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.