Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Women Who Stand Between by Jeannee Sacken is a stunning novel of perseverance in the face of adversity. Top wildlife cinematographer Julia Wilde is working in Southern Africa when she finds herself in the line of fire. A tragic accident has left crew members dead, and she’s being blamed for it. Unable to find work in the movie industry, she goes to work at a Midwestern university but discovers she has to make a movie if she wants to stay there. What follows is a journey through the heart of Zimbabwe, following a group of anti-poaching females called the Mambas. But the poachers aren’t about to let a camera get in the way, and they’ll do whatever they must to stop Julia from releasing the movie.

The Women Who Stand Between by Jeannee Sacken is an extremely powerful novel about the strength of a woman when the world seems to be against her. Be prepared for a wonderful journey through Africa, as the descriptive writing pulls you right into the story. Her firsthand knowledge shines through as you go on an amazing journey, and you’ll learn so much while you read. This gripping story is a tribute to the women who put their own lives on the line to protect endangered species. It’s also a wake-up call for the whole world to stand up and be counted, to stop destroying the planet we live on. The characters are strongly developed into individual people, each with their own unique personality and their own stories. With plenty of action and suspense, and some romance threaded through the story too, this book won’t disappoint any reader.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Reliable Narrator by Grace Sammon follows Darby Small as she struggles to survive. Darby is a ghostwriter living quietly in Croton-on-Hudson who has spent her entire life becoming invisible. It first started in her own family, then in the pages of other people's books. However, her invisibility façade cracks when her lifelong best friend Phoebe texts her out of nowhere. The two haven’t spoken to each other in a year. Phoebe is terminally ill and has one final, simple request. She wants Darby to write their story. As the two women reconnect between the Hudson Valley and the New Mexico desert, Darby is forced to confront the childhood wounds and family silences she's spent decades ghostwriting around in everyone else's lives but her own. She now has to face her demons and somehow come out of the ordeal victorious. But can she?

Author Grace Sammon did a fantastic job of creating such a believable character. Darby is the perfect protagonist. She is reliable, human, and makes the reader root for her from the beginning. I felt a connection with her, which surprised me. The author beautifully shows how someone skilled at capturing other people's truths can be so distant from her own. Watching her trust herself and write about her reality through her bond with Phoebe felt genuine. Phoebe herself is such a great character. Even from that very first camp memory, I realized that she is warm, funny, and completely unforgettable. She is exactly the kind of friend worth crossing silence for. The narrative is fantastic, and I enjoyed how the Hudson Valley and the New Mexico desert were described. It is very atmospheric, and I loved that. This novel deals directly with some heavy themes, including sexual abuse, grief, and suicide, but the author handles them with real care. The Reliable Narrator is a beautifully written story about friendship, memory, and finally being brave enough to tell your own story.

Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite

Becoming Mariella by Janet Constantino is a heartwarming story about Mariella Russo, a young woman from Sicily eager to find her path and break free from her family's expectations. She feels the weight of her mother Yolanda's dreams, who is excited at the thought of Mariella marrying Matteo, a charming young man from a well-respected, wealthy family. It’s a journey of self-discovery, love, and the struggle to find one’s voice amid family traditions. Torn between her love for Matteo and her fear of losing her independence, Mariella rebels against her family’s wishes. She escapes to San Francisco, where she finds herself in a whirlwind of new experiences, friendships, and love that force her to redefine her identity and confront her fears. As Mariella navigates her relationships with her mother and Matteo, she embarks on a heartfelt journey filled with love, personal freedom, and the strong bonds of family. She grows and discovers more about herself, learning to balance her dreams with her roots and the people she loves most.

I absolutely loved Becoming Mariella. It’s such a captivating and emotional story that tackles the tough balance between family loyalty and finding your path. Mariella's struggles felt real and relatable, and I was impressed with how the author brought her inner conflicts to life. The pacing was just right, mixing those intense, reflective moments with exciting twists in her journey, which kept me hooked the whole time. The characters, particularly Mariella and her mother, are well-developed, with each interaction revealing layers of cultural and generational tension. Mariella’s evolving relationship with Matteo adds an emotional complexity that enriches the narrative, showing love as both a comfort and a challenge to her dreams. The themes of identity, family expectations, and the quest for self really shine in this book, making it a journey that feels personal yet relatable. The author has a wonderful way of bringing both Sicily and San Francisco to life with such vibrant detail, making the settings just as engaging as the characters. Becoming Mariella is a touching and thought-provoking read that had me reflecting on the beautiful balance between who we are and our roots. You might just find it as inspiring as I did.

Reviewed by Donna Stevenson for Readers' Favorite

Harry Baxter is on a mission. As the headmaster of Northfields Academy, he has spent thirty years rebuilding the school's reputation and is close to attaining ‘outstanding’ status. Unfortunately, he will not achieve this goal because he will have the first of two serious heart attacks. In Daisy by J A Crawshaw, at 50 years of age, Harry is advised to retire. He moves from London to the Lake District to pursue an aspiring writing career. This is his next mission: to become a published writer. Although he has plenty of ideas for his novel, he finds it difficult to get them out of his head and on to paper. Then he meets Daisy, who becomes both his muse and his lover. Within a short time, his world is turned upside down, and he finds himself unsure of any future at all.

Daisy by J A Crawshaw is a wonderful, heartwarming story about love and the unending pain of love lost. The author has an engaging writing style that flows effortlessly, with vivid and colorful descriptions of nature and mountain scenery. A few significant events tug at the heartstrings, alongside the sadness of the ruptures between the two main characters, Harry and Finlay. I loved the scene where the two of them race down the mountain on sleds. Its significance becomes clear in later chapters as they grow older and their shared experiences mature. Although the ending was not a surprise, it still left me wishing it had not happened.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of human connection. Set against Montana’s breathtaking landscapes, the story follows Harriet Henderson, a widow navigating life after her husband’s death. Harriet’s world is turned upside down when she unexpectedly becomes the guardian of Audrey, a young girl who lost her mother in a tragic act of violence. The novel captures the complexities of grief and healing. Harriet’s journey from a strict, rule-bound life to one filled with love and spontaneity is inspiring. The author skillfully portrays Harriet’s internal struggles as she confronts her past, reevaluates her beliefs, and learns to embrace life's messiness.

Kim McCollum’s writing is captivating, drawing readers into Harriet’s world and making them feel genuinely involved in her journey. The pacing is well-timed, with moments of quiet reflection mixed with scenes of tension and drama. The relationships between Harriet, Audrey, and the supporting characters are expertly developed, highlighting the significance of found family and the bonds that can form in the most unexpected ways. Harriet Hates Lemonade is a story of hope and transformation, reminding readers that even in the face of unimaginable loss, it is possible to find joy and purpose. McCollum’s characters are authentic and endearing, and their struggles and triumphs are portrayed with sensitivity and care. This novel is a touching exploration of the human spirit and the power of love to heal and rebuild. Readers who appreciate heartfelt stories about personal growth, unexpected friendships, and the healing power of love will enjoy this book.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Finding Sutton's Choice by Brenda Haas, Charlotte Sutton returns to Lakeside, Ohio, after a phone call reveals her estranged father, former baseball writer Chuck Sutton, is developing Alzheimer’s disease. Charlotte plans to stay only long enough to help manage his medical appointments before returning to her advertising job in Pittsburgh, but life inside the Sutton family cottage quickly becomes far more complicated. Chuck’s failing memory threatens the future of The Lakeside Line newspaper he spent decades building, while fourteen-year-old Adam Sutton, the half-brother Charlotte never knew existed, forces her to face the issues of her parents’ marriage and her own absence from home. As winter settles over the Lake Erie shoreline community where Charlotte grew up, she becomes increasingly tied to the people, responsibilities, and unfinished relationships she once believed she had permanently left behind.

Brenda Haas writes about reconciliation with the observational patience of a novelist who understands that families usually repair themselves through small humiliations, guarded conversations, and reluctant acts of decency. Haas pays close attention to the social rituals binding the town together. During a Thanksgiving potluck inside the waterfront community hall, Charlotte quietly guides her father through moments of confusion while neighbors study casserole trays to spare him embarrassment. Later, she arrives at Sammy Macon’s salon carrying a red velvet apology cake that cannot erase the history between them, but still changes the room. Charlotte’s growing connection with Adam gives the novel much of its humanity. Lakeside itself feels fully inhabited through frozen Lake Erie sidewalks, crowded marina diners, Victorian cottages, and the lingering habits of small-town journalism. Readers drawn toward family fiction rooted in caregiving, estrangement, and closely connected Midwestern communities will love Finding Sutton's Choice.

Reviewed by Donna Stevenson for Readers' Favorite

In Teri M. Brown's novel, Peg, Unhinged, Peg and her husband have split. He left her. She credits the decline of her marriage to many things – his lack of contribution, both emotional and financial – but also to her change of life. Her son has moved in with his father, and her daughter has decided not to come home from college for the summer. This leaves Peg feeling lonely and unloved. Finally, her lodgers have decided to move out, which means less income and the loss of good friends. Then she starts to unravel, making professional and personal mistakes. She finds some solace in periodically speaking to God, asking for help to handle her emotional roller coaster life, and how to balance her personal menopause changes with her marital problems.

Teri M. Brown in Peg, Unhinged, knows how to portray menopause and its effect on the body and soul with humor. Her main character, Peg, is realistic, endearing herself to me with her emotional swings from Emotional Mess Peg to Professional I’ve Got This Peg. Sometimes I cringed at Peg’s life choices, which sent her spiraling, but the author was very adept at bringing her character back in line as Rational and Normal Peg. I rooted for her and found myself secretly hoping she wouldn’t do something I knew would get her in more trouble. I wanted her to overcome each mistake with confidence and find her way to a successful, happy second stage of her life. I really enjoyed this book!

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

A Collision with Love by Tricia T. LaRochelle is an emotionally charged story about Cassie Griffin, a successful lawyer, navigating the tension between her career ambitions and her marriage. While Cassie strives to achieve her goal of becoming a senior partner at her law firm, her husband, Daniel, is ready to start a family. A life-altering, near-miss accident forces Cassie to confront the growing divide between her personal and professional lives, questioning whether the dream of “having it all” is attainable. Can Cassie and Daniel find a middle ground for both of their wants and desires? Can Cassie have the best of both worlds? Or will she have to decide between her passion and the love of her life?

Author Tricia T. LaRochelle did a wonderful job of creating a believable story. Cassie’s struggles are deeply relatable for anyone who has grappled with competing priorities and societal expectations. The characters are well-rounded and created with care. Cassie’s inner conflict and Daniel’s love create a compelling emotional story for readers to enjoy. The narrative style is clear and engaging. The near-miss accident is a key moment in the plot and makes it more entertaining. The tension created by this conflict drives the narrative and keeps the reader engaged. The setting of Richmond, Virginia adds a touch of realism to the story. LaRochelle excels in portraying a marriage's raw emotions and hard choices tested by ambition and compromise. A Collision with Love is a touching and thought-provoking romance that resonates with the universal struggle to find balance in a demanding world.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Dottie Hogan hopes to start working at a gallery her Aunt Lois owns in Blue Holly, a small Appalachian town where she spent summers in her childhood. Dottie is almost broke after a painful divorce. She is not ready to take another blow: her aunt closes the gallery and moves to Belize to help Dottie's mother with her project. Lois offers Dottie the opportunity to reconstruct an old hardware store named the Red Arrow. If Dottie succeeds, the Red Arrow becomes hers. Dottie accepts the challenge, intending to remake the Red Arrow into a brewery. While some locals, including the handsome Crawford Woody, support Dottie's effort, she braces herself for the battle with the old-fashioned town disapproving of alcohol and any novelties. Fans of drama, romance, and women's fiction will enjoy Back to Blue Holly by Beth Pride.

Beth Pride's Back to Blue Holly is a stirring debut that touches readers deeply, motivating them to achieve their goals no matter what. Dottie's insecurities bring her closer to the reader. Beth uses Dottie to demonstrate that we can turn our insecurities into strengths. The author encourages us to try something new even if it seems scary. The renovation of the Red Arrow is a powerful metaphor for rebuilding Dottie's life. At first, the store looks horrible, but Dottie and her helpers gradually restore it despite obstacles and dangers. Beth portrays Dottie as a woman who can fiercely fight her adversaries, like Fannie Fraser, an old foe of Aunt Lois. Yet, Dottie has a gentle soul and a compassionate heart. Her search for inner clarity drives the riveting first-person narration. Beth crafts endearing secondary characters, like the larger-than-life Rosa Lee, and adds a thrilling touch of mystery and a beautiful romance to this character-driven novel with exciting twists and a satisfying ending.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

The Other Side of Nothing by Anastasia Zadeik is a powerful and moving novel. It follows Julia Reeves, an eighteen-year-old, as she tries to find a way to escape from the pain and guilt that consume her. Her father made her believe in a world of beauty, poetry, grace, and second chances, but now he is gone forever. She failed once again to end the feelings of agonizing numbness and emptiness. Fortunately, Julia wants to believe in something again, so she decides to check herself into a psychiatric facility. Soon, she meets Sam Lorenzo, a 23-year-old suicide attempt survivor. Sam makes her believe in a future filled with beauty, no guilt, and one with him. Thus, she agrees when he asks her to see places, create things, and immortalize beauty together. She now believes they can save and fix each other. But will Julia be able to save Sam from himself?

The Other Side of Nothing is an insightful novel about loss, mental illness and its challenges, second chances, love, hope, and moving on. Anastasia Zadeik delivers some of the most interesting, in-depth, and thoughtfully crafted characters I've ever encountered, particularly Sam. This story reminds us that we can never truly know what's in the mind or soul of another person. It shows the importance of love, understanding, and acceptance within a family, asking for help when feeling overwhelmed, and talking openly about mental health. It explores the desire to live courageously, to control your own life, to accept who you are, and to choose your own path. This is one of those absorbing stories that leave a handprint on our hearts, and we can all learn something from it.