Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Freshman Mom is a contemporary novel written by Karen Gorback. Meredith Lieberman's cozy and sheltered life has ground to a halt. She's finally divorced her husband Joel, who had been spending all his spare time at his desert apartment, and her children are growing up. She decides it's time for her to fulfill her long-deferred dream of going to college to become a scientist. When she brings up her plans with her family, she hears a chorus of objections. Her mother thinks she's had that chance and should find a job instead. Her kids wonder aloud if she should be taking hormones for her condition. Meredith shrugs off the negativity and enrolls in Point Vista Community College. She had expected raised eyebrows and polite laughter when she presented her middle-aged self at the admission counselor's office and was thrilled when her plans were met with acceptance and admiration. It wouldn't be easy, but Meredith's plans were coming together.

Karen Gorback's contemporary fiction novel, Freshman Mom, is a feel-good story that works. Meredith has given herself a second chance to live her dreams, and it's just grand watching as her world expands. Sure, there are many pitfalls and life will get in the way, but somehow she keeps up with her roles as a daughter, a single mother, and a budding scientist. There's also some fabulous food floating around the pages of Freshman Mom so readers may find themselves a bit hungry at the lavish descriptions of fancy buffets: hot pastrami, knishes and kugels; warm cinnamon buns dripping with icing and washed down with vanilla lattes. Add in a traditional Jewish wedding, a women's lingerie party, and an intriguing male friend and you get magic, or, at least Gorback did when she penned Freshman Mom, a heart-warming and enjoyable tale of dreams that can come true.

Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite

When things come crashing down on Myra Benning’s idyllic life in Home Fires, she has to reach deep inside to find the strength to continue. Judith Kirscht tells the story of how the awkward girl who grew up on the Minnesota Prairie faces a life and family that has fallen apart. Having discovered her husband’s infidelity, she decides that she will stick it out until her oldest son has gone on to college and her daughter is adjusting better to school. Things take a turn when her husband carries things into deeper issues and she has some difficult decisions to make. While facing down the Benning family’s string of issues that have been passed down from father to sons, she refuses to turn a blind eye and faces the situation head on. Though she takes the hard road, it is the beginning of healing, but will it be enough to get her life back on track again?

Judith Kirscht has brilliantly chronicled the deep emotions and struggles that go along with infidelity and the way it ruins families in Home Fires. As she develops the emotions of the characters and unravels the plot, the added touch of her “venting” comic strip provides a unique twist to the telling of the story. I found myself deeply wrapped up in the emotions and struggles and had a tendency to wander off and explore issues from my own experience. Honest, real and profound, Home Fires will challenge you on a very deep level and open your heart on another.

Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

The Way Back: A Soldier’s Journey by S.K. Carnes tells the story of John Chapman, a World War I veteran with PTSD and a poet’s soul. He finds work as a farmhand with a dairy farming family who, in their own stalwart, beholden-to-no-one way, help him find the ‘way back’ to wellness and a happy life. The narrative is a kind of historical/poetic frame story, weaving together the lives of three generations of characters through the central prism of Chapman’s journal, found in a barn being torn down in present day Wisconsin and lovingly shared by the author as a tribute to Chapman.

The Way Back: A Soldier's Journey alternately features lush and lyrical narration, Chapman’s poems (copied from his journal), carefully researched historical and cultural references from World War I through the Great Depression and the dawning of World War II, and colloquial Wisconsin dialogue that is as heartwarming and educational as it is funny in that particularly wry Midwestern way that can only be depicted accurately by a native. S.K. Carnes is a gifted writer at the top of her game, capturing the images and episodes of an era and a heartland lifestyle that is rapidly vanishing from the American consciousness with a clarity and poetic vision that render the narrative unique and compelling. In an early glimpse of Chapman, Carnes describes her quiet hero as having “Muckelty-dun eyes rimmed in blue ... eyes of that color could steal your heart away.” Prose like that does not come along every day!

The Way Back: A Soldier’s Journey has something to please any reader - romance, history, adventure, drama, poetry, a quietly epic feel, a magnificently rendered landscape, and eclectic characters unlike any of the ‘ho-hum’ heroes of lesser fiction. Having once entered John Chapman’s world, readers will want to linger, holding close one of the most pure-of-heart and earnestly crafted narratives in recent memory.

Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite

Where Petals Fall is a beautifully written mystery that follows Junie Olson on an emotional journey back to her home town of Gettysburg. When we first meet Junie, it seems as though her life is quintessentially perfect. She has a great husband, an adorable daughter and the achievement of a lifelong career goal, her beloved bakery. But when her little girl, Sarah, stops talking and seems to regress, it starts to affect her seemingly perfect marriage. To make matters worse, Junie goes home after the death of her father, which brings forth memories of the disappearance of her friend Ellen, which she has never gotten over. Melissa Foster has expertly penned this emotional story of the layers that make up human relationships. Rarely are relationships or people what they seem and this intricately woven tale highlights that truth.

It takes a moment to really begin to understand Junie’s motivations because her life unravels so spectacularly all at once. By the time she’d found her bearings, I was totally hooked on the story. In Where Petals Fall, the death of Junie’s father forces her to acknowledge that maybe he wasn’t the man she assumed he was, and that perhaps there are other reasons for her husband’s emotional distance. The way in which Melissa Foster weaves in the story of Ellen’s disappearance is done perfectly, particularly in showing just how much one little girl’s absence impacts so many people’s lives today. Between the secrets, hidden emotions, lies and the mystery, Foster doesn’t judge or preach but rather presents problems and forces us all to reach our own answers to these moral dilemmas.

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

"A Christmas of Grace" is the story of eleven year old Grace Gillian and her almost six year old brother Henry James. For the Gillian children life had never really been stable. Because of their alcoholic mother, Grace had always been the one to make sure that her little brother always had something to eat. When Grace overhears their landlord telling their mother that they have to vacate the trailer they have been living in within two days, Grace is unsure what they will do, but when she wakes up and learns that her mother has abandoned her she realizes it is up to her to take care of her brother. Since it is Christmas break the only plan she can come up with is for them to stay at the public library. Her greatest fear is that they might be found out and put into the foster care system, but what actually happens when their secret is discovered will change their lives forever.

Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot tells a story about two children that seems so realistic that it brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. I could easily imagine that this story could honestly happen in the way that it did! Though Grace is only twelve she seems so much more mature, which is often the case whenever a child finds itself placed in the role of the caregiver to a sibling. Henry James was such a sweet boy, but often exhibited anxiety, because he was never sure what might happen. He really seemed to blossom though once they were in the library, his hunger for learning to read was so touching! Both children were very savvy at coming up with ways to survive for another day. The relationship between the siblings was touching, and really shows what it means to be family. In addition to the author's very realistic portrayal of how alcoholism can affect families, she also touches on several other relevant topics such as race relations, and how children can often tease others that are less fortunate than they are. A touching story that deals with a tough subject that leaves the reader feeling hopeful, and thinking about the characters long after the final page is read! Although this story takes place during Christmas, it would be a great read anytime of the year, as it is filled with several valuable life lessons that would be beneficial for children and adults alike.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

“Whether I Live or Die” is a novel that juxtaposes two stories; one is about a woman who cannot seem to find the strength of character in her relationships with men and life in general and the other story is that of a rookie policewoman whose job is to protect those who do not have the strength to protect themselves. Amanda's relationship with Steve becomes abusive and she turns to Mark, her friend and gym trainer, for protection. Mark takes advantage of the situation and Amanda ends up pregnant and unwanted. Her tale of physical, mental and emotional abuse continues with her husband Josh and life seems to spiral down for her. On the other hand, Nicole graduates from the police academy on top of her class. She has a healthy relationship with Todd and is a dedicated police officer who faces crime every day. With an amazing zeal, she becomes involved with a number of cases involving women. How these two different lives merge at the end is a twist that nobody will ever expect.

Stacy Eaton weaves together two stories where the main characters are two poles apart. Amanda's story is a sad tale of a woman subjected to a series of abuses. Some readers may sympathize with her and cajole her into fighting back, while others may give up on the weakness of her character, but we cannot just look from the outside without empathizing with her. This is where the author succeeds in her narrative because one cannot help but feel for Amanda in her seemingly hopeless plight. Nicole's story inspires the reader and her persistence and determination as a police officer is admirable. In dealing with cases mostly involving women abused by their partners, it is a wonder where she gets her motivation from. “Whether I Live or Die” is a novel that centers on empowering the weak and it tries to send an important message to the readers: that all of us can choose to lead a decent life free from physical, emotional and mental abuse. This is a novel that will keep you mesmerized page after page and you will not be disappointed with the surprising and unique twist at the end. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"A Just Man Is Hard To Find" by author Jeanne Hammond asks a question that is almost impossible to answer...what is just? The answer to the question seems to be relative. I suppose the answer depends on your culture, your situation at the time you are answering the question, or perhaps there is no answer. In Jeanne Hammond’s book we meet Will Gray. His parents dropped him off at school as most parents do. He plans to attend college in Washington DC, then on to law school. His path to success is clear...or is it? The year is 2010 and the economy is on a downward slide. Unemployment is at an all-time high. Suddenly his situation changes, he can no longer count on a college degree let alone law school. Like many others certainty is no longer part of his life. The courageous young man goes to the "common" people and asks what he can do for them, what are their rights as they see them. Two people touch his heart, an abandoned child and Maria, a beautiful young woman whom he discovers he cares about. He begins searching his own heart and soul for an answer to the question, "What is just?"

Rarely has a book touched me the way "A Just Man Is Hard To Find" has. This is not a book that can be read quickly or taken lightly. It is a story that reaches deep inside an individual and pulls out the true essence of the reader. Will Gray wanted to find the true meaning of “just.” I think he found that the meaning existed deep within his own person, just as it is deep within me and deep within you. "A Just Man Is Hard To Find" is a well written tale that is destined to be a classic.

Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

The author describes this book as a novel based on a true story. It is not a nice story. This is the story of Taylor, a victim of sexual child abuse by her brutal stepfather from the age of three, a vicious and continuing horror that lasted well into her teens. Later, as an adult, she discovered that her emotionally distant mother knew about it all the time. From a tender age, Taylor was exposed to betrayal on all levels: emotional, spiritual and physical. This tragedy scarred her life, creating a sense of degradation within her, and blighted her perceptions on relationships for many years.

Child abuse is a dark, dirty secret in countless homes. Some grim statistics tell us just how prevalent it is. More than 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way. Approximately 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18. Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse. Presence of a stepfather in the home doubles the risk of sexual victimization for girls. It is hard to imagine anyone enduring and surviving such unspeakable cruelty: a childhood stripped of trust and innocence, and all beliefs shattered. This book is a harrowing tale of relentless, violent sexual abuse that made it difficult for Taylor to rebuild a life destroyed before it really began, and to embrace relationships. Drawn to abusive men, she saw all men as sexual predators, and her inability to relate properly meant the inability to form a stable loving relationship. Years of stalled relationships finally resulted in a marriage that was dogged by her husband’s destructive mother. Matrimony and motherhood brought some joy into Taylor’s life, but not enough to heal the hideous internal scars on her psyche. Only a dreadful climactic event finally broke the shield of fear she had created, and forced her to stand up, fight back, and win! This event was unwittingly the way for Taylor to find redemption, self-love, and the feelings of self worth that make us human.

Taylor Evan Fulks is a talented wordsmith, able to conjure up the hideous experiences with remarkable clarity and emotion. She writes from the heart, and the agony of real experience lends authenticity to her riveting descriptions, fleshing out the sheer brutality of each moment of terror and pain for readers. It is one thing to read a fiction story about horrible events but it is another to read what a human being has endured and survived. This is not for the faint-hearted, but I would recommend this book for anyone who has ever suffered similar abuse. The story ends with light, hope, and the will to survive — part of the human condition.

Reviewed by Molly Edwards for Readers' Favorite

Have you ever had a dream that you just wanted to stop everything and chase? Or perhaps you chased that dream only to reach a different destination along the away? That is what Peggy Strack's new novel "A Stop in the Park" is about. This book is emotionally heart-wrenching and wholly captivating and will take you through a world of twists like no other novel. Books like this generally leave me reflecting long after I have read them, making it truly hard to move on to another book. I love books like this and can honestly say that I will not forget this book any time soon. Michael Stolis longs for the time when he and his wife were young and in love, devouring each other with passion. But, he is having a hard go of it, having long stressful days as an attorney. His wife Jamie longs for something more than just his anger and constant work habits. Then Michael meets Rufus, a man who will help him open his eyes and see the world for what he truly wants it to be. After visiting with Michael, he finds what his heart really wants, but the question he asks himself is is it too late? Can he set aside all he has worked for, all he has ever known, and strive for what his heart wants, the dreams he has always had? Or will Jamie give up and Michael lose all he knows?

This is a truly romantic, emotional drama of chasing dreams and finding true love. From start to finish, the reader is taken into the realm of the Stolis' as they reach out to others, and themselves, to find where they truly belong. I highly recommend this 5 star book to all who are looking for that dramatic escape into a poignant and beautifully written novel! Well done, Ms. Strack!

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Tuesday Storm's mother named her two daughters and three sons after movie stars, but what Tuesday's mother does to her is hardly movie star quality and more shades of "Mommie Dearest". Rose Storm gave birth to her daughter Audrey, stricken with polio, as a teenage single mother. Then she marries Tuesday's school teacher father and gives birth to Tuesday and her brothers. When the entire Storm family comes down with Hong Kong Flu, it is frail, wheel-chair bound Audrey who dies and it is seven year old Tuesday whom her mother blames and tortures for Audrey's death for years afterward. Rose Storm falls down the basement stairs shortly after Audrey's death and injures her head badly, causing a personality change. And what a change it is! Rose now shows nothing but hatred towards Tuesday. She makes Tuesday keep a toilet bucket in her room, peel potatoes, clean the carpet by hand, calls her Weasel, says she is ugly, won't let her shower and starves her as well. Tuesday's father tries to intervene by having her stay with his mother during the summer but can Tuesday survive her mother's daily torture?

"Call Me Tuesday" is a highly well-written, well-formatted and well-edited story of a mother's disturbing abuse of one of her children. Author Leigh Byrne has written a story that will unsettle readers, for in every town everywhere, there are mothers who are lesser or equal versions of Rose Storm. The characters of Tuesday, her family and the friends she works so hard to make are believable and three-dimensional. The plot line unfolds to the story's end where it unfolds to state that a child will love its mother no matter what that mother has done. Blood is thick, indeed.