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.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Four Myths is a work of fiction in the thriller, action, and suspense subgenres, and was penned by Robert Reisler. Written for the general adult reading audience, the work contains some moderate expletives but no extensively graphic content. A journal from the year 2048 sparks the fascinating action in this apocalyptic tale. When archaeologist Jack Johanssen and night watchman Randy Haverstamp happen upon this prophetic item, details of the end of the world come to light. It all seems bleak until the prophecies begin to come true, and a path lies ahead that might be the only way to stop this future from becoming a reality.

Author Robert Reisler has crafted a superb thriller. The edge-of-your-seat sense of suspense is one of the most impressive features of this book, and I loved the structure of the plot, where certain elements are revealed to add new intrigues, just as you think you know what’s really going on. It makes for an unpredictable read and leaves tons of room for the author’s clever innovations to surprise readers at every turn. I also enjoyed Jack and Randy as central figures, neither of whom were the typical action-man presentation in apocalyptic thriller novels. Their skill sets and unique personalities really shone through in the dialogue and decisions they had to make. Overall, I would highly recommend The Four Myths to fans of Stephen King-style thriller fiction and stories which pack in plenty of plot with a fast pace and exciting characters.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The Walk-On is an outstanding novel by Richard Podkowski. Although Mike "The Steelman" Stalowski rules the football field, he is beginning to spiral out of control. Mike played football despite suffering from severe pain and an injury for years. Mike turned to alcohol and painkillers to dull his suffering, both physical and emotional. Estranged from his wife, he unexpectedly meets Kim Richardson while still in the professional sports world. Kim saw Mike for who he was, a kind-hearted Chicagoan who had never lost sight of his humble beginnings. Mike embarks on a life-altering path as a result of significant game losses, painkillers, and excessive alcohol consumption. He was able to work through the pain and come to self-forgiveness through a path led by his mentor, a priest.

The Walk-On is a story of the lengths a player will go to in order to keep playing the game they love. The suffering they will endure, the treatments they will endure, and how the game will change their lives. The story is a page-turner, and Richard Podkowski had my attention from the start. It was easy to follow the game action, even for someone with limited football understanding. The characters were brilliantly developed and easy to relate to. I could feel Mike’s anguish and anger as he struggled with his troubles with alcohol and drugs. Mike’s fall from grace was traumatic, but he was given a chance for redemption. The story was beautifully written, and the chapters flowed into each other. It was much more than I expected and will stay with me for a while.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

In Search of My Heart is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, interpersonal drama, and religious writing genres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Carol Amon McGehe, this intriguing and compelling drama follows Miriam, a young woman in first-century Israel, raised in a strict religious family. Despite her curiosity and desire for adventure, Miriam's life is upended by tragedy and disillusionment. As she grapples with her shattered beliefs, she encounters biblical figures and joins women traveling with Jesus. This journey challenges her faith, confronting her doubts and trials. The novel weaves Miriam's personal struggles with historical and scriptural narratives, offering readers insight into first-century Jewish life and the impact of Jesus' ministry.

Author Carol Amon McGehe utilizes empathy and spiritual knowledge to craft a deeply moving story set in the ancient past. Miriam's journey from a sheltered life to confronting profound personal and spiritual challenges resonated on many levels, not least in her struggles with loss, disillusionment, and faith. This quest for meaning and connection is told with vivid, emotive language and a narrative that clings closely to her with insightful speech and thought presentation. The historical and cultural backdrop enriched the story with its wealth of detail and vivid descriptions, providing a visceral portrayal of daily life during Jesus' time. Miriam's encounters with biblical figures and her evolving relationship with Jesus were both enlightening and poignant, illustrating the transformative power of faith that transcends the historical setting to offer these same enlightenments in the modern day. Overall, In Search of My Heart is a compelling and introspective read that I would certainly recommend.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Petra: An Unbroken Legacy by Lisa L. Dorsey is a deep dive back to the time just after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Saul, after his conversion on the road to Damascus, goes from being a persecutor of Jesus’ followers to one of his most adamant and vocal supporters. Following Pentecost, Saul (now known as Paul) is commanded by God to spread the word in Arabia. After traveling to Petra, he is greatly encouraged to discover there is fertile ground amongst the Arabs for the message of Jesus’ salvation. It is a risky time though to be a Christian and Saul is banished by the local king for preaching the teachings of the followers of Jesus. From Damascus, Saul writes to his fellow Christians in Arabia, giving them hope, encouragement, and strength. Two millennia later Kasim Ma’an is following his family’s unbroken tradition of Christianity. He is convinced Paul’s letters are still waiting to be found, buried somewhere near Petra, in Jordan, the site of his family’s estate. Kasim enlists the help of a woman he fell madly in love with twenty years earlier when they were both students at an archaeological dig. Professor Issa Stevens is insecure and lonely having lost her husband three years earlier. The opportunity to join a major archaeological expedition in Jordan may be a chance to restart her life after her husband’s death but danger and intrigue await her, not to mention her long-lost love Kasim Ma’an.

Petra is a riveting read. Although this book is listed as Christian historical fiction, do not let the category put you off. Although author Lisa L. Dorsey’s obvious faith does shine through this story, it is still a rollicking adventure split across two millennia that will keep you relentlessly turning pages. With a nod to Indiana Jones, this tale of earth-shattering historical revelations will satisfy any action adventure reader as well as those steeped in the idea of biblical conspiracy theories and hidden scrolls. I particularly enjoyed the character of Issa who was forced to confront her insecurities and doubts about her abilities to overcome the challenges she faced in a strange culture and land. The romantic side softens the narrative and is genuinely sweet and endearing. The literary device of telling the story from two time perspectives was inspired and served to give the book a feeling of authority and genuineness. I enjoyed the tales of Saul as he went from being one of the persecutors of Jesus’ followers to eventually becoming one of the greatest champions of the Christian faith. The setting of the bulk of the story in Petra, with its amazing structures and its almost mythical qualities helped to cement the feeling that you were reading history rather than fiction. This is an excellent read, whatever your beliefs, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Sower of Black Field by Katherine Koch is a historical fiction novel set during the final days of Nazi Germany. The story follows Fr. Viktor Koch, an American priest of German heritage, who is deeply conflicted as he tries to guide his parishioners through the horrors of the Third Reich. Struggling with his own self-doubt, Viktor must protect his flock from the brutal Nazi regime while wrestling with the moral implications of their actions. As American liberators uncover a mass grave near their village, Viktor faces an ultimatum that forces him to confront the true cost of survival and humanity.

Author Katherine Koch expertly captures the moral complexity of living under a tyrannical regime, making the reader empathize with characters in impossible situations as we meet Viktor and his congregation during a horrifying period in history. The vivid and historically accurate depiction of Nazi Germany sent chills up and down my spine all too often during this tale, bringing to life the struggles and fears of ordinary people in highly relatable ways, thanks to the close attention to detail in every physical and psychological reaction in the narrative. The character development is exceptional across the board, with a host of realistic figures and authentic period dialogue and attitudes, but most particularly in portraying Viktor’s internal conflict and the transformation he attempts of those around him. The novel’s exploration of faith, guilt, and redemption is powerful and thought-provoking as an underlying theme, and this builds into a bigger picture with a pace that leaves room for moments of deep contemplation, but always flows into the next twist with confidence and impact. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Sower of Black Field to fans of realistic historical fiction.