in danger of becoming nightmares. It seems as if her friendship with Dimitri will cost her a lot. She trusted him, but when things go south, it is Jan who is stuck in the middle. Her whole career is now at stake before it can even begin. Jan has to fight for her rights, stick to her training and prove she is innocent before it is too late. Can she do that? Or will her troubles finally catch up to her?
Oh, this was a ride. Jan is a firecracker; she is feisty and she knows it. Perhaps this is the reason why she is a magnet for trouble. The relentless fast pace and the momentum of Fall Out had me hooked the moment Jan was introduced. I didn’t like Dimitri; he was too sarcastic and sharp for my liking. I loved Jan’s dialogues and how shrewd she was. I enjoyed how Susan I. Spieth kept the mystery going, how seamlessly she involved Jan in the mess and then allowed her to dig her way out of it. Although I haven’t read the previous novels in the series, I had zero issues connecting with Jan and rooting for her. The descriptions are vivid, the mystery gave me an adrenaline rush and I bulldozed through this story in a single sitting. This is entertainment at its best.
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