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Recommend this book:
Dagda
A New Dawn
Corina Douglas
2022 Finalist
34 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Dagda: A New Dawn by Corina Douglas is a companion short story to the author's Celtic fantasy series Daughter of Winter. The book begins with an introduction to the titular God, Dagda, on a night when all manner of pleasure is permissible. Samhain is on the cusp and Dagda is distracted in anger and jealousy that his wife Morrígan has been singled out to partner with the new king. Worse still, Dagda's beautiful, intense, intelligent, and sexually bold wife is unable to hide her own pleasure in fulfilling this duty. Dagda's sister Cerridwen catches him as he is drowning his sorrows in mead, telling him of a cloudy vision she has had that on this night, Dagda will also find pleasure...but only if he is able to get past his own stubbornness. “When a woman enters a man’s home, they only desire two things: companionship and sex, or to steal from them. Are you here to steal my cauldron, or is it the former...”
In the interest of full disclosure, I had to read Dagda on my phone because my wife practically wrestled the e-reader from my grip after seeing the cover. The irony here is that this exact situation gave me all the same feelings Dagda must have had, and in my opinion that now makes me an expert on the topic. The story is written from the point of view of Dagda, which I appreciated as most books with this degree of excellent sizzle are written from a female perspective. Men need sizzle too. Douglas is skilled in the literary arts of scene-setting and providing readers with a vivid depiction of what is happening and why. What sets her apart is the ability to elicit genuine emotion from a reader because the emotion that extends from Dagda is palpable. For a short story, this piece has some serious weight, and Douglas has roped in not just one, but two new fans. Very highly recommended.
Dagda: A New Dawn by Corina Douglas is a companion short story to the author's Celtic fantasy series Daughter of Winter. The book begins with an introduction to the titular God, Dagda, on a night when all manner of pleasure is permissible. Samhain is on the cusp and Dagda is distracted in anger and jealousy that his wife Morrígan has been singled out to partner with the new king. Worse still, Dagda's beautiful, intense, intelligent, and sexually bold wife is unable to hide her own pleasure in fulfilling this duty. Dagda's sister Cerridwen catches him as he is drowning his sorrows in mead, telling him of a cloudy vision she has had that on this night, Dagda will also find pleasure...but only if he is able to get past his own stubbornness. “When a woman enters a man’s home, they only desire two things: companionship and sex, or to steal from them. Are you here to steal my cauldron, or is it the former...”
In the interest of full disclosure, I had to read Dagda on my phone because my wife practically wrestled the e-reader from my grip after seeing the cover. The irony here is that this exact situation gave me all the same feelings Dagda must have had, and in my opinion that now makes me an expert on the topic. The story is written from the point of view of Dagda, which I appreciated as most books with this degree of excellent sizzle are written from a female perspective. Men need sizzle too. Douglas is skilled in the literary arts of scene-setting and providing readers with a vivid depiction of what is happening and why. What sets her apart is the ability to elicit genuine emotion from a reader because the emotion that extends from Dagda is palpable. For a short story, this piece has some serious weight, and Douglas has roped in not just one, but two new fans. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Protectors of the Inner Sanctum
Polish Dragon P. I.
Steve Zimcosky
2022 Honorable Mention
123 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
A former detective and one of the best active Private Investigators, Tom Sipowicz just found out that he had a brother. They never met because of circumstances beyond the control of their parents. Tom’s brother, Nicholas Stachowiak, was a software engineer he found through ancestry.com. A visit to reunite with his brother turned into an unpleasant surprise. Someone kidnapped the grandson of Nicholas about a year ago, a recurrence with children between 8 and 10 years old as victims across states. The kidnappers’ identities were unknown, but rumors pointed to a cult. They messed with the wrong child because Tom would take it personally. He would not lose another family member! Follow Tom as he leaves no stone unturned in Protectors of the Inner Sanctum (A Polish Dragon P. I. Story) by Steve Zimcosky.
Protectors of the Inner Sanctum by Steve Zimcosky was a riveting installment of A Polish Dragon P. I. Series. This intriguing tale revolved around family, loyalty, cultism, brainwashing, and some action. I loved everything about this compact and punchy story, from the plot to the storyline, development, and characters. The story was simple, unpredictable, and with all the elements that kept me hooked. The narrative was witty and funny, taking me on a suspenseful ride. I wondered why the cult targeted children at such bright but tender ages. Was it because children in that age range were most curious yet impressionable? Were they easier to brainwash and groom? We have a sensitive job to do as parents if my assumptions are correct. I felt terrible for Suzie and hoped she healed. This novel was worth my while, and I’d love to read more of Tom’s adventures.
A former detective and one of the best active Private Investigators, Tom Sipowicz just found out that he had a brother. They never met because of circumstances beyond the control of their parents. Tom’s brother, Nicholas Stachowiak, was a software engineer he found through ancestry.com. A visit to reunite with his brother turned into an unpleasant surprise. Someone kidnapped the grandson of Nicholas about a year ago, a recurrence with children between 8 and 10 years old as victims across states. The kidnappers’ identities were unknown, but rumors pointed to a cult. They messed with the wrong child because Tom would take it personally. He would not lose another family member! Follow Tom as he leaves no stone unturned in Protectors of the Inner Sanctum (A Polish Dragon P. I. Story) by Steve Zimcosky.
Protectors of the Inner Sanctum by Steve Zimcosky was a riveting installment of A Polish Dragon P. I. Series. This intriguing tale revolved around family, loyalty, cultism, brainwashing, and some action. I loved everything about this compact and punchy story, from the plot to the storyline, development, and characters. The story was simple, unpredictable, and with all the elements that kept me hooked. The narrative was witty and funny, taking me on a suspenseful ride. I wondered why the cult targeted children at such bright but tender ages. Was it because children in that age range were most curious yet impressionable? Were they easier to brainwash and groom? We have a sensitive job to do as parents if my assumptions are correct. I felt terrible for Suzie and hoped she healed. This novel was worth my while, and I’d love to read more of Tom’s adventures.
Recommend this book:
Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh
Christopher Opyr
2022 Bronze Medal
127 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh by Christopher Opyr is a crime thriller. One lonely night in a hotel room, we are introduced to Mr. Pugh, who is on a business trip. His wife and two daughters are at home in the United States. Mr. Pugh explains that he suffers from severe anxiety, and although he is taking medication for his condition, he is not showing any signs of improvement. The suspense begins when Mr. Pugh finds missed calls and voice messages from his wife on his phone. At this point, his fear kicks in. As he listens to the details in the messages, they reveal a menacing situation for his family. He experiences a panic attack triggered by the imminent danger to his family. He takes an overdose of his medication and some alcohol and suffers the side effects of the mixture. With his family oceans away and fighting his own battle, how will Mr. Pugh survive these conflicts?
Christopher Opyr has an intriguing way of writing as every chapter left me in suspense and wondering what was going to happen next. This made the book a quick read and a page-turner. The whole story is written from Mr. Pugh's' perspective, and his anxiety comes through in his thought processes. He is a character that runs all the possible scenarios in his head, and this had me questioning what was real and what was not. By the conclusion of Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh, I was shedding tears for the man and his family. This shows the great ability of the author to evoke so many emotions in a reader in the form of suspense, shock, and sadness. This is for all book lovers that enjoy suspense-filled tales with a plot twist that will leave you hanging at the edge of a cliff.
Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh by Christopher Opyr is a crime thriller. One lonely night in a hotel room, we are introduced to Mr. Pugh, who is on a business trip. His wife and two daughters are at home in the United States. Mr. Pugh explains that he suffers from severe anxiety, and although he is taking medication for his condition, he is not showing any signs of improvement. The suspense begins when Mr. Pugh finds missed calls and voice messages from his wife on his phone. At this point, his fear kicks in. As he listens to the details in the messages, they reveal a menacing situation for his family. He experiences a panic attack triggered by the imminent danger to his family. He takes an overdose of his medication and some alcohol and suffers the side effects of the mixture. With his family oceans away and fighting his own battle, how will Mr. Pugh survive these conflicts?
Christopher Opyr has an intriguing way of writing as every chapter left me in suspense and wondering what was going to happen next. This made the book a quick read and a page-turner. The whole story is written from Mr. Pugh's' perspective, and his anxiety comes through in his thought processes. He is a character that runs all the possible scenarios in his head, and this had me questioning what was real and what was not. By the conclusion of Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh, I was shedding tears for the man and his family. This shows the great ability of the author to evoke so many emotions in a reader in the form of suspense, shock, and sadness. This is for all book lovers that enjoy suspense-filled tales with a plot twist that will leave you hanging at the edge of a cliff.
Recommend this book:
The Coward of Grimsby
Eric Daniel Ryan
2022 Silver Medal
37 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Coward of Grimsby by Eric Daniel Ryan is a historical fiction novella with settings in late 19th-century England and France that follows two men, a French fisherman called Georges and a British aristocrat named Braddock, and a once joint journey that ended with each in a radically different situation. When Georges and Braddock serendipitously meet in the port town of Grimsby, Georges confides the location of a treasure trove to his new friend, and the pair partner up to find it. However, Georges never makes it to the ship and Braddock sets off with his crew to find the treasure, regardless. The tale of long-lost gold on the coast of Africa is wild, but the tale Braddock tells when he is charged with cowardice and complicity in the loss of men and capital might just be even wilder. And he may hang for it.
Fun unexpected fact: I am British and bought a car in the EU, which was delivered to the port of Grimsby and collected by me this very afternoon. This means I was actually reading The Coward of Grimsby while in Grimsby. The strange happenstance of Eric Daniel Ryan's characters AND this reader is extraordinary. So too is Ryan's ability to weave a deeply rich story in a tight and compact novella. Georges and Braddock are fully fleshed-out, developed characters and I enjoyed the way they interacted in the short period before the adventure, and the even shorter period when Braddock returns—barely alive, but still destined to die. Georges is perhaps too trusting and a less honorable man would have reacted differently when he and Braddock are reunited. The British phrase to describe the French Georges is 'a sheep in sheep's clothing' and it's quite funny that he gets drunk and it saves his life. What I truly loved is that there isn't a physical antagonist in character form. Instead, Ryan delves into the frailty of human character and our penchant for avarice. This is a tightly written, entertaining, and thoughtful story that is perfect for whiling away an afternoon with treasure enough to make it feel worthwhile.
The Coward of Grimsby by Eric Daniel Ryan is a historical fiction novella with settings in late 19th-century England and France that follows two men, a French fisherman called Georges and a British aristocrat named Braddock, and a once joint journey that ended with each in a radically different situation. When Georges and Braddock serendipitously meet in the port town of Grimsby, Georges confides the location of a treasure trove to his new friend, and the pair partner up to find it. However, Georges never makes it to the ship and Braddock sets off with his crew to find the treasure, regardless. The tale of long-lost gold on the coast of Africa is wild, but the tale Braddock tells when he is charged with cowardice and complicity in the loss of men and capital might just be even wilder. And he may hang for it.
Fun unexpected fact: I am British and bought a car in the EU, which was delivered to the port of Grimsby and collected by me this very afternoon. This means I was actually reading The Coward of Grimsby while in Grimsby. The strange happenstance of Eric Daniel Ryan's characters AND this reader is extraordinary. So too is Ryan's ability to weave a deeply rich story in a tight and compact novella. Georges and Braddock are fully fleshed-out, developed characters and I enjoyed the way they interacted in the short period before the adventure, and the even shorter period when Braddock returns—barely alive, but still destined to die. Georges is perhaps too trusting and a less honorable man would have reacted differently when he and Braddock are reunited. The British phrase to describe the French Georges is 'a sheep in sheep's clothing' and it's quite funny that he gets drunk and it saves his life. What I truly loved is that there isn't a physical antagonist in character form. Instead, Ryan delves into the frailty of human character and our penchant for avarice. This is a tightly written, entertaining, and thoughtful story that is perfect for whiling away an afternoon with treasure enough to make it feel worthwhile.
Recommend this book:
Dark Waves
Mind Hackers Series, Novella
Amanda Uhl
2022 Gold Medal
87 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Dark Waves: Mind Hackers Series by Amanda Uhl is a short story/novella that explores the intricacies of psychic interaction and the ability to enter others' minds and make changes to their memories. Paranormal psychologist Dr. Audrey Gilbert has been extremely successful at treating her psychic patients who have experienced difficulties like burnout or hallucinations. When one of her former patients, who she had declared fit to resume activities as a psychic for the government, goes rogue and causes mayhem, she is fired but is given one chance to redeem herself. She is offered the opportunity to consult and treat Kevin, one of the most powerful psychics the world has thus far seen, a level 10 psychic suffering from hallucinations and self-doubts, who has sworn never to use his psychic powers again for the government. Her mission is to successfully treat Kevin, get him back to work and her job will be restored. Neither she nor Kevin is really prepared for what both of them will uncover about the other when they embark on this journey of psychic rediscovery.
I’m not a great short story or novella reader as a rule, but I’m certainly pleased I chose to read Dark Waves. Author Amanda Uhl somehow manages to not only instill a fascinating plot into this short story but has also developed two characters that the reader can deeply connect with and understand. I particularly enjoyed the moral dilemma Kevin was faced with. He knows what Audrey is thinking but absolutely doesn’t want to intrude on her privacy and personal space. He reveals a character that is not consistent with what the general reader would expect from a psychic as powerful as he clearly is. This is what made him such an interesting character. I was amazed at how much character development the author was able to achieve in such a short space of time and this is a real credit to her abilities. Although the final twist in the story was somewhat predictable, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story and at the end, my immediate thought was, “I want to read more of this author’s work and of the premises and ideas that she explored in this novella.” For a short, punchy, and fascinating read, I can highly recommend this story.
Dark Waves: Mind Hackers Series by Amanda Uhl is a short story/novella that explores the intricacies of psychic interaction and the ability to enter others' minds and make changes to their memories. Paranormal psychologist Dr. Audrey Gilbert has been extremely successful at treating her psychic patients who have experienced difficulties like burnout or hallucinations. When one of her former patients, who she had declared fit to resume activities as a psychic for the government, goes rogue and causes mayhem, she is fired but is given one chance to redeem herself. She is offered the opportunity to consult and treat Kevin, one of the most powerful psychics the world has thus far seen, a level 10 psychic suffering from hallucinations and self-doubts, who has sworn never to use his psychic powers again for the government. Her mission is to successfully treat Kevin, get him back to work and her job will be restored. Neither she nor Kevin is really prepared for what both of them will uncover about the other when they embark on this journey of psychic rediscovery.
I’m not a great short story or novella reader as a rule, but I’m certainly pleased I chose to read Dark Waves. Author Amanda Uhl somehow manages to not only instill a fascinating plot into this short story but has also developed two characters that the reader can deeply connect with and understand. I particularly enjoyed the moral dilemma Kevin was faced with. He knows what Audrey is thinking but absolutely doesn’t want to intrude on her privacy and personal space. He reveals a character that is not consistent with what the general reader would expect from a psychic as powerful as he clearly is. This is what made him such an interesting character. I was amazed at how much character development the author was able to achieve in such a short space of time and this is a real credit to her abilities. Although the final twist in the story was somewhat predictable, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story and at the end, my immediate thought was, “I want to read more of this author’s work and of the premises and ideas that she explored in this novella.” For a short, punchy, and fascinating read, I can highly recommend this story.
Recommend this book:
Work In Progress
Susan Jean Ricci
2021 Finalist
96 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Luke doesn't think he has a chance with the office manager as she is so beautiful she could have any guy she wanted. However, as clumsy and unattractive as he thinks he is, Mary is secretly thinking similar thoughts about him. Mary can't help but fantasize about the handsome, muscular construction worker with the mysterious tattoo. Luke's jealous co-workers, who begin to notice the attraction between the two, decide to trick him and get him to apply to appear in a publication company's calendar for hot construction workers. Will this dirty trick put an end to a perfect match before it is made? Find out in Work In Progress by Susan Jean Ricci.
Work In Progress keeps readers engaged by neatly combining themes like work, family, infatuation, jealousy, dance, and more into a perfect romantic situation. I liked how no time is wasted as the story starts right away with intriguing scenes and events. I was completely glued from start to finish as I seriously had to find out what would become of the relationship I so much wanted to form between the two dreamers. It's probably because of the intense way the protagonists' desires are portrayed. Plus, Susan Jean Ricci creates a friendly atmosphere with the lovable characters and their fondness for one another. I found it cute that Mary calls her brother Bozo. In fact, I grinned so much while reading the book that I was glad nobody was around. In summary, Work In Progress is a heartwarming, feel-good book perfect for readers who wish to escape into a dreamy love story!
Luke doesn't think he has a chance with the office manager as she is so beautiful she could have any guy she wanted. However, as clumsy and unattractive as he thinks he is, Mary is secretly thinking similar thoughts about him. Mary can't help but fantasize about the handsome, muscular construction worker with the mysterious tattoo. Luke's jealous co-workers, who begin to notice the attraction between the two, decide to trick him and get him to apply to appear in a publication company's calendar for hot construction workers. Will this dirty trick put an end to a perfect match before it is made? Find out in Work In Progress by Susan Jean Ricci.
Work In Progress keeps readers engaged by neatly combining themes like work, family, infatuation, jealousy, dance, and more into a perfect romantic situation. I liked how no time is wasted as the story starts right away with intriguing scenes and events. I was completely glued from start to finish as I seriously had to find out what would become of the relationship I so much wanted to form between the two dreamers. It's probably because of the intense way the protagonists' desires are portrayed. Plus, Susan Jean Ricci creates a friendly atmosphere with the lovable characters and their fondness for one another. I found it cute that Mary calls her brother Bozo. In fact, I grinned so much while reading the book that I was glad nobody was around. In summary, Work In Progress is a heartwarming, feel-good book perfect for readers who wish to escape into a dreamy love story!
Recommend this book:
Blood and Silver
Vali Benson
2021 Honorable Mention
105 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Blood and Silver is a work of fiction in the historical western and drama sub-genres and was penned by author Vali Benson. Written for young adult audiences, the work is accessible to all readers as it does not contain graphic content. The setting is Arizona, 1880, in a town where a young girl finds herself lacking in options when her drug-addled mother is unable to help her. Wise and plucky, twelve-year-old Carissa Beaumont hatches a plan to help her mother and escape the brothel in which she lives, but it involves making some unlikely friendships that may bring yet more danger that she was not anticipating.
Author Vali Benson has created an accessible and updated take on the western genre which can be enjoyed by young adult readers and nostalgic adults alike. At its center, the story takes on the bond of Carissa and Mai-Lin, an emotional arc that resonates strongly and is well developed in the narrative presentation and dialogue of the characters. Both girls are hardy and quick-witted for the era, which makes for an exciting and nail-biting adventure when they have to find ways to get out of trouble. All of this is set against a fiercely accurate historical backdrop, where it’s clear that Benson has put a lot of work into researching the way of life, the cultural and racial mix of people, and the grim realities of life in the old west. Overall, I would definitely recommend Blood and Silver as an enthralling historical read.
Blood and Silver is a work of fiction in the historical western and drama sub-genres and was penned by author Vali Benson. Written for young adult audiences, the work is accessible to all readers as it does not contain graphic content. The setting is Arizona, 1880, in a town where a young girl finds herself lacking in options when her drug-addled mother is unable to help her. Wise and plucky, twelve-year-old Carissa Beaumont hatches a plan to help her mother and escape the brothel in which she lives, but it involves making some unlikely friendships that may bring yet more danger that she was not anticipating.
Author Vali Benson has created an accessible and updated take on the western genre which can be enjoyed by young adult readers and nostalgic adults alike. At its center, the story takes on the bond of Carissa and Mai-Lin, an emotional arc that resonates strongly and is well developed in the narrative presentation and dialogue of the characters. Both girls are hardy and quick-witted for the era, which makes for an exciting and nail-biting adventure when they have to find ways to get out of trouble. All of this is set against a fiercely accurate historical backdrop, where it’s clear that Benson has put a lot of work into researching the way of life, the cultural and racial mix of people, and the grim realities of life in the old west. Overall, I would definitely recommend Blood and Silver as an enthralling historical read.
Recommend this book:
Steadfast
America's Last Days, Book One
D.I. Telbat
2021 Bronze Medal
95 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite
Steadfast is a Christian thriller and the first in America's Last Days series written by David I Telbat. Millions of people are killed and resources are destroyed, including water, food, technology, the economy, and the government. The little that is left ends up in the hands of criminals who loot, steal, and burn what would have survived. Eric manages to stay alive by secluding himself in the mountains of Wyoming, where he survives on whatever he can find that is edible. During a trip to the closest town, Eric discovers that Christians have been persecuted and comes across an elderly woman, Talia Wiseman, captured and left in a prison cell. He rescues her and takes her back home with him. Soon he is joined by more people that he has to care for and protect against a renegade army, including Joyce Adkins and her son Andy - and a criminal.
Steadfast tells the incredible story of Eric Radner, a survivor of the Meridia virus that has devastated America. I’m happy to hear that Steadfast is the first in the series. The story is well written with a smooth flow of information, making it a quick, easy read. The plot is well thought out and keeps the reader’s interest from start to finish, following Eric Radner’s survival techniques and leaving room for a sequel. I particularly enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the mountain area and the variety of different characters that Eric encounters, each with their own set of morals and values. Wise old lady Talia Wiseman has a name that suits her, while Joyce Adkins and her son Andy are just what Eric needs. This is such an AWESOME novel.
Steadfast is a Christian thriller and the first in America's Last Days series written by David I Telbat. Millions of people are killed and resources are destroyed, including water, food, technology, the economy, and the government. The little that is left ends up in the hands of criminals who loot, steal, and burn what would have survived. Eric manages to stay alive by secluding himself in the mountains of Wyoming, where he survives on whatever he can find that is edible. During a trip to the closest town, Eric discovers that Christians have been persecuted and comes across an elderly woman, Talia Wiseman, captured and left in a prison cell. He rescues her and takes her back home with him. Soon he is joined by more people that he has to care for and protect against a renegade army, including Joyce Adkins and her son Andy - and a criminal.
Steadfast tells the incredible story of Eric Radner, a survivor of the Meridia virus that has devastated America. I’m happy to hear that Steadfast is the first in the series. The story is well written with a smooth flow of information, making it a quick, easy read. The plot is well thought out and keeps the reader’s interest from start to finish, following Eric Radner’s survival techniques and leaving room for a sequel. I particularly enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the mountain area and the variety of different characters that Eric encounters, each with their own set of morals and values. Wise old lady Talia Wiseman has a name that suits her, while Joyce Adkins and her son Andy are just what Eric needs. This is such an AWESOME novel.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/barrack-five&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XXwNmKnIL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="He had hoped that working at a concentration camp would give him a reprieve from graffiti. The guests were normally quiet and respectful while touring the grounds. He had hoped they would respect the memory of the murdered Jews and refrain from leaving graffiti in their wake as they walked through the somber site. He looked at the two words somebo...){kind=link}
Barrack Five
A Holocaust Story (Book 1 of the Barracks Series)
Elyse Hoffman
2021 Silver Medal
45 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
"He had hoped that working at a concentration camp would give him a reprieve from graffiti. The guests were normally quiet and respectful while touring the grounds. He had hoped they would respect the memory of the murdered Jews and refrain from leaving graffiti in their wake as they walked through the somber site. He looked at the two words somebody had scratched onto one wall of Barrack Five: Raya Pomnenka." In Barrack Five by Elyse Hoffman, Vilém Rehor is a night guard at an old concentration camp that had been turned into a museum and memorial site. Somehow, under his watch, someone has been etching their name onto the barrack wall. His boss is not happy, and Vilém is determined to catch the perpetrator but his discovery is not what he expected.
Set in the Czech Republic, Barrack Five's narrative is rich and detailed despite it being a short story as the present meets the past through a subtle but compelling paranormal phenomenon. Fascinating but sad and horrifying glimpses into the horrors of World War II result in intriguing clues about the mysterious graffiti that has been bothering the protagonist, Vilém. The Holocaust, or the Shoah, is a stark reminder of the consequences of war and the absence of compassion by its malefactors. Vilém learns about the dark period of history like no other, leaving an indelible knowledge that one cannot experience through books and stories. With Elyse Hoffman's impressive way of combining historical facts and fiction, Barrack Five is a thought-provoking reminder of the past for a better future.
"He had hoped that working at a concentration camp would give him a reprieve from graffiti. The guests were normally quiet and respectful while touring the grounds. He had hoped they would respect the memory of the murdered Jews and refrain from leaving graffiti in their wake as they walked through the somber site. He looked at the two words somebody had scratched onto one wall of Barrack Five: Raya Pomnenka." In Barrack Five by Elyse Hoffman, Vilém Rehor is a night guard at an old concentration camp that had been turned into a museum and memorial site. Somehow, under his watch, someone has been etching their name onto the barrack wall. His boss is not happy, and Vilém is determined to catch the perpetrator but his discovery is not what he expected.
Set in the Czech Republic, Barrack Five's narrative is rich and detailed despite it being a short story as the present meets the past through a subtle but compelling paranormal phenomenon. Fascinating but sad and horrifying glimpses into the horrors of World War II result in intriguing clues about the mysterious graffiti that has been bothering the protagonist, Vilém. The Holocaust, or the Shoah, is a stark reminder of the consequences of war and the absence of compassion by its malefactors. Vilém learns about the dark period of history like no other, leaving an indelible knowledge that one cannot experience through books and stories. With Elyse Hoffman's impressive way of combining historical facts and fiction, Barrack Five is a thought-provoking reminder of the past for a better future.
Recommend this book:
Two Hearts’ Christmas Promise
Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 12
Tamara Ferguson
2021 Gold Medal
139 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Two Hearts' Christmas Promise is a work of fiction in the romance genre and is the latest installment in the Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Tamara Ferguson. The book follows the romance of Sean and Alexandra, who first meet as teenagers and then again as adults. Now an Air Force Lieutenant and news correspondent respectively they enjoy a magical Christmas together, culminating in their engagement. But one year later and Alexandra’s experiences in a dangerous war zone have left her scarred and unable to face her love, but Sean is determined to keep their Christmas promise to each other.
I’ve read several romance books now which follow the theme of a wounded soldier returning home and finding love with the woman who rehabilitates them into the world. What a refreshing change of pace it was to see Tamara Ferguson flip that script on its head and give readers an entirely new perspective by having the woman in the couple be the one scarred and in need of healing. It’s a risky strategy to mix up a winning formula so dramatically, but the resulting book is evidence that this author has the skill to make such a move and still produce an engaging and absorbing romance story. Sean is a wonderful romantic lead, and Alexandra’s perspective on returning from a dangerous world wounded and shocked is brilliantly done. Two Hearts' Christmas Promise is a must-read for avid fans of romantic literature. I heartily recommend it to all.
Two Hearts' Christmas Promise is a work of fiction in the romance genre and is the latest installment in the Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Tamara Ferguson. The book follows the romance of Sean and Alexandra, who first meet as teenagers and then again as adults. Now an Air Force Lieutenant and news correspondent respectively they enjoy a magical Christmas together, culminating in their engagement. But one year later and Alexandra’s experiences in a dangerous war zone have left her scarred and unable to face her love, but Sean is determined to keep their Christmas promise to each other.
I’ve read several romance books now which follow the theme of a wounded soldier returning home and finding love with the woman who rehabilitates them into the world. What a refreshing change of pace it was to see Tamara Ferguson flip that script on its head and give readers an entirely new perspective by having the woman in the couple be the one scarred and in need of healing. It’s a risky strategy to mix up a winning formula so dramatically, but the resulting book is evidence that this author has the skill to make such a move and still produce an engaging and absorbing romance story. Sean is a wonderful romantic lead, and Alexandra’s perspective on returning from a dangerous world wounded and shocked is brilliantly done. Two Hearts' Christmas Promise is a must-read for avid fans of romantic literature. I heartily recommend it to all.
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