Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

By His Grace by Katy Sudano and Ginger Green is a moving memoir about Sudano's journey from being hurt by others to finding herself and becoming stronger. Sudano tells her story honestly, talking about the difficult things that happened to her and how she found the strength to break free from people who left her. Her story, which she wrote with Green, shows how someone can overcome hard times and find purpose in life. This book is both a personal story and a way to give hope to others who have been through similar experiences. The authors do a good job of balancing sad parts with hopeful moments, telling the story in a way that touches readers while being careful about tough topics. Working together, Sudano and Green make this important story both emotional and well-written.

Author Katy Sudano, working with Ginger Green, tells her story very clearly and bravely, and I felt very moved by how she shared even the hardest parts of her life. The writing moves smoothly between sad moments and times of healing, making a story that feels honest and hopeful. Their teamwork makes the story better while keeping Sudano's real voice. The book talks about big problems in society about abuse and getting better while focusing on personal growth. What I like best is how the authors turn very personal experiences into lessons anyone can learn about being strong and hopeful, connecting with readers in a way that feels real and helpful instead of preachy. When I read about how Sudano overcame hard times, I really cared about her journey and felt inspired by how strong she was. Overall, By His Grace is a very important book for anyone who needs inspiration while healing or wants to understand how someone can move from being hurt to being strong, and I would definitely recommend it.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Hurricane Audrey: The Deadly Storm of 1957 by Cathy C. Post is a retelling of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Audrey on mid-century Cameron, Louisiana. As the storm approaches, families prepare for evacuation, with Captain D.W. Griffith coordinating efforts to evacuate oil rig crews. Local residents, including Clara Broussard and the DeBarge family, express growing concerns about the hurricane. It is chaos when the storm lands, with families fighting against rising floodwaters, leading to urgent evacuations, including those facilitated by the sheriff’s boat. Post's work leans heavily into the community's collective resilience, with survivors seeking refuge and medical assistance when the storm finally passes. The aftermath reveals significant devastation, and families begin to regroup and reflect on their experiences before and after Audrey, showing readers the long-lasting effects of the disaster.

I'm ashamed to say that I knew nothing of this natural disaster before reading Cathy C. Post's Hurricane Audrey, and genuinely appreciate this literary revival that focuses on the real experiences of those who lived through it. Post's writing is clear and often cinematic, pulling us into the terrifying moments. The standout to me is reading about families like Brown and Alice clinging for their lives as the chaos of nature’s fury rages around them. Post captures the raw emotion and grit of the survivors, depicting their determination to assist one another and rebuild, especially after the disaster. I thought Post's descriptions of the community’s hardships, from makeshift shelters to frantic searches for loved ones, especially moving. Overall, Post's work serves as both a historical account and an affecting tribute to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy, making it a must-read for those interested in the history and the individual stories that drive it. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Girl, Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings by Brandi Dredge is an amazing true story of courage and resilience. Sixteen-year-old Caroline loved hanging out with her friends, but she longed to meet the man who owned the apartment they met in. Some said he was a stripper, but she didn’t care—he intrigued her, and once they met, she didn’t want anyone else. When she fell pregnant, she knew that with Gary by her side, everything would be okay, even marrying him at the tender age of 17. But like many fairytale dreams, hers was shattered over the next nine years, and when it was revealed she was the victim of statutory rape for being underage, she struggled to understand. When her son’s DNA proves to be the evidence the prosecution needs, all the pieces finally fall into place. Can Caroline get her life and identity back? This is her story.

Girl, Uncoded by Brandi Dredge is a heartbreaking story about a young girl falling in love with the wrong person. There are references to domestic violence, rape, and sexual abuse that may be triggering for some readers. This is an in-depth memoir of how one young, innocent girl was drawn in by her husband’s lies, believing everything he told her and not believing what she knew deep in her heart to be true about him. You will be taken through every emotion you can think of when you read this compelling account of betrayal, heartbreak, and abuse. While you may get frustrated with Caroline and her naivete, we must remember that this is what abusers do to their victims. The important thing is that she eventually saw the truth and managed to put her life back together again, and her sheer courage shines through in how, with God on her side, she rebuilt her life from the ashes of what she thought was a happy marriage. This is a hard read, but it’s one you will not be able to put down.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Kalman & Leopold: Surviving Mengele's Auschwitz by Richard K. Lowy is a harrowing and profoundly important account that bears witness to the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust through the experiences of two young boys. Serving initially as servant boys in the SS guard shack and later becoming subjects in Josef Mengele's notorious medical experiments, Kalman and Leopold's firsthand testimonies reveal the depths of human cruelty while simultaneously illuminating the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. Through their voices, readers are confronted with a raw and unflinching narrative that captures moments of absolute despair, fleeting instances of hope, and an unyielding strength that defies comprehension. Lowy's meticulous approach to documenting their experiences ensures that these personal histories are preserved with the utmost respect and authenticity, creating a powerful testament to survival in the face of systematic dehumanization.

Author Richard K. Lowy has a truly moving and exceptional commitment to preserving historical truth through the most intimate and personal of lenses. I was profoundly moved by his respectful yet unvarnished approach to storytelling, which allows the voices of Kalman and Leopold to speak directly to readers. Lowy's narrative technique immerses readers in the lived experiences of his subjects, making their pain, resilience, and humanity palpable in ways that transcend traditional historical documentation. His vivid portrayal of Auschwitz goes beyond mere historical recounting, offering an exploration of survival, trauma, and the extraordinary capacity of individuals to maintain dignity in the most inhumane of circumstances. The decision to focus on personal perspectives transforms what could be a distant historical account into an intimate, emotionally resonant narrative that challenges readers to confront the most difficult chapters of human history. Lowy's writing reveals an extraordinary sensitivity to the complex emotional landscapes of survival, showing how individual stories can illuminate broader historical truths. The way he navigates the delicate balance between historical accuracy and emotional depth is nothing short of remarkable. Overall, I would highly recommend Kalman & Leopold: Surviving Mengele's Auschwitz as essential historical testimony that ensures these crucial stories are never forgotten.

Reviewed by Willam Haines for Readers' Favorite

Mavi, My Dearest: An Extraordinary Journey to Motherhood by Duygu Mengioğlu is an emotional and perceptive look into motherhood using surrogacy. This is the story of a devoted wife, Duygu, and her husband, Ahmet, a couple who, after years of marriage, decided to turn to surrogate motherhood to have a child. Duygu, who suffers from multiple phobias, initially hesitates but eventually embraces surrogacy after a miscarriage devastates their hopes. The details of surrogacy and the challenges associated with it are explored. The author takes readers from Georgia to Ukraine while searching for the right surrogate mother. It also depicts the personal and external trials and tribulations involved, including the COVID-19 pandemic and war. This is a riveting story of hope and perseverance in the endeavor to have children.

The quality of storytelling is impressive and heartfelt. Duygu Mengioğlu perfectly portions out the rational and the emotional parts of surrogacy so that the audience can watch the practical side and feel the pain that comes with it. An excellent aspect of the book is that it captures the couple’s experiences of joy, loss, and fear. The author engages readers with clear, concise language, expertly explaining legal and medical concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. The courage of the author in revealing her anxieties and trials is another strength, enabling me to empathize with her ordeals. The surrogates and other characters, such as the Turkish taxi driver, are depicted with considerable warmth. Mavi, My Dearest is one of the most captivating, enlightening, and uplifting books one can read; it highlights the importance of hope and perseverance in the middle of tribulation.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Nothing is more terrifying for a mother than losing her child. Kathleen's 39-year-old son, Chad, took his own life on October 14, 2014. Since that fateful day, Kathleen's life has drastically changed. She spent three horrifying years immersed in intense grief, anger, and guilt. Kathleen was already familiar with difficulties and hardships. She was married to a Vietnam veteran dealing with PTSD. The abusive marriage left her with many scars, and Kathleen found escape in writing and praying to God. In October Will Never Be the Same, Kathleen Janz-Anderson opens her heart and tries to understand what led her beloved son to his untimely death. Kathleen explains how to cope with grief, gives recommendations regarding grief groups, shares her experience with different therapists, and advises concerning medium interference. October Will Never Be the Same is a heartbreaking and inspirational account of grief and bravery for those who suffer the loss of a loved one and readers who want to understand what a grieving parent is going through.

Kathleen Janz-Anderson is a gifted poet; her writing style is lyrical and beautiful. Kathleen shares many amazing, emotional poems in October Will Never Be the Same. They help us understand her traumatic experience and deep pain. It's hard to imagine what courage and inner strength it took for Kathleen to share these deeply personal experiences. From this book, we learn how to support grieving parents who have lost their children. Kathleen describes the stages of grief in her deeply emotional diary entries. She graciously admits that her reactions to triggers, which bring traumatic memories back, could be disturbing for people around her. Her kindness and wisdom are overwhelming. I appreciated Kathleen's thoughts about God, His will, and the power of prayer. She explains with simple words the essence of humans' free will and our relationship with God. October Will Never Be the Same leaves a lasting impression and helps heal even the deepest wounds of those enduring pain, loss, and grief.

Reviewed by Adanna Ora for Readers' Favorite

Raymond Thompson, also known as Li'l Ray, was the most feared and revered drug lord in all of South Florida. He controlled millions of dollars from the sale of hard drugs and other businesses in Miami. He was also one of the most investigated people in Miami at the time and a hard nut for the police to crack. On a fateful day, Raymond was arrested and given a death sentence for the murder of his associates and his connections with other crimes. What led to the downfall of this enigmatic, heavily guarded, and wealthy man? Eric Sande, who had only heard of Raymond Thompson in stories, had the opportunity to meet physically with him while he was still on death row and had the rare privilege of hearing first-hand Ray's life experiences and how his life took an anti-climactic turn. Eric turned these notes on Ray's life into The Real King of Miami. Here, we see Raymond Thompson from different angles: as an astute businessman, a trusting friend, an inspiring leader, and a great family man. We also see the ruthless side of him in his dealings with traitors and snitches. Find out more about the life and times of Raymond Thompson in this amazing book, The Real King of Miami.

One of the things I admired about The Real King of Miami is the organizational structure, where the author begins Ray's story from the end and takes us back to the beginning for a better understanding. I appreciated the ease with which one can read The Real King of Miami. There is a mix of first-person and omniscient points of view, which readers will recognize and connect with. Unlike stories of other criminals, we see Raymond in a different light: as a person who can be vulnerable and has other qualities that the public may not know. Above all, readers learn a great deal from reading this book as people can see the repercussions of involving themselves in illicit ventures and the dangers of associating with the wrong people. The Real King of Miami entertains, educates, and makes people reflect on the impact of their choices. This is a must-read for true crime fans.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Petals From Mars by Judie Dziezak details the author’s personal journey of resilience and triumph over adversity. Dziezak shares her experiences growing up with a mentally ill mother and the emotional abuse she endured, which later shaped her ability to navigate male-dominated professional fields as an adult. Through reflections on power struggles, betrayal, and inner strength, Dziezak’s story is one of self-discovery, compassion, and self-love, offering readers an inspiring look at how adversity can lead to growth and empowerment. Dziezak's memoir is packed with raw emotion, and there’s a graceful balance of bold descriptions of her personal experiences alongside a compassionate tone that means we’re never overwhelmed by the intensity of her struggles.

Judie Dziezak’s voice is both compassionate and honest from cover to cover, making difficult topics like abuse and disempowerment approachable while offering hope and inspiration through a wise and emphatic tone. Her skillful use of gentle reflection transforms the memoir from a simple recounting of personal hardship into an exploration of resilience, healing, and growth that everyone can relate to, giving readers a powerful blueprint for overcoming adversity in their own lives and looking for strength within themselves. I thought the memoir had a strong and accessible structure, blending the after-effects of traumatic life events with the pressure of new professional challenges. This shows how the path from victimhood to self-empowerment is never smooth, but is a process that can be endured and overcome with patience, strength, and time. Overall, Petals From Mars is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking well-penned, inspiring words to bring them strength to overcome life’s struggles.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Truth Gives Strength To Wings: It’s All in the Journal by Katy Sudano and Ginger Green is the harrowing non-fiction memoir of a girl who, with all odds stacked against her, was able to fly. The book begins with the heartbreaking revelation that young Sydney was being sexually abused, repeatedly, by her step-father. Worse still, her mother was witness to an unconscionable act and through a blend of denial and about-face is somehow able to sweep it under the rug. By all outward appearances, Sydney was living a life of style and luxury. Internally, she was emotionally ravaged in ways that few are able to overcome to survive. Her family and those she thought loved her harbored a secret disgust through flagrant and unapologetic victim-blaming. Her life goes from bad to worse when a volleyball match ends with a violent assault and a future that appears to further a bleak existence as she tries to flee an abusive husband with her toddler son.

First and foremost, Truth Gives Strength to Wings is a story of courage. Katy Sudano has lived fifty lives and survived them all, which is an overwhelming accomplishment on its own. Even more astounding is that she has parlayed her pain into a book that will speak volumes to others who are trapped in similar circumstances, and has devoted her life to advocacy. The writing is engrossing and relatable even when the situations cannot possibly be. The reliance on a secret imaginary friend, Zoryia, to carry her through the worst storms provides an interesting alternate look as Zoryia morphs into an alter-ego and acts as a source of refuge through the darkest moments. This is an incredible book and a truly inspirational journey that will be enjoyed by all those brave enough to pick it up.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Women of the Wind tells a fascinating and heartbreaking true story of neglect, abandonment, abuse, and abduction. Angela Gail Griffin shares her mother's family's childhood memories and tales that she passed down to her. The recollections span three generations of women intertwined with 19th- and 20th-century Georgia history. Mildred May Robinson, Angela's grandmother, was a neglected and unwanted child. When Mildred was a baby, her birth mother, Lula, did something unspeakable to her that no mother should ever do. Fortunately, a loving family rescued and adopted Mildred just in time and loved her as their own. This book is about Mildred's marriage to a horrible, abusive man and their children, who all fought for a better life. It's also about Mildred's birth mother, Lula, her life, and how the ill-treatment affected Mildred as an adult.

In Women of the Wind, Angela Gail Griffin paints a riveting portrait of three generations of remarkable women, packed with thirty-two beautiful photographs. It's a well-researched book and a must-read for everyone. It follows the women through their lives together, through hard times and suffering, revealing their strength and resilience. Angela Gail Griffin has amazingly pieced together personal and thought-provoking stories that will move, shock, and inspire you. By rewriting her great-grandmother's history, the author lets you decide if Lula deserves forgiveness for what she did to Mildred. This book is a masterpiece, showing how some women survived hardships with their humanity intact and excelled in life. I recommend this book to all mothers, as it's also about how a mother's love saved all her daughters.