Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Vacant Seat is a work of fiction in the romantic suspense, espionage, and mystery subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author C.J. Toca. In this highly engaging work filled with conspiracy, long-buried secrets, historical mysteries, and contemporary puzzles, we follow protagonist Stefania DiMaggio, a Brazilian journalist seeking a career-shifting scoop. Her first assignment seems dull and harmless and is made all the more annoying by the tag-along hobbyist duke, Thomas Houghton. But as the pair begin to unpick what seems like a simple story, the body counts in their wake rise, and a huge conspiracy begins to glimmer beneath the surface they’re digging into.

Author C.J. Toca has developed a sensational work of mystery, suspense, and intrigue in this multi-layered novel. I was most impressed by the way the chapter structure and storytelling were crafted to take us to different destinations with the wider ensemble cast and shift the different perspectives so that we get a fully formed story where we can piece a lot of clues together for ourselves. Stefania and Thomas make an interesting central pairing for the tale as neither of them is totally clean-cut in their own secrets, intentions, and goals, and their burgeoning romance is laced with just as much tension as the wider plot. Toca ensures that there’s plenty of emotional narrative skill to keep us deeply invested in these relatable leads, but the bigger-picture plot is never lost, and new twists and challenges pop up all the time to keep things exciting. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Vacant Seat to fans of accomplished, suspenseful dramas everywhere.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Have you ever wondered about the lives of strangers you meet by chance during your day? What are their problems, their hopes, their fears? I have always been curious because each of them has something interesting to tell. In Devon Dial's book, Never a Mere Mortal, each chapter tells the story of a character and ends with an encounter that begins another story. Never a Mere Mortal is a book that will lead readers to discover many different lives and values. It is a chance to tackle a wide variety of topics by exploring our daily reality.

Never a Mere Mortal is a book that struck me by the depth of the stories Dial tells. Although many of them are about everyday life and problems that each of us can have, Dial's sensitivity makes them special. I liked how the lives of the various characters interweave, even if only for a moment, and that these encounters reveal new events and new characters. If you think that the stories of Never a Mere Mortal start with facts that we usually ignore in our lives, you can understand why I am fascinated by this book. Never has a book emphasized this particular aspect as clearly as Never a Mere Mortal. Here all the characters have the relevance they deserve. I believe this is the real magic of Never a Mere Mortal. I recommend it to readers who are fascinated by the complexity of everyday life and appreciate the experiences of every single person.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

A top-secret mission to capture a mysterious individual leads some of America's finest operatives into the mountains of the Middle East. What these soldiers do not realize is that their target is no ordinary individual, but a survivor from an ancient time long before modern warfare. He is also one whose very presence must be concealed at all costs for fear of the chaos that would ensue if any information concerning this operation came to light. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones interested in the discovery of a lifetime and their shadowy adversaries are prepared to go the extra mile to possess Subject Alpha. Expect the unexpected in Michael Ferguson's The Genesis 6 Project but be certain that Tamir-Benob will not go down without a fight.

Introducing a colossus from biblical legend into a modern-era action storyline replete with tactical weaponry was never going to be an easy feat so my curiosity was piqued once I started reading. I can confidently say Michael Ferguson pulled it off exquisitely with The Genesis 6 Project. His characters are impressively well thought out and the depth of the research that went into them is obvious. You almost feel a certain degree of affinity with Tamir-Benob when you consider the circumstances that led to his predicament and the various references to critical sections of biblical lore make you wonder if there may be more to this enthralling story than meets the eye. This is a notch above the rest when it comes to action stories. Ferguson shows his dexterity with this impressive novel and proves that he is one to watch out for in the future.

Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite

"Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Emery Merrick presses a pistol to his temple. Then there's a knock at the door." Welcome to Emery's cabalistic world where immortals reign and biblical mythology is rewritten. Billionaire Thaddeus Drake's secret society works to fulfill biblical prophecy and sacrifice the Earth to a bloodthirsty god. Longinus, ostensibly and historically, is a Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus on the cross but is far more deadly and immortal here. In A Portion of Malice by Lloyd Jeffries, nothing and no one is what or who they seem.

Similarities to the horror in many of Stephen King's novels and the spiritual/religious undertones of the plot lines in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons are clear. But readers familiar with Dante's Inferno, and his journey through the nine circles of Hell, will also recognize the poetic justice and a strong emotional "feel" as they travel with Emery Merrick through this fantastic world where nothing is as it seems. Biblical history forms a baseline from which Lloyd Jeffries redefines and simultaneously shocks the reader with a 'who is really who and why is he doing' ... but, I thought... wait a minute—what the—sense of wonderfully enticing imbalance and surprise. Notwithstanding the apparent comparisons to King, Brown, and yes, even Dante, Lloyd Jeffries' A Portion of Malice is a must-read, not only for the overall storyline but also perhaps because of the fascinating characters and imaginative "rewrite" of biblical mythology and history masterfully written. Currently the first book, it appears there will be a sequel to A Portion of Malice and that calls for a rousing Hallelujah!

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Based on real-life events, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is the story of the trials and tribulations of a Jewish family during World War II in Romania. Author Roni Rosenthal delves into her family history by following the life of Friddie Stoleru, a young rebellious Jewish woman living in Bucharest, Romania, in the 1930s, who audaciously refused to marry the young man her parents had selected for her. Friddie travels to the town of Eforie Nord, where she meets a charismatic perfumer named Freddy. Soon, she succumbs to his charms and marries him while carrying his child. However, after his sudden disappearance, Friddie's life turns upside down as she is charged with treason and spends the next decade in prison and forced labor camps. During that time, her Uncle David and his family perish in the massacre of Iași.

Showcasing the horrors suffered by Jewish families during World War II, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is one of those stories that tend to get lost in the annals of history. Roni Rosenthal gives an unflinching account of the lives of her family members during a time in Europe when discrimination and the persecution of Jewish people were at their peak in the first half of the 20th century. The struggle for survival is something everyone, as humans, should be able to relate to, and this is what the narrative focuses on the most. Friddie's continued resilience against appalling atrocities makes her an inspiring figure, and readers are bound to sympathize with her plight. A gem of a book for history buffs.

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

Light Through a Rusty Roof by Roy Terry is a story about a miraculous conversion. Reverend Michael Peters is stuck in a congregation that meets all of society's markers for greatness and a family that seems fine from the outside but is withering on the inside. After a trip to the hospital, a “gray” man, John Dough, approaches Reverend Peters and asks him to follow him on a journey. The reverend reluctantly agrees, and he experiences periods of doubt and acceptance as he meets a diverse group of colorful characters who have a similar message of love and hope for the future to share with him. As he begins to understand and believe in the focus of the group, known as the “Others”, he sees many people in his community achieve their own enlightenment and make choices about their future in the mildly futuristic world.

Roy Terry has painted a picture of a revolution of love, and his characters realistically choose their sides of the divide it creates. Some of the characters in the story seemed to take a step back from Jesus, especially John Dough, but the experiences embody Jesus’s mantra when the religious figure asked his disciples to drop everything and follow him. Among the other parallels to Jesus and his disciples, I noticed that Dough changed Michael’s name to “Pete”, much in the same way Jesus changed Simon’s name to “Peter” when he joined him. The book moves along at a medium pace, with periods of reflection to indicate the main character’s spiritual and emotional growth. I’d recommend Light Through a Rusty Roof to readers who enjoy stories about spiritual awakening and new beginnings.

Reviewed by Trevor Otieno for Readers' Favorite

The Wise Man: A Novel by Michele Chynoweth is based on an Old Testament story that has been modernized while retaining its principles. Michele Chynoweth opens a window into the world of wise people, allowing readers to trace the origins of many of their own stories. She recounts the well-known story of King Solomon being given an exceptional gift by God: a perceptive, cunning, and insightful intellect. Finn has a lot of insight at first, but his egotistical goals lead him away from his intended path as a judge. In the same way that Solomon’s temple was destroyed by his haughtiness, he sees his inheritance ruined. He finds his way to atonement through the wreckage of his mistakes. Current events are included while describing the highs and lows in love, politics, and the daily life of President Mitchell and his son Finley.

Michele Chynoweth has great inventiveness, which I loved. Amazing character depth can be found here. You are drawn into the story by the detailed language employed. The plot is intriguing and unexpected. It’s an enjoyable book that modernizes Solomon’s life, from which we can learn a great deal. The amount of study that Chynoweth put into creating this work captivated and astonished me. The plot is an exciting rollercoaster journey that enchants you and leaves you wanting more. Chynoweth has taken care to pay attention to the fundamentals of flawless writing, including the use of proper grammar, punctuation, and minimal mistakes. Everyone should read The Wise Man as a gentle warning that arrogance is always followed by ruin.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

How far would a hurt person go to exact revenge? As high school students, identical twins Jack and Erick loved each other so much. They were stellar students and basketball stars, but Erick was the stronger one and got a harder push while Jack got all the pampering. Things changed after the state championship when something happened between the duo and their father, Coach Zak. Erick married Addie, the girl his brother loved, while her sister, Rachel, loved Jack but couldn’t get his attention. Eric and Addie finally had a baby after many years of trying. However, tragedy struck a day after the new baby’s baptism. Someone kidnapped her and everybody in the love triangle had motives. Who took baby Elizabeth? Read Stolen Blessing by Jim Sano for the details.

Stolen Blessing by Jim Sano was a novel that had me waiting to exhale. It had me hooked from the first page until the very end. If you love mystery, suspense, and detective stories, this book will appeal to you. However, prepare to be shocked because things are never as they seem. I enjoyed reading this novel and the flawless editing enhanced my pleasurable experience. The unpredictable storyline, brilliant plot, and dialogue were superb. I also give extra points for the character development because the core characters were class acts. Our dear Father Tom, Angelo, and Detective Brooks had me laughing a lot. Sibling rivalry is a thing, but when fueled by the parents, it could brew disastrous consequences. Also, the importance of honest communication cannot be over-emphasized. When in doubt, ask questions with an open mind. I was baffled at the way a person’s mind worked, but the end was satisfactory. Please, write more, Jim!

Reviewed by Barbara Harper for Readers' Favorite

The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks by R.A. Williams is a story about a young man in his early twenties, who suffers the tragic and senseless loss of his fiancée, Kayla, on New Year’s Eve, one week before their wedding day. Justin then decides to take matters into his own hands by becoming a police officer with the intention of ridding society of criminals and preventing future harm. This decision also backfires as Justin ends up shooting an innocent man. He then blames God for the tragic events and misfortunes that seem to plague his life, and for three years he aimlessly drifts along feeling worthless, his mind clouded in darkness. Fortunately, Justin has the unconditional love and support of his mother, an uncle who offers him a job at his apartment complex, and his best and only friend Lance. One cold winter's day, a sullen and unfriendly Justin knocks on a tenant’s door to demand payment of outstanding rent. This culminates in an act of violence, and Justin lands up submerged in icy water, with a head injury. When he awakens almost a week later with his memory fuzzy, he is informed that he has a head injury and had been submerged in icy water for fifteen minutes without oxygen before being resuscitated. Later while resting in his hospital bed, Justin sees a bright light. Frightened, he dismisses the experience, believing it to be a result of his head injury. Then a chain of events occurs that leads Justin to new places and new faces. Has his near-death experience been a random event, and is his life the sum total of numerous coincidences? Or could this be Jesus’s way of showing Justin that God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform?

The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks by R.A. Williams is an inspirational story. Justin thinks that his life is worthless as a loving God would have prevented all the pain and suffering that he has endured. I think that the author makes Justin relatable as I too have felt the heavy burden of misfortune and longed for God to reveal his presence, to light the way, and show me the path that I should follow. Justin is searching for answers and trying to find solutions instead of trusting and having faith in God. So, God uses drastic measures to grab Justin’s attention. One of those measures is allowing Justin to be hit on the head and have a near-death experience. When he wakes up, God continues to reveal Himself in what appears to be random events and situations. In the story, there is a recurring theme of three. The three years Justin suffers from depression, three individuals offer Justin unconditional love and support, and in the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, God is defined as being three distinct persons in one Godhead, namely God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit. After three years of walking in darkness, Justin has a near-death experience that illuminates his life. Readers who enjoy Christian fiction will enjoy reading this insightful and thought-provoking book.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Ancient of Genes: Prehistoric Resurrection or Genetic Warfare? by Dan Gallagher is a mesmerizing and provocative spiritual and scientific thriller. The story unravels at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, where Dr. Wentz and his brightest student, Kevin Harrigan, have been conducting a secret genetics project on Fossil Gene Redemption for the last three years. The University Board found out about the experiment, and both of them are dismissed. A press statement is subsequently released announcing that all findings, data, and specimens involved have been destroyed. On the other hand, Bart Lloyd has developed a tomographic sensor that can locate fossils dating back to the Pleistocene era. Harrigan and Lloyd are summoned by Iraqi Minister Ismail Mon to a meeting with a proposition that they work together on a project in the endangered species preserve at Megiddo, Israel. Will this extraordinary project significantly improve the human species or will it be used as a genetic weapon to destroy the human race?

Dan Gallagher’s Ancient of Genes: Prehistoric Resurrection or Genetic Warfare? grips the reader from start to finish because it is soundly believable. Extraordinarily well-researched and vividly written, it connects innovative science and thought-provoking moral principles. Gallagher gives his readers a glimpse of prehistoric times with a storyline that is action-packed and fast-paced. Highlighting the critical issues confronting the world today, Ancient of Genes is highly relatable. With extraordinary characters and a very entertaining plot, this mind-blowing science fiction thriller will stay with you long after you read its last page. Highly recommended!