Reviewed by Marta Tandori for Readers' Favorite

Betrayal of Justice, the taut new legal thriller by Mark M. Bello, is positively chilling in its political acuity. Ronald John, the newly-elected President of the United States and poster boy of white Christians the country over, is about to put into action his campaign rhetoric by deporting all illegals and putting up walls to keep all those unwanted out. In general, he’s about to inflict his bigotry and Islamophobia on the masses, all in the name of bringing back a “pure America”. Keith Blackwell, a white supremacist and grandson of a former Ku Klux Klansman, wholeheartedly supports the President’s agenda and gleefully launches his own clandestine attacks on two unsuspecting Muslim women, before bombing a local mosque with a Molotov cocktail. Arya Khan, a young American woman, watches in fear as all Muslims suddenly come under fire. Seeing seemingly little action by the police department, she decides to take matters into her own hands – only to soon find herself standing over the body of a dead white supremacist, holding the ‘smoking gun’, so to speak. Formally charged and jailed, and with the President actively seeking to deport her immigrant parents, Arya must put her trust in the hands of trial attorney, Zachary Blake…

Few will argue that Betrayal of Justice is art imitating life. However, what really gives this story its substance is the author’s ability to tell it from different points of view. We, as readers, are intimately in the mindset of the characters and, in essence, we learn what makes each character tick, their prejudices and even their frailties. It’s a complex story and Bello would be doing it an injustice if he only presented a one-dimensional viewpoint. There are also a great many moving parts to the story yet the author manages to keep each one going in such a way that the events, as they unfold, compel us to keep reading further. Betrayal of Justice also presents a series of characters from different walks of life. Who they are and what their special skill sets are serve to enhance the story. Although Bello pulls it off with seemingly no effort, it takes skill and research to create key members of a special task force and make every aspect of their jobs sound credible. With solid characterization, crisp dialogue and plenty of action, Bello manages to find the right balance between these three key elements.

Whether we agree with the motivations of the different characters, or whether we hate or love them is not the point. Betrayal of Justice is intended to open our eyes and our minds to the hate and prejudices that lurk in our own backyards. Utterly timely and superbly crafted, this second installment in the Zachary Blake Betrayal legal series is a must-read for legal junkies and political aficionados alike.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

What was Jesus’ early life like — the missing years of his life as a child? The Transmigrant by Kristi Saare Duarte provides an interesting narrative about the life of Yeshua, starting from AD I in Capernaum, Galilee. Jesus’ sense of the neighbor, his attention to the needs of others and his propensity to serve come across in the narrative as a natural gift. Readers are introduced to a young Yeshua who is awake to the spiritual realities of his people, hungry for an encounter with the Messiah. The reader follows the story of a man in search of his destiny, a man buoyed up by the love of God. But he will suffer the worst form of rejection when he tries to communicate his intimate experience with God, and will be thrown out of the temple. It seems his days are doomed and he’ll spend his entire life as a laborer, consumed by a dream he cannot attain, that of becoming a Rabbi — a teacher. But an encounter with a Buddhist pilgrim will open his eyes and set him on a new course, that of embracing his dream and destiny.

The Transmigrant is a beautiful story, deeply touching and very inspirational. Kristi Saare Duarte creates a compelling portrait of Jesus and allows readers to experience the depths of his humanity. His spiritual heritage and that of his family come out clearly in this narrative. Readers will meet Jesus’ siblings and understand the dynamics of life within a Jewish family. The story is beautifully told and the author creates vivid images of the early life of Jesus and his passage through other cities like Damascus. It is also interesting to note that the Rabbi always talked about the coming of the Messiah and Jesus would listen with rapt attention, hoping to see the Messiah. The use of irony in this narrative is brilliant and readers will enjoy the sense of humor that gives more life to the story. The story is filled with vivid descriptions and emotionally charged passages; the author fills the senses of readers with sounds, sights, and smells, just as in this line: “On top of a wooden pulpit at the front, flickering oil lamps danced in the breeze and the scent of incense filled the snug meeting room with magic.” This is a story that will transport readers to endearing spiritual climates.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Ever read a book and thought, “That is so me! Wish I had written it…or had the guts to write it!” That’s the effect Dodging Satan by Kathleen Zamboni McCormick had on me. From the bright and colourful eye-catching cover to the very last word, McCormick had me riveted as she put words to thoughts that have perplexed me from my earliest days of attending Catholic schools. Kathleen Zamboni McCormick reminded me of practices and pastimes long forgotten, but with which I immediately identified as soon as she brought them up.

If you were raised by Catholic parents and attended Catholic schools, do you remember collecting holy cards Accumulating special indulgences? Praying on rosary beads made in China? Cherishing that first missal acquired through green stamps? Staring at a glowing luminescent plastic crucifix beside your bed or on the wall? Worrying about Satan visiting you at night once you were alone in bed? Wearing a scapula and preparing yourself to become a nun? And last but not least, those horrid and feared Diocesan Exams that you knew you’d fail no matter how hard you studied your Bible! And then, somehow strangely as you matured, you began questioning everything that was being drummed into your head by those fearsome nuns in their black habits: how could a virgin give birth? How did Mary bathe Jesus and did she spank him when he was naughty? After all, he was the son of God! And why was Eve and not Adam ultimately to blame for the downfall of mankind? Was it really all about biting an apple?

It’s questions and ruminations like these that make Dodging Satan by Kathleen Zamboni McCormick one of the most fascinating, enjoyable and memorable books I’ve ever read. But at the same time, and no doubt intended by McCormick, Dodging Satan is disturbing. Even those not raised Catholic, but steeped in the many other religions and their teachings, will pause to consider what years of religious brainwashing can do to our thinking. Some become too afraid to question, so they accept what they’ve been taught on faith alone. Others, unlike Kathleen Zamboni McCormick, question but don’t dare voice their opinions: doing so might mean ostracism or permanent banning.

What caused the young, very devout, God-loving Bridget in Dodging Satan to finally decide to get rid of all her holy cards and to abandon her plans to become a nun? It was seeing how those all-important ten commandments were not being followed by the adults in her home and extended families. It was seeing super-drunken fathers beating up their wives and cheating on their spouses, but never missing Sunday Mass. It was witnessing favorite aunts being ridiculed and mentally abused by supposedly loving family members. It was looking forward to family Christmas dinners that were far from a celebration of life. By the time Bridget grew into a woman, she could only conclude one thing: it was, and still is, near impossible for a woman to come out on top in a man’s world: surely even the Bible was written by men to keep women underfoot. Why else are women still so far away from being equal to men?

Yes, there is a strong element of feminism running throughout Dodging Satan, but the seriousness of the real themes is tempered by humour. As Bridget, Kathleen Zamboni McCormick narrates what she witnesses through a young girl’s voice, and marvellously captures the confusion she feels because of the conflict between what she’s being taught and what she sees in the world beyond the classroom. Dodging Satan will shake up and shock some readers, while it simultaneously earns praise from those with open minds who dare to think beyond what they were taught. I am one of those and have the greatest admiration and respect for both this author and her book, a book I wish I had written!

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

This engaging novel begins on the twenty-first birthday of Ben Steiner, a Jewish student at Columbia University, in May 1975. Living a comfortable life in Beit Yitzhak, or the “B”, a communal house for Jewish students, seemed boring to Ben. He was ready to find some excitement, and hopefully an attractive girlfriend. The title of Part One, “Whatever a Man Soweth….,” lays the groundwork for the fascinating novel, Stainer: A Novel of the ‘Me' Decade, written by Iolanthe Woulff. That evening, Ben met the girl of his dreams, Rebecca Glaser. But, his acquaintance with P.T. Deighland, a student from Princeton, was the beginning of Ben living out the Me Decade. When Becky left for a summer in Israel, Ben explored the wilder life. Deighland was cool, mocking traditional beliefs and Ben’s life; he offered Ben seemingly exciting adventures, including drugs and crazy parties. He also introduced him to a beautiful model named Anthea Montague. It was quite a summer, and his relationship with Becky is challenged when she returns.

The author is an excellent storyteller and has crafted an easy-to-read novel. The reader is uncertain until the last pages as to how Ben will manage the two divergent lifestyles. The way Ms. Woulff captured the decade of the 1970s, through descriptions of fashion, speech, and other details, is amazing. Anyone who lived during that era (especially as a college student or young adult) will be reminded of things they may have forgotten. Also, the characters are realistic and the dialogue is authentic. Author Iolanthe Woulff has written a wonderful book in Stainer: A Novel of the ‘Me' Decade. This is truly a gem!

Reviewed by Ayrial King for Readers' Favorite

An extremist ecological group is set on destroying a field of genetically-modified corn. A rising against and for building a tourist attraction in the forest reserve of a quaint but seemingly-backward little town. A seemingly endless loop of ethnic warfare between gypsies and blacks. This is what Jesus walks into in João Cerqueira’s novel, Jesus and Magdalene. He joins Magdalene, an environmental activist with high hopes for a better world, in navigating the currents of the modern world as it grapples with issues he tried to solve long ago. Their success ultimately hinges on people’s willingness to change their minds, perspectives, or loyalties, and embrace the possibilities – and consequences – of the unknown.

João Cerqueira really took the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” to heart when he wrote Jesus and Magdalene, a recreation of their journey together across unknown land (to him at least) to combat the world’s woes. Magdalene, a proponent of an ecological utopia, travels with Jesus to show him how humans have ruined everything (the environment and themselves) with the hope of reeducating them on how to come back from the brink. Jesus, knowing firsthand the ways and wiles of human nature, joins her as her mostly-silent companion – oftentimes being her sounding board and voice of reason. They and Cerqueira shed light on how the modern world is not so different from the world Jesus knew. The issues of today are just as old if not older than the issues of then – just dressed in different clothes.

Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite

An Unexpected Afterlife: An Adventure in the Jewish Resurrection (Dry Bones Society Book 1) by Dan Sofer introduces us to Moshe Karlin, who opens his eyes to find himself naked and alone in the Mount of Olives Cemetery one fine day. Moshe soon finds out from his loved ones that he has been dead for two years. Moshe doesn't intend to let the grass grow under his feet, however; he plans on getting his wife back, but he will run into many more troubles than he ever thought. The world is not like he remembers leaving it, and there are changes and dangers everywhere in the Holy land.

I don't read very many religious mysteries, but I thought this one might be fun when I read the description and I have to say I am very glad that I followed my instincts - this book was an amazing read. On the surface it seems straightforward and even simple, but once you truly dig into the meat of the book, you find yourself trapped in the web of a fantastic and complex story. You will find yourself asking questions about religion, life, death and love right along with Moshe. I am not Jewish so some of the subject matter was likely lost on me, but I still found this book to be deep and thoughtful and just very well written. This is the first book by Dan Sofer that I have read, but I know it won't be the last. He is a masterful story teller who has created a thought provoking book with a multi dimensional character like Moshe.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Small Town Roads is a Christian literary fiction novel depicting the lives and reflections of small-town inhabitants. Evelyn, Harry, and Ruby have outlived their spouses and remain in the same homes and neighborhood. They have been friends for many decades. Rachel lost her brother to cancer, her mother to Alzheimer's and then her father passed away, leaving her the only surviving member of her family, outside of her elderly aunt, Ruby. Now, several years later, after Rachel has finished her schooling for her four-year degree in criminology, her aunt Ruby is also gone and has left her home to Rachel. Rachel moves into her aunt's home and takes a job in the local police department. Alone and a newcomer in the area, Rachel befriends her Aunt Ruby's old friends and neighbors, Evelyn and Harry. Taking care of her ill and dying family members had put Rachel's life on hold. With a home of her own, new job and new friends, can life get any better?

Small Town Roads by LB Johnson is an eloquent Christian novel portraying the introspection of a community. This literary work is a lovely depiction of the characters' thoughts and motivations, although there is no action and the story can seem to move slowly. The author has a wonderful grasp of the English language, and her words flow together smoothly, creating a beautifully formed sermon. Rachel's and Evelyn's reminiscences and musings about life and faith are almost poetic. Despite their ages and generations, each of the characters portrayed displays their personal and spiritual growth, providing a thought-provoking and insightful story. It was encouraging to see Rachel's faith progress and blossom. This is a pleasant inspirational novel that will please those who enjoy reading meaningful Christian-based, faith-inspired books.