Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

While not everything’s perfect in Alex Roslin’s approach to presenting this eye-opening, factual look into police domestic violence, Police Wife, to give it anything less than 5 stars would be unfair. What Roslin reveals in Police Wife could save a person’s life, especially if that person is a woman engaged to, in a relationship with, or married to a policeman…and even if that person is herself a member of the force! What a bitter irony that those who are trained to protect the general public are, as you will learn in Police Wife, often the ones who do so much harm to those who love and trust them: their partners and their own children. The statistics and true stories Alex Roslin shares of domestic abuse by police in countries worldwide are shocking and always so very sad. Brace yourself for violence that isn’t the product of a fiction writer’s imagination. You will find yourself shaking your head in disbelief more than once, not just because of what happened, but because of what didn’t happen after a report of police domestic violence was filed!

For instance, consider these facts: “In Florida, those accused of domestic violence had four times more chance of keeping their jobs than cops accused of theft and 28 times more than cops who failed a marijuana test.” Or how about this one: “Citing FBI crime data, the study found that US police officers committed over two times more sexual assault per capita than the general population. The rate was 68 sexual assaults for every 100,000 cops versus 29 per 100,000 for the public.” What is going on here? If you’re thinking “cover up” or internal, rather than open and fully disclosed investigations, you’d be right. The male police brotherhood is alive and well; you don’t rat on a brother even when you know he’s guilty. It’s easy to dismiss the little woman’s complaints as being neurotic, especially when the accused cop is a decorated member of the force with an impeccable record of performance in serving and protecting the public. So where, for that matter, does a battered policeman’s wife turn for help…to the batterer’s buddies and bosses on the force? If everyday female victims of abuse are afraid to tell or have trouble being believed, as Alex Roslin shows time and again, it’s many times harder for a policeman’s wife to get help of any kind.

What’s behind the male police violence? “The epidemic of police domestic abuse appears to have three main causes: power and control, derogatory attitudes toward women and impunity—a de facto licence to abuse.” Once you read Roslin’s explanation of that last statement, like it or not, it all makes sense. But it doesn’t make any of the widespread and hidden police violence, and the secrets surrounding it right or acceptable. Nor does it even come close to fixing the horrible statistics and even deaths that have resulted from police domestic violence. As one of the additional contributors to this informative and enlightening book pointed out: “The situation will not change until an outside agency becomes accessible to the survivors of police spousal abuse. Right now, these women have no place to turn.” Such agencies cannot be formed soon enough, only too late for yet another Police Wife.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

A memoir that brilliantly explores women’s issues, A Rubber Face with a Stripper's Name by Katja Berg is both hilarious and utterly touching, a tale of motherhood, womanhood, and family, laced with powerful lessons for self-growth and parenting. The first shock was getting pregnant. The second was knowing it is twins. The third was having to raise the kids as a single mother, and “This is especially true for the single mum who gets left to bring up the kids, who ends up judged in the court of public opinion for not abiding by societal norms.” Follow her story as she struggles to save her flower shop, a business she started from nothing, pay bills, and put food on the table. What is it that made her stand tall, survive, and not be overwhelmed by despair, living away from her native Denmark? The answers are very touching and inspiring.

I was able to relate to many of the emotions the author shared and I am happy she could include so many lessons in her story. Here is a book that starts with the author hitting rock bottom at the moment she dreaded - receiving “brown envelopes; the sure sign of a debt collector, ‘DO NOT IGNORE’ printed on the front in red writing.” The reader encounters a woman who wakes up with only one certainty: kids staring at her, expectantly. But then, if roses have thorns, weeds have flowers. It is interesting that she started writing during the darkest period of her life. In a prose that is crisp and exciting, she shares lessons from her personal journey and invites readers to find emotional strength in family, to prioritize self-care, and to believe in their power to transform their lives. A Rubber Face with a Stripper's Name is utterly humorous and the author has a peculiar style of writing that combines with her fine perception of reality to entertain readers. Every single mother should read this book. I couldn’t put it down.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Motherhood is incredible, rewarding, magical, and amazing. Mompowerment: Insights from Successful Professional Part-Time Working Moms Who Balance Career and Family by Suzanne Brown is an insightful book that handles a relevant topic in a progressive and positive manner, one that will help all moms make changes in the workplace and home. This practical guide to motherhood gives excellent tips and suggestions and interviews that will help in a good transformation to being successful as a professional part-time working mom. The book creates a situation where all moms will feel empowered, both in motherhood and career. The information, examples, and personal stories are useful to moms when it comes to making their choices.

This book is not only informative, but can also be used as a reference guide. The exercises are helpful when it comes to understanding where changes need to be made and figuring out what works for each person. For all mothers, women who are thinking of having babies, career women, and those wanting help on how to approach motherhood, this book has a lot to offer. Mompowerment is tough, no matter what, but the author gives excellent tools so that all mothers can combine career and family the way they want. The topic is fresh and the author’s approach is encouraging, and is a wonderful reminder that women can combine a career and motherhood and be successful at both. This book will help working moms to achieve success by making comfortable decisions for their career, family, and work.

Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite

Breaking Vases: Shattering Limitations & Daring to Thrive is a self-help book which tells the story of its author, Dima Ghawi, and many other women around the world who have and are suffering from a backward society which treats women as second rate citizens in a male-dominated world ruled by culture, and a culture ruled by religion. Ghawi goes into depth about her upbringing and her outlook on life as a young girl growing up in a country where it is not uncommon for women to not have a proper education.

The title of this book comes from a story which Ghawi’s grandmother told her when she was a child. Glass vases represent women and if it were to shatter or crack, the vase would never be the same, people would be able to see the flaws, and if people saw these bad things about a woman then that woman would bring shame and dishonor to herself and to her family. One of my favorite things about this novel is how Ghawi not only shows how society can shape the ideal image of a woman, it can also mold the way a man must think of himself.

I expected to read only a few chapters when I opened Breaking Vases, but Ghawi’s skills as a storyteller captivated me. I couldn’t stop reading; her memoir is thought-provoking and its contents are still relevant in today’s society. Breaking Vases: Shattering Limitations & Daring to Thrive talks about love, honor, and courage. It teaches you to love yourself, to honor yourself, and to be brave when the rest of the world is telling you not to.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

In Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type, trendsetting designer Rani. St Pucchi provides the ultimate guide manual to dressing your body appropriately for individual shape and preference. Beginning in her early years in Thailand, St. Pucchi recounts her love for luxury fabrics and lace. From her childhood days of playing with a variety of textures in her parents' warehouse, St. Pucchi's career was born after a request for a fifty-four-piece collection to premiere in Dallas. As her finale piece, a blush bridal gown earned the designer rights to the world of bridal design in a journey that could not be ignored.

Written with the everyday woman in mind, Your Body, Your Style: Simple Tips on Dressing to Flatter Your Body Type begins with instructions on identifying individual body types before a simplified education on what and how to dress different body shapes. St. Pucchi gives simple instructions on how to match skin tone to the perfect signature clothing color. Following a discussion of age appropriate apparel, packing instructions for any trip, and an enlightening explanation of fragrance vocabulary, any woman should be able to successfully organize her closet and make thoughtful decisions on future clothing acquisitions. Concluding with a list of 101 styling tips, Rani St. Pucchi stresses: “Whatever you do, make sure your clothes fit you well and look like they belong to you.” This is a timeless must-have volume for every female interested in looking her best and presenting herself as a self-assured woman.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

It's often said that a shoemaker can't mend his own shoes or a hairdresser can't style her own hair. One might be tempted to look at Diane Pomerantz's difficulty in understanding and analyzing the narcissistic, mentally abusive husband she reveals to us in her memoir, Lost in the Reflecting Pool, in the same way: Pomerantz is, after all, a psychologist, and a very good one. Then how come it takes her so long to stand up to Charles and eventually remove herself from his debilitating control over her thinking and self-esteem? Diane's story is, sadly, the story of far too many women who fall in love with a man and ignore the early warning signs that he might just be a bad choice as a life partner. Charles woos her with flowers, says all the right things, and when he says or does the wrong thing, she dismisses it, thinking the problem is her and not him. If ever there was a story that proves how blinding it can be to fall hopelessly in love, Lost in the Reflecting Pool is that story.

In the early years of their marriage, Charles, a psychiatrist, chooses where they go, what activities they engage in, and what houses they should buy. Even when Diane doesn't like his choices, she convinces herself she does like them. And then, suddenly, Diane learns she has cancer. Is the loving Charles by her side, worrying with her as a good husband should? No. He's too busy with his patient load. Diane goes through a medical nightmare for years and when it is recommended that she have stem cell surgery, Charles goes as far as to suggest that, given their financial difficulties, she should just accept her fate! What kind of cold-hearted human being is this?

You have to read Lost in the Reflecting Pool to get the full picture of the suffering Diane Pomerantz endured medically and mentally through the many years of her marriage to Charles. It's a heart-breaking read, but Pomerantz eases the tension with endearing stories of time spent with her children, who sadly also suffer under a father like Charles. It's a relief to read this realization that Diane reaches at the end of the book: “I no longer feel compelled to know the “whys” of what Charles did. With that understanding has come a great deal of freedom. Letting go of the need to have answers to unanswerable questions—accepting that there were things that were, that are, and that will always be beyond my control—has allowed me the freedom to move on, to find myself once again.” That is superb advice from one who knows for all women who survive a bad marriage like Diane's. Highly recommended reading.

Reviewed by Danita Dyess for Readers' Favorite

Did you know that everything you do on a daily basis aligns or misaligns with your ultimate career goals? If you are not aware of this fact, then you could be sabotaging your career according to J.J. DiGeronimo, author of Accelerate Your Impact: Action-Based Strategies to Pave Your Professional Path. Studies reveal that men apply for jobs when they are only 60 percent qualified. Women wait until they are 100 percent prepared -- a big mistake with negative long-term ramifications. This book has evolved into a tactical road map of actions and areas of focus that will help you manage your upward career path. Learn about strategic conversations with decision makers, the difference between confidence and self-esteem, the importance of networking and conquering imposter syndrome.

I loved Accelerate Your Impact. J.J. DiGeronimo's years of experience as a leader in the IT sector and founder of Tech Savvy Women was evident. With only about 300 pages, her "playbook" was succinct but comprehensive. It was packed with eye-opening research from numerous reputable sources, and graphs illustrating startling statistics. She provided step-by-step instructions with takeaways that could be incorporated into your daily routine. She also acknowledged the fear factor and motivated you to face self-imposed obstacles. Her core message was unprecedented: overlook titles and focus on higher levels of influence. This nonfiction guide is applicable to all women at any stage of their careers and will serve as a reference tool. DiGeronimo is the author of The Working Woman's GPS. Accelerate Your Impact is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

As the title suggests, Lessons in Our (Early) 30s by Libby John and Jillian Kaiser is all about the life of a single woman in her early 30s. The authors point out how the journey can be at times confusing and exhilarating, and they have decided to share their experiences as guidance to readers so that they can avoid a few of life’s mistakes on the way. The book handles topics like beauty, wellness, career, finances, and much more. The authors speak about their personal experiences, actions, plans, tips, and lessons learned in each chapter. It will leave readers with fun memories about living and learning, and make it an enjoyable experience.

It is a light-hearted, entertaining book and the hyperlinks added will enable readers to connect to the related topics easily. The tips, suggestions, and ideas are interesting and each chapter will provide readers with personal experiences, actions, plans, tips, and lessons learned. The authors cover the topic methodically and in detail, and the blog style of writing makes it easy for readers to understand and connect well with the book. I like the topic chosen by the authors; it’s original and unique with loads of information for a woman who has turned 30. For all the women who have newly turned 30 or who are in their 30s, this book is a must-have in their personal collection as it gives perfect techniques on how to handle the experience well.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Born for Life: A Midwife’s Story is a non-fiction memoir written by Julie Watson. The author knew by the time she was ten years old that she wanted to be a nurse. There were other career options that she had considered and dismissed as she was growing up, but that one dream remained alive. When she was seventeen, she had the opportunity to become a nurse’s aide at Pahiatua Hospital. While it was not quite the same as training for and becoming a nurse, it was close enough and the pay was sufficiently attractive for her to give up her current job and go to work at the hospital. She was nervous when she entered the hospital building, had her uniform fitting, and spoke with the matron, Mrs. Brunton, but her enthusiasm won out over any fears, especially when Mrs. Brunton told her that she was being assigned to the maternity ward. That first assignment led to her lifelong dedication to helping women as a midwife.

Julie Watson’s non-fiction memoir, Born for Life: A Midwife’s Story, is well-written and compelling reading. It left me with a profound respect for midwives and the level of care they give and commitment they have for the women in their charge. I enjoyed seeing how she was able to get on-the-job training as a nurse’s aide, and empathized with her initial qualms as she learned how to care for and prep women who were ready to give birth. Watson also tells her own story in this heartwarming memoir, including her life with her husband, Barry, the births of her own children, and the steps she took to become first a registered nurse and then a midwife. Along the way, I learned a lot about New Zealand as it was in the later part of the twentieth century, and I appreciated the natural beauty and coastal experiences she shares with her reader. Born for Life: A Midwife’s Story is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Gemma Benton for Readers' Favorite

Ladies, if you're only able to read one book this year, make it Cynthia James’ I Choose Me. As I turned the pages of this well written and uplifting book, I felt like I was sitting with a close friend as she gives sage advice and straight talk about those key areas of pain and happiness in my life, from healing through honesty in relationships and marriage, confronting myths and inner demons about money, business and finance, while understanding the importance of “choosing me.”

In I Choose Me, author Cynthia James speaks honestly about those “dark nights” and critical places in every woman’s life. She writes with a strong, confident voice about finding strength and healing in those transformational moments in her own life, and shares how she discovered in some of life's pivotal moments places where her deepest truths were melded, tempered, and strengthened into her most powerful gifts and strengths.

In I Choose Me, author Cynthia James stands with us in those big, scary transformational moments and offers us hope and clarity. Moments like finding your voice in the midst of a divorce, healing generations of poverty and creating wealth, being a women in business while reclaiming passion, love, and happiness in our lives. All along the way, sharing her powerful insights and revelations with us and offering specific, actionable steps that help us break through to our next level of success and happiness.

I Choose Me by Cynthia James is an affirmation of the power of women to create, overcome, and rise ... not in spite of, but because they are women embracing their feminine power and deepest heart truths.