Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Skylark: A Novel by Ruthie Morgan is an intense and emotional love story. Billie May fell in love with Evan on a dark, stormy night in London. She will do anything for him; she will be anything he wants her to be. But can she give him her whole world? Can she ever forgive him for taking it? Evan is a brilliant Irish artist and Billie finds herself deeply immersed in his world. But he has a dark side to him. Billie May gives up the future she had planned for herself to follow Evan across London, Scotland and Paris, finally ending up in St Cloud, a tiny island in the South Pacific. This is where they settle and make their home as they try to escape the past in pursuit of Evan’s dreams – not Billie May’s. Billie falls pregnant unexpectedly and gives birth to twins – a boy and a girl, both as different from each other as night and day. Evan finds himself having to face his demons, a mistake he made many years ago that is set to change things forever. What did he do? Will Billie May be able to stand it or is this just one more thing she will cope with to keep hold of Evan?

Skylark: A Novel by Ruthie Morgan is a stunning first novel dealing with obsession, betrayal and unconditional love against the odds. Ruthie Morgan is one of those rare authors that really does have a way with words. The novel is professionally written and clearly a great deal of thought has gone into it. I couldn’t help but “attach” myself to the characters. I laughed and cried, gripped by the story line of one of the best first novels I have read in years. I hope there is more where this came from; Ruthie Morgan deserves to be on the bestsellers list with books like this.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

In Family Secrets by DeAnn Daley Holcomb, readers are taken into the world of Jennalee and the secrets of her family. The book portrays three strong women; Jennalee, Charlene and Emma Cherie. All three are strong and powerful, but different from each other. While Jennalee is lovely and successful, Emma Cherie is steadfast and beautiful, and Charlene is controlling and clever. Set in Pleasant Valley, Texas, the story showcases the lives of three women who belong to different generations and how, in their journey of life, they go through many experiences that teach them to handle life. It's a story of love, loss, humor, drama and self-discovery.

Through the story, the author manages to convey a subtle message to readers on how to stay focused and keep trying in life, and not to give up following one's dream. The book has all the ingredients that will make it an excellent plot for a TV serial. As the author takes readers through three generations of the Holcomb family, she also weaves the life style of the small town of Texas into the plot. Life is all about the choices one makes and all the emotions depicted in the story are palpable. The romantic journeys of these three women are woven together with humor, drama and heartbreak, teaching them finally how to live their lives to the fullest. There is not too much romance in the novel. It's more of a literary novel which portrays the trials and tribulations of Charlene, Jennalee and Emma Cherie. A well-handled plot that also has a good message for readers.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

In Take a Load Off, Mona Jamborski by Joanna Franklin Bell, Mona lives by herself in a condo, and she hasn't left it for several years. She's always had a weight problem, but it's never been quite as bad as the 528 pounds her scale shows her now. She's had to figure out how to get the mail, her groceries and other necessities without going outside and, if at all possible, without letting anyone see her. Being this fat is so very humiliating and seeing the revulsion on people's faces as they look at her for the first time has become quite unbearable. Javier, the delivery man from the food store, knows to set the bags across the threshold. This happens about once a week. Mona is taken aback when the doorbell rings, and a new delivery man is standing out there with a second order on the day after Javier's delivery. He insists on placing the bags inside the door. His name is Moises, and he's about to change Mona's life.

Joanna Franklin Bell's novel, Take a Load Off, Mona Jamborski, is an inspiring and beautiful story about a woman who's been buried alive within herself and her home, and how her life changes when she finds a friend. Mona tells the reader about the careers she's had; and we see her drawing Moises' face from memory; and there's so much more to her than the numbers on a scale. She's smart and funny and very, very self-deprecating. Her valiant efforts to keep a spotlessly clean home and make sure she has enough cash on hand to over-tip the delivery personnel tug mightily at the heart. At times, I felt like I was reading a play, and I do think this would make for marvelous theater, especially those early scenes with Moises. Take a Load Off, Mona Jamborski is a very special story indeed, and it is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

What if? We all ask this and we often spend an enormous amount of time concocting various answers. In Lemongrass Hope, Kate gets her answer, and in a very surprising way. After a painful miscarriage that results in a marriage proposal and promises of a secure and happy future, her “what if” catches up with her. Kate and Rob marry, start a family, and lead a life of professional success; yet there is something missing. Thoughts of her first love haunt Kate with increasing fervor as she realizes that her marriage is not what she had hoped. And hope is exactly what Ian had provided, even if he wasn’t the “marrying” type. Kate was determined to hold the marriage together, even when she received a phone call from her husband’s mistress. It was time to create an escape plan. Her broken heart yearned for the man who always gave her hope. He had said that they would always find one another and she needed nothing more than for his promise to materialize.

I so loved this story. The characters are easy to relate to and, even with the rather strange turn of events, I believe in them. Even if they do not realize it, readers are constantly on the hunt for that novel; the story that is meant to be read at exactly the right time. Lemongrass Hope is that story. It is a timeless tale of love, awakening, and, above all, hope. Thank you, Amy Impellizzeri, for this gift to the many readers who are searching for "that story." I have found it. Lemongrass Hope is a marvelously realistically told story, if you believe in true destiny.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Johnnie Come Lately by Kathleen M. Rodgers unveils the world of Johnnie Kitchen. Johnnie comes from a family that is good at keeping secrets. Her mom has been missing for years, and she doesn't know why? Maybe the statue at Soldier’s Park knows the answer. Or, the bird that calls her name? Always vigilant, Johnnie looks for her mother in every stranger that crosses her path. Moreover, why is her dead uncle’s room a shrine? And why won’t her Grandpa let someone repair the dock? Questions with no answers. As a wife and a mother, Johnnie struggles with her own secrets. She is suffocating in her shame. Ultimately, she spews, dropping an A-bomb on her family. “All the lies, all the secrets, churned in her gut: growing, intensifying, climbing up her insides trying to escape.” Trying to move on, Johnnie finds herself living in two different dimensions: then and now.

Kathleen M. Rodgers writes a poignant story in Johnnie Come Lately. Powerful! Beautiful! Heartrending! Through the lives of her characters, Rodgers reveals the joys and burdens of motherhood, the trauma of war, and the ongoing battle of an eating disorder. She depicts the life of her protagonist with sincere realism. The supporting cast of characters brings out the worst and the best of the main character. There were several aspects of the novel I enjoyed. Namely, the symbolism of the statue, the bird, the dock and the painting. Using journal entries was an illuminating technique; they gave insight and flow to the plot. Lastly, the way Rodgers spoke directly to the heart of the reader. Warriors fight, they become battle weary, they lay down their lives for others. Some of the greatest warriors are mothers, they battle worry, fear and regret. They sacrifice all they are for their loved ones. Johnnie Come Lately portrays one woman’s will to overcome life’s tribulations through the power of love and the security of hope.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

In Renaissance of the Heart by Lori M. Jones, Amanda Lewis is in for the surprise of her life. She and her husband were happily married for the past fifteen years. They had it all and they had it good. But when her husband confessed to being gay, her life shattered into a million pieces. His being gay had nothing to do with it, but him keeping it from her for fifteen years took its toll on her. After a painful and teary divorce, she is resolved on getting her life back on track and keeping things as normal as possible for her teenage daughter. Little did she know that life had better things in store for her!

Just when she thought that her life could not be more boring and tedious, she meets Bradley. He is young, smart, handsome, and a famous NFL quarterback. The road ahead is not that easy, but she has to do a lot of soul searching before she can move forward and build a life for her and her daughter. Bradley is keen, but it is Amanda who has to forgive her past and be ready to live her future.

Renaissance of the Heart is such a beautiful story. Lori M. Jones has done a tremendous job with this moving story of a woman trying to find her place in the world after a heartbreaking revelation. Bradley is such an amazing guy. He is down to earth and very understanding. Amanda is a warrior, she deserves happiness and more. Plus, she does not need any man or someone else to help her figure out her life. She is smart enough to do that on her own. I loved that about her. I loved this story.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

A Whisper of Smoke is a historical coming of age story written by Angela Hoke. It's set in the 1960s in a suburb right outside of Louisville, Kentucky. While Susanna and her family live in a more suburban setting, her best friend Calvin and his family live on a farm that's literally across the street. That farm and the wilderness surrounding it form the background for the endless adventures the two friends and their siblings enjoy as they're growing up. Calvin's always been there for Susanna from the time they were small, but a game of truth or dare played out at night while sitting before a campfire has them sharing a kiss that seems absurd and yet unforgettable. While they continue on with their close friendship, nothing is ever said about that kiss, and each of them meet romantic partners and date.

Angela Hoke's historical coming of age story, A Whisper of Smoke, is lyrical and fueled by magic. It's told by Susanna who's learned from quite early on that her mother is capable of creating marvelous worlds and then turning into something cruel and frightening in an instant. Susanna's relationship with Calvin is inspired, each complementing the other's strengths and weaknesses, the two stronger synergistically than they ever could be apart. The letters they write to each other while he's serving in Vietnam are moving and so expressive of the times and troubles of a generation faced with a very different kind of war. Susanna sends a poem to Calvin that begins: "A letter from you is a surprise of stars in a velvet pouch."

I knew from the very beginning of A Whisper of Smoke that this was a book to savor and enjoy slowly, like a fine wine, from the funny stuff to the parochial school dances and the horseback rides through the country. It's a beautifully written and most compelling coming of age story that's got friendship and history and, not to be forgotten, magic, on almost every page. A marvelous achievement and an unforgettable story. A Whisper of Smoke is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Samantha Rivera for Readers' Favorite

Elizabeth is a woman whose sole purpose in life is to be a good wife and mother. She has no care in the world but to accomplish these goals and she works hard at them despite the treatment she is given at the hands of her husband. When Elizabeth falls ill suddenly during her pregnancy with their last child, her husband determines to have nothing to do with her. Unfortunately that means her children (including her newborn son) will also have nothing to do with her. It’s almost a year before Elizabeth is finally able to see her young children again, but even then things are not what they might seem in Cracks in the Sidewalk.

Cracks in the Sidewalk is the type of book that you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down. Elizabeth is a woman that any woman would be proud to be. She is able to roll with the punches and even when people behave in a reprehensible way towards her she is incapable of truly hating them and can only feel sorry for the love they don’t have. Her plight is one no mother would ever want to find herself in, but at the same time it is one that will draw you in. This is a heart-wrenching story but it is also a beautiful one of love and devotion and forgiveness. For Elizabeth’s children and her mother it is also a story of miracles and of overcoming any obstacle life may put in your way. An excellent book by Bette Lee Crosby.

Reviewed by Lia Simitsiadou for Readers' Favorite

Stealing Fire by Susan Sloate is the captivating narration of a unique love story, set in Los Angeles and New York in the '80s. It will appeal to all romantic hearts and will even manage to put a smile on the face of the cynics. It seems as fate itself takes action as Beau Kellogg and Amanda Harary, a most unlikely couple considering their sizable age difference but both with a burning passion for music and Broadway, are brought together in a ardent, all-consuming love affair. Their union will bring each one face-to-face with their personal issues and insecurities but will also cause hidden dreams and inspirations to emerge. As the plot seamlessly unfolds with Beau and Amanda trying to grasp what is happening to them, all the reader can do is read on breathlessly......what will become of the two lovers?

Stealing Fire is the rendition of a love worthy of standing among all those fated lovers worldwide - fictional or not. Beau and Amanda, Rhett and Scarlett, Father Ralph and little Maggie, Cleopatra and Anthony, Napoleon and Josephine...Susan Sloate very smoothly and artfully weaves in the story of Beau and Amanda with historical facts of Broadway and the atmosphere of the ‘80s, in a fast-paced, engaging but also realistic plot that does not tire but enthralls, allures and keeps the reader alert. It is definitely a must-read for avid enthusiasts of romantic literature, one that will leave an indelible mark in your heart and soul. In my humble opinion, if it were ever made into a movie, it would make a huge box-office hit!

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

At seventy-five years of age, Alice Williams is still a sharp, spunky character, but she does forget a few things. Her daughter Karen decides she can no longer live alone, and finds a place for her at the Sorrento Retirement Facility. Alice considers this a prison for old people, a place for them to die, and isn't going to stay, but she will look around for a bit. It doesn't take long for Alice to make a few friends, including a young girl named Lily who is doing community hours at the facility. She also meets an orange-haired woman named Ruby and they become fast friends. When a new man, Henry Taylor, joins their group, Alice is drawn to him, but Ruby likes him, too. Will this be the end of their friendship? While all this is going on, a theft occurs and Alice is determined to get to the bottom of it. Can Alice solve the mystery? Read Just Wondering by Jianna Higgins and find out.

The cover of Just Wondering really caught my eye, but the story inside really captured my imagination and wouldn't let go. Ms. Higgins easily grabbed me from the beginning pages with the character of Alice. She was such a funny character, even when she wasn't trying to be. She didn't hesitate to jump in and help a friend when she was being bullied, and I loved the way she didn't let the charge nurse Melanie Moth intimidate her. I really felt like Alice got a new lease on life by going to the Sorrento Retirement Facility, and it truly made me think differently about such places. The friendships that were made were wonderful, especially the friendships Lily made; it was just what she needed to boost her confidence. The character of Ruby Smith was great. I could easily imagine her, and honestly couldn't wait to see what she might say or do next!

There was never a dull moment with the story, and while there were a few serious moments, there were plenty of fun filled scenes. The mystery woven into the story wasn't easy to solve and lent a cozy feel to the story for me. While Just Wondering is the first book I have read by Jianna Higgins, it certainly won't be my last. Her writing style is engaging, her descriptions are very realistic, bringing the characters and setting to life. Anyone who enjoys a well-written, humorous read with strong characters won't be disappointed!