Reviewed by C.R. Hurst for Readers' Favorite

Finding Isobel by Mary Behan follows a young woman’s journey of self-discovery that leads her to question her current path and to find her future by uncovering her past. Isobel appears to have a bright future ahead of her. She is in a committed relationship with a good man and has plans to enroll in a veterinarian program until she discovers her employer and good friend, Maggie, has committed suicide. In her suicide note, Maggie urges Isobel to meet with her estranged adoptive parents to learn more about her biological parents. Isobel takes her advice and, despite her boyfriend’s misgivings, travels alone to New Zealand. There she meets new friends, reconnects with her adoptive parents, and learns some dark truths about her birth parents' troubled life in war-torn Bosnia.

I found Isobel’s journey a realistic one. Although many of her decisions often seemed foolish and short-sighted to me, I nevertheless understand how a young woman could make them. Driven by a need for self-knowledge and never having parents who were willing to offer her guidance, she must face her past and plan for her future primarily on her own – though she does meet some colorful characters along the way. My favorite was a Maori woman named Stan, a cantankerous and independent soul, who befriends Isobel and offers some diverting comic relief in Finding Isobel. Author Mary Behan is especially good at creating characters whom readers can both laugh with and root for – similar to those we might meet in our own lives if we are lucky enough.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Sea Glass Memories by Anne Marie Bennett is a romantic story about love, loss, and healing. It is the second installment in her Seahaven Sunrise Book series. Elena Jeffries, a grieving woman, moves to Seahaven to start afresh and be close to her brother, Carlos. She plans to concentrate on her work as a new English teacher and keep to herself. Her plan fails because the members of the Seahaven community make her feel welcome and treat her like they have known her all their lives. She starts interacting with them and meets Kit, the owner of the apartment she is staying in, Ryan, a stage actor who emits energy that Elena finds familiar, and Jonathan, a colleague who makes her feel comfortable. Her new experiences help her open up to others, and she begins to grow and heal.

Sea Glass Memories is a heart-stirring story that covers multiple themes about grief and moving on. Anne Marie Bennett tells the story from Elena's present point of view, with flashbacks from Kit's past. I loved this because it was unique, and the two storylines blended perfectly and complemented each other. Kit lost a loved one in the past, and her journey was like Elena's. The story also explores the idea of destiny and fate. Elena kept receiving signs in Seahaven that made her realize she was meant to be there. Everyone she met gave her something that helped her release her pain and live a happier life. The story feels realistic because the characters have natural chemistry, casual conversations, and mature relationships. The book also contains two mystery plots: Ryan's familiar energy and Elena's secret, which she refuses to share with anyone. The story is well-written, and the book has beautiful designs. I loved reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a romance novel that addresses grief and finding new love.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Dark Enough to See the Stars by Beth Duke revolves around Ronni, a compassionate nurse and accomplished author, who receives an emotional email from Gary Harris, who claims to be the son of a man she wrote about in her book. Discussing the situation with her husband Rick, they decide to prioritize their own lives against the challenging backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interspersed throughout their narrative are flashbacks of Ronni and Rick's journey, including their wedding and honeymoon. Meanwhile, in Anniston, Alabama in 1946, we are introduced to Sam, a talented photographer who captures a perfect yearbook photo of Violet. These intertwining stories gradually unfold, shedding light on the resilience and strength of the characters as they navigate love, loss, and self-discovery in the face of adversity.

I really liked the way that Dark Enough to See the Stars by Beth Duke played out in scenes that frequently read like vignettes, with pieces woven together to make one comprehensive story but with each of those same pieces having the strength to stand alone. There is a full emotional landscape that makes Duke's composite wonderfully character-driven, an appropriate maneuver given its anchoring in the pandemic. For instance, when Ronni O'Shea is grappling with a loss, she engages in deep conversations with Max and they bond over shared histories and mutual comfort in a way they never would have in another timeline. The lingering shadow of COVID-19 marks Ronnie's life through various characters as well. Ronnie's friend Deanna grapples with the absence of Max and Elise who are affected by the pandemic's travel restrictions. Meanwhile, Samuel, Max and Elise's son, is overwhelmed by the pressures of store construction delays, a stark repercussion of the economic slowdown during the pandemic. Duke writes an effective and engrossing contrast of experiences to provide portraits of life amidst a global crisis and it is a brilliant tribute to the losses and triumphs of then vs now. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Hollyland: A Novel is an engaging work in the women’s fiction and romance subgenres. It is best suited to the mature reading audience due to moderate sex references and adult language and was penned by author Patricia Leavy. In this charming and exciting work filled with interpersonal drama and starstruck chaos, we witness the fallout when an ordinary writer falls for a famous actor. Dee Schwartz and Ryder Field are bonded by the shared pain of parental loss, and this brings the unlikely pair together when love suddenly strikes. As their lives both rapidly shift as a result of their pairing, traumas of the past rear their ugly heads and threaten to jeopardize the fragile new happiness that they’ve discovered.

Author Patricia Leavy weaves a lot of excitement, charm, and romance into this concise and highly engrossing novel, one which I’d say is absolutely ideal for a holiday read or a cozy night in getting lost in a great story. The character development is the standout feature of the work, with a lot of care taken in the dialogue, presentation, and close narration of both Dee and Ryder as they take a chance of love and bare their past hurts and their raw souls in the process. Under the Hollywood spotlight, things get intense, and the action really ramps up in the latter section of the book to offer a superb climax filled with suspense. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Hollyland to fans of romance and women’s fiction everywhere; you will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Forbidden Blossom (Skyline Mansion Book 1) by Nola Li Barr is the first of a series of books that deals with issues such as family, love, and cross-cultural relationships through the eyes of a young Taiwanese American, Anne Huang. Since graduating college, Anne has traveled the world indulging her passion for exploration, meeting new people, learning about new cultures, and experiencing different social environments. Whilst she is home visiting her mom, she is surprised to receive a letter requesting her to attend the reading of a will for a man she has never met nor even ever heard of. When she discovers she is an heiress who has been left billions by this man, her life is changed forever. Not only must she deal with the man’s greedy and jealous immediate family, but she must also somehow unravel the mystery of why this great fortune was left to her. The discovery of Ah Po’s (Grandmother) journal in the house she has inherited begins the process of unraveling a family mystery that stretches back to the mid-1940s. Told through the eyes of Anne and her Ah Po/Rose’s journals, she begins to piece together the circumstances that have led her here. It seems, though, that every discovery raises new questions about who she really is and what direction her life will take her now.

Forbidden Blossom is a simple, fun, and easy-to-read book that poses some interesting questions about who we are, racism, sexism, and the anti-immigrant and especially anti-Asian rhetoric that has infected America far longer than just since the Covid-19 crisis. Author Nola Li Barr has undoubtedly drawn on her own experiences in formulating the young, feisty character of Anne Huang, easy to empathize with and root for but by the same token, on occasions, her extreme naivety gave her a deeper, more complex personality. I appreciated the split nature of the narrative that was told through Anne’s perceptions of the current time and Rose’s eyes, through her journals, back in the 1940s. This certainly gave the story the extra dimension it needed. The romantic angle in the story was subtle and readers will still be left wondering about Sebastian’s true motives. This conflict of interest was one of the highlights of the narrative. The latest family secret revealed at the end sets the stage perfectly for the second book and I’m excited to discover what new twists Anne, her mother, and Sebastian will discover on their forthcoming journey to Taiwan. I enjoyed this easy read and can highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

When Alice succumbed to cancer, her final request to her friends entailed spreading her ashes in the Ghost Ranch of New Mexico. To fulfill this wish, Cathy, Linda, and Betsy decide to take a road trip in an RV. Driving an RV might be a tad troubling when you are in your sixties, but the trio is determined to enjoy every moment of this journey. However, when they meet a wounded stray dog one night, they need to alter their course. The women must visit the nearby RV park to get the little dog checked by the resident vet. However, once they settle down in the park and befriend the community, a series of unforeseen events follow. Read The Tea Drinker’s Guide to Adventure, a novel by Andrée Jannette, to learn what happens to the three friends.

The novel evoked a gentle, soothing feeling right from the first page. Jannette’s ‘showing not telling’ approach to establish the characters made them quite endearing. I loved the mutual affection Cathy, Linda, and Betsy shared, each ready to do their best for the others. At the same time, I admired how they gave each other space and respected their decisions. The loving community at the RV park, especially the ever-patient Ben and the ever-helpful Alfreda, were simply the best. Throughout the story, Jannette showed how our non-human friends bring us unconditional love. Jannette’s portrayals of various age-related issues and the associated uncertainties tugged at my heart. Yet, the novel also showed how age could be less of a constraint if we have supportive friends to see us through life’s ordeals.

Andrée Jannette’s book conveyed the profound message that age was never a boundary in love or friendship. You could easily form lifelong bonds or feel the excitement of new love at a mature age. The novel contains epic adventures and humorous misadventures, and it is up to the reader to determine which is which. From harrowing life-and-death situations to refreshing naps and hearty meals, The Tea Drinker’s Guide to Adventure seems to cover everything. Reading this wholesome, comforting book was like sipping a warm cup of tea at the end of an exhausting day.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Becoming Crone is the first book of The Crone Wars series by Lydia M. Hawke. Claire Emerson isn't too excited about her sixtieth birthday party. Recently divorced and feeling a bit lost, all she wants is some purpose in her life. But her life turns upside down when her young grandson gifts her a magnifying pendant for her birthday. Overnight, she finds herself thrust into a world of magic and danger as she comes to terms with being hailed as a Crone in service to the Goddess Morrigan. With a sentient gargoyle for a teacher and an irresistibly attractive wolf shifter as her protector, Claire must fend off Shades and Gnomes sent by evil Mages who will go to any lengths to ensure her downfall and get her pendant. Will Claire learn to use her newfound powers in time to protect her loved ones?

It's rare for a fantasy book to have a sixty-year-old grandmother as the main heroine of the story. Becoming Crone does just that, and it feels like a breath of fresh air. Lydia M. Hawke draws inspiration from Briton and Saxon medieval mythology to weave an absorbing yarn full of magic, mystery, and intrigue that will keep you engaged from start to finish. In the beginning, all Claire wants is a direction in life, but near the end, she questions herself as to whether it was all worth it. Her evolution as a person who reluctantly accepts her new role is the prime focus of the narrative. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, definitely check this one out.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Seasons Out of Time by Kimberly Wenzler is a wonderful story for fans of women's fiction. Heather Harrison is separated, and ironically, she writes an advice column that offers surprising answers to people involved in relationships, opening new perspectives, and challenging them. Then a man who is almost two decades younger than Heather comes into her life. The excitement is very strong and the romance transporting. But her new romance attracts a lot of criticism from others. But that isn’t all; there is the burden of a powerful secret. Can she muster enough courage to live through what she is asking for?

There is so much to enjoy in this novel, a story that uses the epistolary style at the opening of each chapter to offer relationship advice and insights to readers. They are sometimes witty and at times just questions from the minds of readers. Dear Aunt Emma is a character that readers will adore and this character made me wonder. If Kimberly Wenzler doesn’t already run a column that provides relationship advice, then I feel strongly that she should consider it. The prose is simply gorgeous and the author has this unique talent for exploring the hearts and the humanity of her characters with so much clarity that readers can see through them. Seasons Out of Time is a story of love, self-discovery, and one that compels the reader to listen keenly to their own heart. It is psychologically and emotionally rich, with characters that feel and act like the people we know and live with. Entertaining and inspiring.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

Megan Barnes was an investigative reporter who got fired from her job in New York. She also caught her boyfriend in bed with a neighbor on the same day. After Megan lost it all, she ran back to her mother’s home in Chicago, but things happened. Megan met the iconic Jocelyn Jones, an investigative journalist, and her mother entered the race to become a United States Congresswoman. Megan landed a job in Jocelyn’s PR team. Things fell apart when someone tweeted an accusation that could destroy Jocelyn’s polished career that spanned four decades. The burden fell on Megan to save her mentor’s reputation, but her findings led to blackmail and threats that put her mother in the line of fire. What will Megan do? Find out how Truth and Other Lies by Maggie Smith unravels.

An adored mentor, a starry-eyed protégée, and her mother’s love! Truth and Other Lies by Maggie Smith was a fantastic book that started on a light note, eased me in, and then took off. It sustained the fast-paced momentum until the end, with a satisfying cliffhanger. The novel explored manipulation and the struggle to remain honest in a world where the privileged win. What would you do if a situation made you choose between upholding the truth/moral ethics and protecting your loved one? That was a question I kept asking myself. This novel highlighted idolization and hero worship. No one is perfect, and humans have many layers, especially those in power. We should admire but never fall for the facade. Maggie has a talent for spinning stories and showed it in her classic writing. The story was relatable and realistic, especially for professionals. I loved the excellent plot, character development, and pace of the novel. The end left me hungry for more because it was not over. Great job, Maggie!

Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

The Golden Hearts Club by Cinda K. Swalley features two sisters from Ohio and their adventures while traveling across the country. Megan and Katie had been preparing for the trip over the past year. The two girls embark upon their drive and head to Florida. While sitting in their tent, they create The Golden Hearts Club, stating that anyone who showed an act of kindness would become a member. As they travel to Arizona, Katie falls ill and Megan stops at an old inn. A Native American innkeeper allows the girls to stay in a room. Rose helps Megan nurse Katie back to health. Back on the road, the girls enter California. Because of her attraction to horses, Katie convinces Megan to stop and enter a pasture to see some up close. A man approaches when he sees the girls trespassing. Did they run away? What kind of trouble did Katie get them in?

Cinda K. Swalley created a beautiful adventure story. The Golden Hearts Club title fits the overall theme of the book. What I liked the most about the story was the actual idea of sharing kindness with people, expecting nothing in return. During today’s constant turmoil, this idea would resolve many differences. Katie and Megan put into play their idea in every encounter they had with people. While the story changes narratives, the transitions were natural and their emotions were relatable. I could connect to Katie. Her personality and hobbies are the mirror image of mine. The artistic descriptions of the places the sisters traveled to would be perfect for a travel guide. I could envision every moment as though I were traveling with Katie and Megan. The Golden Hearts Club is a book that anyone could fall in love with. It is full of adventure, colorful characters, humor, and promotes the kindness that we all need.