Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Sparrows by Rose Betit follows Isabelle, a young girl whose childhood is affected by poverty, family instability, and the difficult choices made by the adults around her. The story traces Isabelle’s early years as she and her older brother, Stevie, struggle with their Southern-born mother before eventually being separated from one another. As Isabelle grows older and her circumstances change, she meets new people and has experiences that gradually shape the person she becomes. Among the most important of these is Evelyn, a girl who becomes Isabelle’s closest friend and whose presence brings into Isabelle’s world what she desperately needs: companionship, confidence, and someone who is willing to stand beside her without hesitation.

I found Sparrows by Rose Betit to be an incredibly emotional and deeply personal read. The author captures the voice of a young child remarkably well, allowing readers to experience confusing, painful, and sometimes frightening situations through innocent eyes. Isabelle often misunderstands adult conversations or interprets difficult events in unexpected ways, creating moments that are both heartbreaking and quietly beautiful. The relationships between the characters carry the story, and Evelyn becomes one of the most significant relationships in Isabelle’s life. Their friendship is especially touching because Evelyn is outspoken, brave, imaginative, and unafraid to do what others might shy away from, and Isabelle clearly admires these qualities. They become almost like sisters sharing adventures, dreams, laughter, and the difficulties surrounding them. The world-building is around lived experiences, and it succeeds because of its vivid detail. Overall, Sparrows is a beautifully written coming-of-age story about resilience, family, friendship, loss, and the enduring strength of hope in the face of adversity.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Not Quite Home is a moving slice-of-life drama by Temple Lentz. When Erica Ford hears Claire Anderson's speech at the Portland Promise annual fundraising luncheon, she thinks the rich donor is just having an off day. Erica is one of the outreach workers who helps people with addiction, mental illness, and trauma from abuse. Despite her initial misgivings, Erica agrees to help Claire and work toward a tiny houses project that will offer shelter to ten "unhoused" women. However, they face stiff opposition from City Council members and even people from the neighborhood. As they work together, they bond with these women and come to terms with their own pasts. When the CPS takes Wendi’s children away, Claire and Erica help her fight her custody battle.

Not Quite Home is a moving story about privilege, kindness, and empathy. It sheds light on the plight of people left homeless due to a myriad of life's unfortunate circumstances. Temple Lentz draws on her own NGO background to present a grounded and nuanced take on issues that still plague society. Even with good intentions, there are significant hurdles to helping unhoused people. The author does a brilliant job of showing those challenges through a heartfelt narrative that has you engaged from beginning to end. You feel for each of these women and find yourself immersed in their stories. I loved the different character dynamics in this book. Claire and Erica's unexpected partnership, as well as Claire's bond with Wendi, were some of the novel's highlights for me. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

In the Shadow of Silence by Rae Dumont examines the complexities of family relationships, mental health, and the lasting effects of loss. The story focuses on Eva, a psychiatrist, mother, and widow, as she deals with the aftermath of her husband Lyman's suicide. Through her journey, readers are invited into the personal struggles of a family grappling with grief, guilt, and the search for healing. The narrative offers emotional depth, capturing the raw and often conflicting feelings of each character. The novel vividly shows how depression can spread through a family, impacting each member in different ways. Eva's expertise as a psychiatrist adds an interesting layer to the story, as she tries to balance her clinical knowledge with her personal pain and her children's needs. The structure, shifting between past and present, allows readers to see the growth of Eva and Lyman's relationship and the effect of his mental health on their family. The flashbacks offer insight into the love and connection they shared, making the loss even more heartbreaking.

Rae Dumont's writing is evocative, capturing the beauty of Vermont's landscapes and the quiet moments of reflection that punctuate the narrative. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the emotional weight of the story to be fully absorbed while offering moments of hope and light. In the Shadow of Silence is a powerful story that provides a profound look at the human capacity to endure and find meaning in the face of tragedy. This debut novel is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving work that speaks to the heart. It’s written with such emotion that it’s hard to believe it’s fiction. Readers of Jodi Picoult will appreciate Dumont's story for its emotionally charged exploration of family, mental health, and the complexities of human relationships. One thousand stars!

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Janell Strube’s Adélaïde: Painter of the Revolution is set in eighteenth-century Paris. Adélaïde Labille dreams of becoming a professional painter despite laws and artistic institutions that reserve this arena for men. Encouraged by her father while facing relentless pressure from her mother to secure a respectable marriage, Adélaïde enters the artistic world surrounding François Vincent, a young painter whose future expands through opportunities permanently denied to women. After a brutal marriage nearly destroys her ability to work, she rebuilds her life by creating a studio where vulnerable young women can study painting while earning the means to survive in a city increasingly affected by poverty, political unrest, and public anger toward the monarchy. As revolutionary violence spreads throughout Paris, Adélaïde tries to get recognition for female artists while protecting the career she spent decades building.

Janell Strube’s Adélaïde is a spectacular historical novel set during the years of the collapsing Bourbon monarchy before the French Revolution. The author does a wonderful job of steeping her story in period details. The author slowly fleshes out Adélaïde, and we see her evolve over quite a bit of time. Strube gives the same treatment to the ancillary characters, and I love Claudette, a housekeeper who represents ordinary French citizens. Having lost everything, she's refreshingly open in criticizing the monarchy. Where Strube shines brightest is in her ability to breathe life into each setting, from Adélaïde’s enormous workshop inside the King’s Library with its scaffolding and apprentice sleeping quarters, to Versailles and its richly dressed royal princesses and their fashion complaints. Well written and immersive, this is the perfect read for those who adore historical feminism and artistic life in eighteenth-century Paris. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Anne Moose pens a poignant “southern way” story in Arkansas Summer. Hannah’s father dies suddenly of a heart attack! She adored her father, so much so she followed in his footsteps, becoming an attorney as well. Hannah and her mother, Catherine, mourn his loss. Although despairing, Catherine decides to tell Hannah about the events that led up to her birth. Sitting on the beach, Catherine begins to tell the story. Suddenly, the year 1986 rewinds to the summer of 1955. Out of college for the summer, Catherine travels to her grandparents' farm in Arkansas. She was nine years old the last time she visited. Her grandfather had recently died. Catherine comes to help her father settle the estate and help with her aging grandmother. Upon her arrival, Catherine is flooded with warm memories of her last visit to the farm. She remembers Jimmy and how they innocently played together as children, never considering the differences between her being a white girl from California and him being a black boy from Arkansas. However, as adults in 1955, it would be extremely dangerous for them to have any relationship. After learning that Jimmy was home from college for the summer, Catherine was giddy and anxious to see him again. Catherine and Jimmy are vehemently warned, yet the passion between them is strong. This summer in Arkansas would change the course of their lives forever.

Arkansas Summer by Anne Moose is a gripping story of love and loss. It is obvious the Civil Rights Movement had an intense influence on the author. The story reflects the depth of emotion and research behind every penned word. The narrative traverses two distinctly different story settings. As a reader, you truly cross over the forbidden tracks of time. The "southern way” with its Jim Crow laws once ruled the South. It is during this horrific time in history that Arkansas Summer unfolds. The conflict of the narrative is man versus man. Yet, it is also between innocence and guile. The characterization is above reproach. Moose depicts the heartless and hopeful, the passionate and the vile side by side. The ebb and flow, the ups and downs of the action keep your heart entangled and in turmoil. Each character has their moment of reckoning; however, the transformation of Mama Rae (Catherine's grandmother) is the most shocking and admirable. I applaud the character development of the main characters; they evolve and grow buffeted by time and adversity. As the story reaches its apex and the action begins to fall, I exhaled, believing this would be the perfect end. However, Anne Moose goes deeper into the denouement, penning an unforgettable end to a remarkable story. Anne Moose’s Arkansas Summer is an inspiring and impassioned piece of historical fiction.

Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite

In Exit Velocity by Barbara Gregorich, Rowan Pickett grapples with grief, unemployment, and societal tensions while encountering a mysterious parrot. Amidst her struggles, she seeks help from Titus Longshaw, navigating interruptions from Jake Terranova and encounters with Zeb Snoddy. Securing a job boosts her confidence, leading her to advocate for social justice and women's rights. However, she faces numerous challenges at work, and things get even more complicated when she has a confrontation with Snoddy, putting her newfound stability at risk. As tensions escalate, Rowan mobilizes her community and allies to demand justice, showcasing resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The title captures the essence of the story by comparing to physics the speed at which an object leaves a particular space or system. Metaphorically, it can represent how strongly people keep going despite facing tough times.

Barbara Gregorich's writing style is engaging and descriptive. Her attention to detail and skill in conveying emotions make the story interesting. The characters are complex and relatable, each struggling with their internal conflicts and external pressures. Rowan's resilience in the face of grief and unemployment, Jake's moral dilemma regarding his interview with Rowan, and Deeply's mysterious mission on Earth all contribute to the depth of the story. The parrot (Deeply) adds intrigue and suspense, keeping readers engaged and curious about its significance. Its involvement in pivotal scenes heightens tension and unpredictability, enhancing the overall story. The discussion of societal justice is of paramount importance as it reflects the real-world issues and challenges faced by many individuals today. From gun control to economic inequality, the characters grapple with complex social issues that resonate with readers on a personal and emotional level. Themes such as loss, self-discovery, and ethical duty are intricately intertwined, evoking deep reflection and emotional connection. Exit Velocity is a captivating narrative that showcases bravery and resilience amid life's challenges. Ultimately, readers will find themselves deeply moved and inspired by its powerful message of hope, making it a genuinely compelling and impactful story. It is highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Home for the Bewildered by Michelle Tobin is a poignant novel that delves into social issues surrounding mental health in 1970s Lansing, Michigan. The story follows Dr. Dorothy Morrissey, the first female psychologist at St. Lawrence Asylum, as she navigates her complex relationships with her patients amid a changing societal landscape. As Dorothy grapples with her patients' chaotic lives, she simultaneously confronts her own personal emotional turmoil and the strain on her relationship with her boyfriend, Kenneth. The novel explores the challenges of healing, both for patients and the healer herself. Tobin offers her readers a nuanced perspective on the struggles faced by healthcare professionals and patients during a time of societal upheaval and shines a light on how little support there was for either party during the 1970s. Her ability to present the inner lives of her characters with empathy and authenticity helps readers understand their experiences and struggles.

I loved the narrative style that gives different snapshots of patients from Dorothy’s educated but highly empathetic perspective. Each person is vividly drawn and multi-dimensional in their description and dialogue, each representing different facets of emotion and strain. Dorothy evolves throughout the story at the center of all these experiences, grappling with her own vulnerabilities while striving to support her patients. The intricate character work around her narration and dialogue invites readers to connect on a deeply personal level. At its core, the novel explores the theme of self-healing from every possible angle. Michelle Tobin poignantly illustrates that the journey to understanding oneself can be as complex as that of helping others, which is a strong message to take away from a deeply engaging character-led drama. Overall, Home for the Bewildered is an important and powerful read that will impress fans of emotive storytelling. It also has a lot to teach us about healing and how we view and treat others around us.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Indelicate Deception by V.S. Kemanis is a poignant literary novel exploring family secrets, self-deception, and the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter. Caty Robertson grows up idolizing her father, Roy, a loving and resilient Vietnam veteran-turned-chef. Though her childhood is filled with his warmth and vivid stories, there’s one glaring omission: her mother, Lenore. Caty constructs a romanticized version of her parents’ love story whilst she's young, and this is set against the backdrop of 1970s Berkeley in a time of social upheaval and personal transformation. Lenore, a passionate law student, and Roy, a wounded soldier, were bound by love but divided by race, class, and ideals. When Caty begins to question why Lenore disappeared from their lives, she embarks on a quiet but determined investigation. What she uncovers shatters her carefully crafted narrative, forcing her to confront the painful realities of love, loss, and self-delusion. With evocative prose and a gripping emotional core, Kemanis delivers a tale that questions how well we ever truly know the ones we love.

Author V.S. Kemanis offers readers a beautifully written and emotionally rich novel that lingers in your mind between chapters because of the messages it delivers about how important family influences are in our development and future happiness. Kemanis masterfully weaves a multigenerational mystery that has superb pacing and a lot of interesting revelations, and this is mixed with authenticity and close narration that lets you feel everything Caty feels in heart-wrenching detail. I was also really interested in the subtle discussion of the narratives we build to protect ourselves and how it feels when that all falls away. Overall, Indelicate Deception is both an intimate character study and a larger reflection on societal change that I would certainly recommend.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Saving Phoebe Murrow by Herta Feely is a modern tale of the struggle between parent and child. DC lawyer Isabel is trying her best to protect her daughter, keep her safe, but things go awry when Phoebe meets Shane on Facebook. Shane is a stranger, but that doesn’t stop Phoebe from flirting, treading in dangerous waters. Then Phoebe becomes the victim of a cyber-bullying event, one that pushes her over the edge with terrifying consequences. Isabel will find out who did this to her daughter and she will have justice, no matter what it takes. Protecting her daughter is all that matters and Isabel will do everything in her power to save Phoebe Murrow.

Saving Phoebe Murrow by Herta Feely is a story that is close to many people’s hearts. There are parents the world over who would do anything to protect their children from harm but, these days, the harm is often invisible or online. This was a compelling read with a gripping story line that kept me reading right to the end. The character development was done so well that it was impossible not to fall into their lives, to feel as though I were living their stories alongside them. These are characters that so many mothers, daughter, fathers, and sons will be able to identify with. This is a dramatic story, as close to real life as a fictional book can get without being classed as a non-fictional true account, and it is also incredibly thought provoking. This is the kind of book that should be included in school reading as it something that has the potential to affect every school-age child. Great book, I really enjoyed it.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Kill for You by Nichole Rose and Nichole Fallon is a new adult romance that begins with Faith, a prisoner with the Bratva gang, where she's been abused for years. Her mother has absconded, and the only piece of Faith left intact is her virginity, but even that is tenuous since it will ultimately be auctioned off. When the bar she is forced to work at is shot up, Faith has to decide whether to help the investigating cops and accept witness protection. She decides to do this. After the downfall of the detail protecting her, Detective Octavio Hernandez takes Faith under his wing. Octavio has his own reasons for wanting to see the gang destroyed, but the relationship he and Faith end up having makes revenge all the more important; so important that Octavio would be willing to kill to protect her. “One way or another, I'm going to make sure Tarasova and his men pay for everything they did to her.”

Kill for You by Nichole Rose and Nichole Fallon is a spectacularly charged book that shows real skill in both writing and character work. Rose and Fallon go a long way in making sure to respect the characters’ pain, and Faith’s trauma is treated with care, as is Octavio’s. Octavio is sensitive toward Faith, which is a refreshing change in an alpha male main character. The writing has a smooth, natural style that is easy to follow, and every single scene has meaning and intent. The story has crazy chemistry and the added intensity of both Faith and Octavio, because the former is a virgin and the latter has been celibate, making the push and pull more believable. Multiple subplots are blended right in, with plenty of twists that all land at just the right pace. The authors build a steady momentum toward a bold and satisfying finish. I loved every page and hope the Warrior for Her series continues. Very highly recommended.