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!

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Rick and Abby find themselves being thrown together after many years in Pressed Pennies by Steven Manchester. Rick and Abbey are childhood friends who fall in love while young and then break up. Though they meet again and find themselves falling in love again and want to make up for lost time, there are other factors in their lives now which work as obstacles to their love story. Paige, Abby’s daughter, is very comfortable with being in her mother’s space all the time and does not seem to welcome Rick’s presence in her mother’s life. Rick, on the other hand, has no experience in handling kids and he finds it difficult to handle Paige. Will Abby be able to make things work for her this time? The author traces the lives of three couples in this story.

The book brings together many relationships and the love portrayed in the story is nuanced and vivid in its descriptions. Eunice and Bill and Carmen and Grant are the other two couples whose romance is followed in this story. The author weaves the stories of these couples into the main plot deftly and the language is simple and elegant, adding to the beautiful imagery of the settings. This intense love story will bring out heartfelt emotions in readers. The author has captured the joy of family and relationships through the lives of these three couples. This love story revolves around hope, faith, destiny and love.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Safe and Sound by T.S. Krupa is a year in the life of Jill, following the sudden loss of her husband of 2 years. When Jay is hit by a drunk driver while on a morning run, Jill is faced with having to make decisions she never thought she would have to make. Turning off the life support machine is just the beginning. Jill's best friends, Stella and Lanie, take it upon themselves to watch over Jill through concern for her well being. Jay's best friend, police officer Harry, also joins in but for very different reasons. As the year goes by, Jill learns things about her husband she never knew, leading to her decisions to change her life. One decision leads her to another chance at love. Should she take it or should she continue to mourn hear husband?

Safe and Sound by T.S. Krupa is one of those rare books that completely draws the reader in. It is written in such a way that you really feel as though you are there, living in Jill's shoes, leading her life. It is a book that will have you in tears, laughing out loud, and holding your breath, waiting to see what happens. I confess I read the entire book almost in one sitting because I couldn't bring myself to put it down. If I could only write one word about Safe and Sound it would be "Wow." Full credit to T.S. Krupa for such a wonderfully written book, full of depth and feeling.

Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite

"The Girl from Long Guyland" by Lara Reznik takes us into the world of successful IT executive Laila Levin. Laila seems to have it all; the great job, a great marriage, and overall just a great life. Suddenly life starts to seem not so perfect. Work announces a large layoff putting Laila in a bad situation with the CEO and her Boss, then she receives the sad news that a friend from college killed herself.

It is this news about the friend from college that stirs up dark secrets from Laila's past. At seventeen years old in 1969 Laila heads off to college in Connecticut and all the temptations of college come right at her! Between the war protests, free love, drugs and rock and roll, you are guaranteed to have things happen.

Lara Reznik masterfully creates a story that brings the past and present together seamlessly. Lara Reznik brought the past to life for me in the pages of this book. It is more than just the images from the past that make this book great, it is the whole story and the secrets that are revealed within it.

I can honestly say it is not often that the plot of a book surprises me the way this one did. This book is truly timeless. I would recommend "The Girl from Long Guyland" to anyone who likes to read no matter what their preferred genre. Lara Reznik has managed to make sure it has a little something for everyone.

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

Pushing Through the Darkness: From Montserrat to Montserrat by Linette Arthurton Bruno tells the story of a young married couple, Clementine and Christophe, as they honeymoon in the Caribbean islands. The young couple revels in the history of events in both Montserrat and Martinique as they intertwine with the lives of their family. Can their discoveries uncover the change in Clementine’s father? Will the clarification of the family’s frightening past help Clementine discover herself and have a happier future with her new husband? Will the couple’s family see eye to eye upon their return home?

Pushing Through the Darkness is an interesting trip through the past and present with a well thought out plot that unfolds through the history of two islands tormented by volcanic activity that destroyed homes as well as lives. The characters are very interesting and easy to relate to as Clementine and Christophe discover and share historical events that left emotional damage on the people involved in the natural but tragic events. I love how Pushing Through the Darkness shows how the distant past can influence families and communities, causing them to change physically, emotionally and psychologically, as well as influencing the futures of the people who endure the trauma and the aftermath of events. I recommend Bruno’s Pushing Through the Darkness to anyone who enjoys history and its effects on the future of the people who survive and find a way to carry on after the tragedy has passed.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Readers' Favorite

Kate usually covered what reporters referred to as "bummer" stories, stories that covered “death, destruction and weeping survivors.” She was shocked when the news director assigned her to cover a human interest story. Someone had left a stack of cash amounting to $100,000 in a woman’s mail box. Begrudgingly, Kate and her new photographer and producer made their way to Christina Flores’s home. Christina lived in a rough part of town leaving Kate to suspect the money was part of a drug deal. However, to Christina it was nothing short of a miracle. Kate placed little faith in miracles or people for that matter. But Christina wasn't the only one to receive $100,000...now Kate was intrigued.

“Good Sam” by author, Dete Meserve is one of the best mystery romance tales I have read in a long, long time. The reader is there as Kate slowly unravels the mystery of the identity of good Sam; even more enthralling was the reason why he was giving away money. Kate had little faith in people but finally she found someone she could trust. “Good Sam” is filled with mystery, betrayal, romance, and love. I enjoyed watching Kate change from a skeptic to someone that could trust; from a cynical reporter to a caring woman. Kudos to Dete Meserve, great book!

Reviewed by Dianne Bylo for Readers' Favorite

With “Far From Perfect,” Rebecca Bryan has created an intense, emotionally charged tale of the despair of alcoholism and the redemption of recovery. Cassidy Young, filled with horrific memories some of which she feels are her fault, succumbs to alcohol dependency, drops out of college, and is now back home with her parents while on a six month probation for driving under the influence. The roller-coaster that is her life takes its toll as she struggles with seeing the changes in those she loves, including James, whom she has loved since she was a child. Cassidy has setbacks, feeling even more like a disappointment and failure. If not for the help of easy going Drew Barnes, her AA sponsor, and James Maughn, with his warmth and friendship, Cass may never have pushed herself on in the uphill battle, across the landmines of life. What she finds at the other end makes it worth all of the pain.

Rebecca Bryan has gotten to the heart of the struggles faced by addicts. By surrounding Cass with both tests of her will and the rewards of her successes, I felt that spark of realism that drew me into the story! With so many simple touches in the writing, symbols of healing (ie., a charm bracelet, Cass’s dream of her younger brother), by the end of the story, I knew Cass would make it! When an author can blur the line between fiction and reality for me, they've done their job well!

Reviewed by Ty Mall for Readers' Favorite

"The Illusion of Secondhand Smoke" by Janice M. Van Dyck is about Maria DeLuca, a successful motivational speaker, whose personal life is anything but happy. She is into drugs and is having an affair with a married man. She is not without her reasons for giving up on Mike, her abusive husband, even before he got cancer. Years before, her brother Tee was murdered by someone in town over a rumor. Everybody thinks that their reason why the murder occurred is the right one, but Mike, on his deathbed, gets his neighborhood buddies and family together. The missing pieces he fills in about Tee’s death shock everyone more than the secrets they think they have successfully hidden from everyone. And all those dark secrets tumble into the light of day.

I was surprised by how insightful the main character Maria is. A lot of writers don’t choose a character’s profession well, but this author did, and made great use of it. I really connected to these characters in their struggles, because of how well this author described events from each character’s perspective, with no explaining. I thought Jeremy would have been bitter. I enjoyed watching the pieces of the plot fall into place. And even after I started figuring things out, this book kept me guessing. The last few chapters were definitely unexpected. I was also surprised by the discussion questions and the notes at the end. This is a great book.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

“The Last Supper Catering Company” by Michaelene McElroy is a book with a different flavor. This is the first novel by the author. I certainly hope it will not be her last. I have nothing to compare the plot to; it is unique, imaginative and wonderfully developed. In "The Last Supper Catering Company" we meet an original character, B. Thankful Childe Lucknow. To say her life was simple would be somewhat misleading. From the day of her birth B. Thankful was different. B. Thankful was in fact the epitome of innocence. Her mother died before she was born. Little G pulled her granddaughter out of the womb and willed her to live. B. Thankful had unruly red hair and eyes of two different colors. But the most unusual thing about her was her ability to hear whispers of the departed. B Thankful had a happy childhood although somewhat isolated. She was rejected by the town’s people but was loved and nurtured in her home in the woods by her grandmother Little G and her father. B. Thankful allows readers to travel with her as she comes to discover why God blessed her with a special gift and his plan for her life. B. is sweet, kind, loving and caring. She doesn’t judge others and has an air of innocence about her. But don’t be fooled; she is highly intelligent. During her journey we will meet many characters often with a quirk or two and the reader will come to love each one.

It is difficult to believe this is Michaelene McElroy’s debut novel. Her talent outshines some of the most experienced authors of her time. Her writing style is the use of prose that floats off the page. She illustrates emotion through her words. In this book the reader will experience joy and sadness often, just a few words separating the two. As I savored this tale I found myself smiling, giggling, laughing out loud and in the next paragraph sobbing for the pain B. was facing. My mere words cannot possibly do this book justice. I highly recommend this book. Get your copy today.