Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Lori M. Jones’s Crossmatch follows Claire Chamberlain, a forty-three-year-old mother of twins whose cycling accident reveals that she was born with one kidney and it is failing from polycystic kidney disease. Dialysis is coming, and Claire’s O-positive blood type makes finding a living donor difficult. Her daughter starts an online campaign, while Claire returns to the road where she crashed and finds Crossroads Church between two oak trees, exactly where a mysterious bearded man told her to look. There she reconnects with Pastor Gabe Hamlin, an old high school classmate who becomes a source of support as her illness changes the way Claire sees her marriage to Carl. With her life depending on a successful crossmatch, Claire searches for a donor while the unanswered details of her crash keep pulling her back to Crossroads.

Lori M. Jones’s Crossmatch is first-rate women’s fiction, written with the belief that human fellowship can speak powerfully during illness. Jones makes Claire's kidney failure visceral in her daily life. At the dialysis center, Claire names her machine Edward. Her friendship with Edith gains meaning through Edith’s devotion to Oscar, which shows Claire the value of faithful support. Claire’s humor remains present as kidney failure changes what her body can do, giving her presence a spirit of hope. The tandem-bike ride has a grace to it—Claire is too weak to cycle alone, so Gabe puts her back on two wheels while doing most of the pedaling. Jones makes the ride feel like a piece of Claire returning, making a simple act speak to restoration. Crossmatch speaks with warmth to readers drawn to women’s fiction with a medical storyline. This is a book I recommend wholeheartedly.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Tartarus Conspiracy by William J. Oxfield is a gripping tale with an imaginative plot. The story seamlessly blends ancient myth, modern science, and cosmic horror, offering readers a thrilling ride. It starts with a phone call that piques the curiosity of investigative journalist Amanda VanderBilt. She embarks on an investigation that takes her to unfamiliar landscapes and places linked to the disappearance of her grandfather and where her father, a reputable historian, was disgraced. A series of interconnected events, sparked by the accidental release of an ancient, imprisoned entity beneath Groom Lake, Nevada, is disturbing. As electromagnetic pulses and strange phenomena begin to ripple across the globe, key characters uncover a vast conspiracy involving cosmic beings, secret government projects, and apocalyptic prophecies.

The Tartarus Conspiracy is set across diverse, well-depicted locations that heighten the sense of global chaos and ancient mysticism. Groom Lake’s underground laboratory is a nexus of clandestine experiments, with its high-tech chambers and ominous portals hinting at otherworldly dimensions. In contrast, the ancient city of Varanasi and the historic mosques of Isfahan evoke spiritual and mythological depths, blending religious symbolism with cosmic dread. The blood moon, symbolic of impending catastrophe, looms over these settings, emphasizing the convergence of celestial events and human fears. Characters like Javadi, Ebrahim, and Ivani are immersed in environments steeped in history, faith, and myth, which contrast sharply with the sterile, oppressive military bases and secretive government facilities. William J. Oxfield's tale features unforgettable characters, including a seer, a committed and tormented religious scholar, and military professionals. This is one of the best books I have read about conspiracy and apocalyptic themes; it is cleverly plotted and pulsates with action.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

In The Portal by Lou Pugliese, after an unfortunate water skiing accident puts her in a coma, Vicki Roadcap discovers she can see beyond the real world. In her unconscious mind, Vicki roams the realm between the afterlife and Earth known as the Portal. She wakes up and reveals her unique abilities to her friends and family. However, as she becomes more determined to revisit the Portal, she inadvertently begins to suffer personal consequences. When Vicki discovers that her best friend Audrey's newborn, Elizabeth, is in danger, she puts her own life at risk to make sure Elizabeth doesn't fall into the wrong hands. But fate has other plans. How is Vicki going to protect Elizabeth? Or will she succumb to her obsession with the afterlife?

A slice-of-life drama with paranormal undertones, The Portal is a captivating read that illustrates the importance of friends, family, and faith. The narrative is steeped in mystery and intrigue. Author Lou Pugliese has crafted an engrossing supernatural drama that is surprisingly heartwarming. After the end of the first chapter, you start to wonder where the plot is going to go next. And the surprises keep on coming until the story ends. Pugliese also incorporates themes of love and faith into the narrative in a very realistic way. This is because of the chemistry between the characters. Apart from the romance between Vicki and Trey, I also enjoyed the different friendships featured in the novel. Darrell, Audrey, and Richard were my other favorite characters. All in all, this was a very wholesome read. If you enjoy realistic stories with a dash of the supernatural, do not miss out on this one!

Reviewed by Constance Stadler for Readers' Favorite

The Day After His Crucifixion by Merikay McLeod recounts when the chosen Savior died on the cross. When we meet Mary, a devoted follower, she awakens the morning after, still wearing her blood-stained clothes, immediately affirming the horrific reality. What is particularly telling is why Yeshua's blood is on her clothing -- only women stayed at the site of the cross until the very end. Like her spiritual sisters, Mary’s response is a mixture of disbelief, agony, rage at his Roman murderers, and denial—contrasting to the memory of his joyous welcome to Jerusalem a scant week before. On this day of the Sabbath, these women come together to offer solace to one another and share venerated memories. The miracle of feeding thousands with scant loaves of bread and fish comes alive through the eyes of an eager child. When all are appalled that Leah, a woman deemed ‘unclean’ by the nature of her disease, touches the hem of Yeshua’s robe, not only is she cured, but honored and uplifted. In the wake of being saved from death by stoning for adultery, Mary became, in her words, a living soul. A shared commitment to express gratitude in ways befitting what has been received comprises the remainder of the book.

The originality of The Day After His Crucifixion is distinct in the genre of biblical literature. Since most historical novels of the time center on the Tridium of suffering, death, and resurrection, there is less room for gradation in creative expression. When Mary awakens in a frenzy of emotion, the idea that the Promised One did not say a word in his defense before Pilate or Herod is virtually incomprehensible--how could he say nothing to save his life? The shared realization that the rituals of sanctifying the dead had not been completed at the time of Yeshua's entombment is poignantly affecting. The beauty, strength, and bravery of abject devotion is a thematic constant. At the same time, this book is more than a depiction of Christian love and worship; it enframes what such belief means in ways not confined to a specific era. In crafting this personalized portrait, Merikay McLeod uses words that have transcended millennia. It is a sensitive and telling affirmation for believers and a compelling introduction to understanding what Christianity means.

Reviewed by Robert A. Groves for Readers' Favorite

Baker Vaughan by Stuart Hotchkiss follows Baker’s long journey from an idealistic adolescent to a broken, middle-aged adult in need of redemption. The book begins by finding Baker in Virginia, deciding on a profession. He feels a strong call to the ministry, but his family is not supportive. However, Baker presses on and along the way finds a soulmate, Wendy. The two pursue a life of ministry and service as they build a youth camp, attend college, and start a family. Their bliss is soon shattered when a profound tragedy occurs that completely changes Baker’s trajectory. Abandoning the idea of ministry, Baker spends decades in New York building a successful advertising business and giving love another chance. But that doesn’t last either, which leads Baker to Idaho. There he seeks meaning again through religion and church involvement. Will facing his flaws ultimately lead to a future that sustains Baker’s needs?

Stuart Hotchkiss’s Baker Vaughan is ultimately a story of redemption and starting again. The author writes with care, giving Baker enough depth so that his struggles with faith and grief feel real rather than manufactured. Baker is flawed, but that is what makes him interesting, and his growth unfolds in a way that lends his tale believability. Combining present-day events with important experiences from Baker’s past creates an atmospheric feel for the novel. The other characters who come into Baker’s life, such as Wendy, Karl, Libby, and Darcy, provide context for Baker’s change. The themes of redemption through imperfection and tension between personal faith and institutional religion are handled with sensitivity. It is an astounding story of love, success, loss, and finding your way back. Readers will not be disappointed by adding this one to their reading list.

Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

“Despite the difference in class, death is life’s great equalizer. Every man must face it.” However, as T.S. Maynard's novel The Legend of Titus illustrates, it is often easier to confront our own demise than to see the people we love cut down. The story begins in a small medieval kingdom where a man works the land to support his family. But this is no ordinary man; he is Titus, a legendary warrior who has grown weary of battle. Unfortunately for Titus, fate is unkind, and he finds himself in a new war, where he confronts something he has never experienced before: defeat. Driven by rage and seeking vengeance, Titus fights against overwhelming odds. In doing so, he realizes that the true struggle is not between cynical kings who delude themselves into believing they are better than they are. The real war is the one over his very soul.

The Legend of Titus by T.S. Maynard is a cold and harsh read. It is also cleverly nuanced and demonstrates a keen understanding of psychological strategy. The action-packed plot focuses on a man who seeks revenge and the tribulations he faces as he confronts a mighty foe, but it's more complex than that due to the many significant themes that act as a foundation for the tale. Good versus evil, wretchedness, redemption, and a test of faith play key roles in the story. Character development is outstanding, and Maynard puts on quite the show by introducing numerous unique individuals, such as Titus, Knut, and Kensington. With its fast pace and easy-to-read style, The Legend of Titus will thrill fans of Christian-themed historical fiction and anyone who loves rowdy medieval tales.

Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

Villains, victims, and imperfect heroes are the people you meet in Shakey Town Express, a novel by Justin Arnold. The protagonist is Buddy Green, a God-fearing Christian man who is also a bit of an outlaw. Mr. Green understands that the world is not black and white, just various shades of gray, and sometimes you have to bend the rules to survive. As the owner-operator of Buddy Green Shipping & Freight, he spends his days trucking along highways, delivering freight to and fro. He also smuggles and offers safe passage to people on the run for a fee. The story focuses on two of his passengers. Both these people are on the run, though for different reasons. One passenger has a heart as big as a house; the other has no heart at all, and catastrophic peril follows both.

Shakey Town Express by Justin Arnold is an excellent addition to contemporary literature and one of the most captivating books I've read in a long time. The plot is a very plausible story of a man making ends meet by helping people evade the law as they make a run for it. The themes, however, are subtle and relate exceptionally well. Trust, faith, friendship, and the ability to do the right thing, even if it means breaking the law, are expertly woven into this tale. The characters are outstanding, and it is through their conversations and interactions that the novel gets its points across. A gritty pace akin to an 18-wheeler steadily eating up the highway (like slurping spaghetti) makes Shakey Town Express an easy recommendation for adult fans of crime fiction and adventure.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

Sam in the Clouds by Cameron De Jong is inspired by the profound connection the author shared with his sister and their first and most beloved dog, Sam. Days after Sam is buried, William sees a dog's head nestled in the curve of a billowing cloud. It even has a floppy ear—Sam’s ear. Logic screams “buried,” an undeniable end. Yet the rest of William—the part that recalls the comforting weight of Sam’s head on his knee—clings to the smile in the clouds. Things take an extraordinary turn when William witnesses a flower blooming instantly on the freshly turned earth of Sam’s grave. At first, he thinks grief is making him see and hear things. But then Mom, Lyn, and even Dad start to see them too. Then there’s Max. Why does he so often gaze into empty corners around the house? Could it be Sam? Is he there, or is William just desperate to believe he is? What of all the ordinary moments that William interpreted as meaningful? What if they’re just... ordinary?
 
Love, once given, never truly ends but transforms into something that remains with us always, and it always finds ways to bridge the distance, even in death. Cameron De Jong recognizes how devastating it is to lose a loved one. He gently walks the reader through the unique grief of losing a pet and even addresses the difficult journey of opening one’s heart again to a new pet. The tone is compassionate and hopeful. There’s intrigue, hidden truths, tension, grief, humor, renewal, plenty of love, and some very thought-provoking insights about the soul and what we perceive to be the end. Sam in the Clouds: How Love Endures Beyond Goodbye is a gift for all bereaved pet owners and readers fascinated with spiritual connections that transcend death.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

The epic tale continues in The Tempests of Time: Ages of Malice by Lloyd Jeffries as Emery and Rhyme each try to find a way to put a stop to Cain and the unending madness he has unleashed on the world. But when things go awry and twisted prophecies start to become a reality can the duo overcome the cruel mistress that is fate? Can they put an end to Cain’s evil reign and find their way back to one another? Having all the events of the previous books converge and essentially seeing the final stage set up was something I never could have anticipated. Jeffries truly outdid himself with this book.

The Tempests of Time: Ages of Malice by Lloyd Jeffries holds its own even against the first book. The drama, the chaos, and the intrigue were all at their peak and I found myself hanging onto every page. I also really loved Emery giving the reader little flashbacks and a comical-style summary of the events of the previous books. I found the breaking of the fourth wall to be so entertaining and a nice touch between the seriousness of the rest of the novel. Overall, the writing was as amazing as always, the plot was thrilling, and the pacing of this book was steady yet just fast enough so that it didn’t drag on too long. Jeffries really has a way of blending the right elements into his books and producing a masterpiece at the end of it all. This book was absolutely amazing and I’m so glad to have read this series.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

It Came Even to Me by Drew Hill delves into the complexities of reconciling religious faith with contemporary views on sexuality. Set in a small town in Georgia, the story follows a pastor struggling to maintain his convictions while navigating the turmoil within his family, as love and forgiveness clash with hatred and intolerance. The narrative explores themes of faith, family division, and reconciliation, offering a poignant portrayal of one family's journey through conflict and eventual healing. Hill handles the varied and complex topics of this novel with a great sense of balance. There’s a confident narrative control that blends sensitive social issues with deep emotional storytelling, allowing readers to engage with important concepts naturally as part of the story that never feels like they’re being beaten over the head with issues just for the sake of it.

The eloquent writing style is thought-provoking and compassionate, with moral dilemmas portrayed in real terms of what they actually mean to the characters so that the issues feel real, accessible, and relatable. The author’s ability to portray the raw emotions and internal conflicts of his characters feels authentic, thanks to some realistic dialogue exchanges, and I often felt I was right on the shoulders of the families caught in very painful and insightful debates. Drew Hill's exploration of grace and truth in the face of intolerance provides a powerful and inspiring message for anyone who has ever had difficult conversations with those they love. Overall, It Came Even to Me is a highly recommended read for fans of drama and social issues.