Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

A Camino of the Soul: Learning to Listen When the Universe Whispers is a non-fiction inspirational memoir written by Katharine Elliott. The author and her husband were successful hotel executives who seemed to have the perfect life. Their home overlooked the Puget Sound, they could travel and enjoy the finer things in life, and three loving dogs graced their lives. Things started to change when they learned that his mother's cancer had progressed to the point that she could no longer live on her own. Rather than see her move to an assisting living facility in Germany, they traveled there for a visit with her, but also with the hope that she would agree to move in with them. She did, and the two women, who had once been ill at ease with each other, became the best of friends. Sis, as she was known to her family and friends, would become one of Elliott's angels after she passed on, a warm and guiding presence who would look out for Elliott, supporting her throughout the moves and crises, and eventually the breakup of her twenty-year marriage. Several years before that break, Elliott had begun seeking a more spiritual connection to life, and she accepted that she was meant to walk the Camino. She didn’t know the reason why or how that ambition came to grab hold of her, nor did she question it, and that historic spiritual walk would change her life.

Katharine Elliott's non-fiction spiritual memoir, A Camino of the Soul: Learning to Listen When the Universe Whispers, is a beautifully written and joyful account that held me in rapt attention as I was reading. Elliott's writing is smooth and compellingly honest, and one can't help but feel that she is speaking directly to her readers. I loved reading about how she and Sis went from being wary and unwilling in-laws to becoming dear friends who reveled in their time together, and I found her descriptions of the process of her and her husband's move to Europe to be fascinating. But I'm an avid hiker; so I would have to admit that my primary interest in reading this memoir was to hear about the author's experiences on her Camino, and she came through with flying colors. I had wondered about her taking the trek on her own and loved the serendipity that surrounded her with hale and hearty companions. And yes, I'm glad she listened to her sister's advice to write. She does a grand job of it, and I'm looking forward to more memoirs of her other walking experiences. A Camino of the Soul: Learning to Listen When the Universe Whispers is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Josephine Strano D'Urso for Readers' Favorite

Stef Smulders' Living in Italy: The Real Deal is a thoroughly entertaining read and a unique introduction to ‘the Italian way’! While attending a university course, Stef and husband, Nico, decide almost on a whim to buy a property in the wine region of Pavia and set up a B&B. Once they find what they are looking for, Stef drops out of university to oversee the remodeling of the house. He and Nico tie up a few loose ends in Holland and, together with their dog Saar, move into their new home while the restructuring work is going on. The book is a comical, often downright hilarious account of the setbacks and unforeseen obstacles Stef and Nico encounter while they navigate through the endless red tape of the stressful Italian bureaucracy and become acquainted with the Italian lifestyle.

Living in Italy: The Real Deal is by no means a travel guide, but for those who plan to relocate there, it provides an interesting insight into Italy’s public services’ notorious sluggishness and disorganization, as well as the Italian way of life. Being Italian-born, I found it to reflect the true essence of the Italian people without falling into the usual stereotypes. I also appreciated Stef Smulders' good-natured, tongue-in-cheek account of his experiences and interactions with the different characters in his book, all endearing even though sometimes maddening. Stef writes in a style all his own that keeps you riveted and thoroughly entertained. I could easily see this book as the first of a series dedicated to Italian living, written with a good dose of the same humor.

Reviewed by Geree McDermott for Readers' Favorite

If you love reading and visiting book stores, you’ll love Bob Eckstein’s Footnotes from the World’s Greatest Bookstores - True Tales and Lost Moments from Book Buyers, Booksellers, and Book Lovers. It is a delightful description of many distinctive bookstores worldwide, complete with anecdotes from and about famous visitors as well as from the bookstores’ owners and employees. We, the readers, join Mr. Eckstein on his global book tour for a brief yet intriguing and insightful glimpse of some of the world’s most interesting, most unusual, oldest, and fabulous bookstores. We discover bookstores that have been in the same location for centuries, others that are on wheels, and one that floats, one that serves food and drink and gives away free books, while still others allow patrons to sleep in the aisles.

Footnotes from the World’s Greatest Bookstores has exceptional watercolors of each bookstore, painted by Mr. Eckstein. The anecdotes about each bookstore are fun to read, surprising, and memorable. Although Mr. Eckstein chose not to include the many ‘bookstore cat stories’ he heard, as a cat lover as well as a book lover I would have enjoyed reading at least one cat story. But I choose not to hold that against Mr. Eckstein and Footnotes from the World’s Greatest Bookstores because I absolutely love the concise artistic tour of bookstores around the world. The unique perspective offered by Mr. Eckstein motivates me to plan a lengthy around the world sojourn so I can experience Footnotes from the World’s Greatest Bookstores myself.

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 Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite

This is one of the best books on writing that I have had the pleasure to read. The Writer’s Process: Getting Your Brain in Gear is filled with writing tips and how to avoid some of the traps writers fall into, mainly social media, productivity issues, and the dreaded writer’s block. Author Anne H. Janzer explains many techniques that help writers, including the Pomodoro Technique, how to focus using the muse and the scribe, ways to get into the flow of writing without being self-critical, and how to find inspiration when stuck on a writing project. The book even includes recommendations for writing apps to help productivity, as well as some troubleshooting ideas for finding time for writing and dealing with writer’s block. There are research plans and steps for the nonfiction writer and, while the book focuses on nonfiction, there are helpful tips for the fiction writer as well.

It is very rare to come across a nonfiction book that grabs the reader and holds their attention as well as this one does. Throughout the book, I was engaged in the instructions and the writing and found myself immersed in The Writer’s Process as though it were a work of fiction. There were so many highlights, including the baking bread metaphor, the instructions on outlining and blueprinting, the seven step writing process, the many ways to avoid the temptations of social media and the internet, and the advice to let a piece of writing sit before jumping back in for edits or revisions. Author Anne H. Janzer is a superb writer who knows her craft and has done a fine job of educating others. I will take away a list of writing tips after reading this book, and I will certainly become a more productive writer. I recommend this book to all writers in all genres. There is something here for everyone!

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Sylvie Stewart’s The Spark is another entry in the Carolina Connections series, a book I judged by its cover and one that turned out to be a perfect read in the romance category, a love story that is character-driven and so tightly written that readers will be blown away by the intense and powerful emotions it evokes. Meet the outgoing, bubbly, and fashion aficionado, Fiona Pierce, a woman who is loyal to her best friend and who can be described as a model daughter. But behind the smiles and the cheers she fills the world with, there is a dark secret she wants no one in the world to know. And then she meets Mark Beckett, a guy who only gets into women for a one-night stand and who makes it clear to any woman that he doesn’t get past the one-night stand. The only trouble is, he could break his own rule with Fiona.

Two powerful and complex characters drawn towards each other, secrets explored, and a path towards personal growth are the elements woven into the plot of The Spark. I love it when characters are well-developed in a romance piece and Sylvie Stewart has done a great job in this area. Her characters are interesting and flawed — yes, one wants to see a character who needs to grow throughout the story — and it was entertaining to see key characters struggle with their emotions, their family issues, and their past. The writing was gorgeous and seductive. I can’t complete this review without noting that the cover was excellently done. It caught my attention immediately. The Spark is a perfect read for those who love romance with a strong plot and complex characters.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Out Of The Box Everlasting by Jennifer Theriot is an intense romance novel about a middle-aged couple who are giving themselves another chance with a loving relationship. The newly engaged Olivia and Ash are just returning from a ten-day trip to Paris. They are planning on going to their newly renovated condo and visiting Olivia's pregnant daughter. On their arrival at the Houston airport, they receive an alarming phone call. A critical accident has occurred and the repercussions from it expose secrets and reveal a hidden indiscretion. This new element in their family changes the family's perspectives and how they view their relationships. Olivia is still reeling from the feelings of inadequacy in her previous marriage and, taking offense, she runs away. While Olivia seeks to find herself, Ash is desperately searching for her. Apprehensive and agitated, will Olivia allow Ash back into her life? Will they be able to reconcile their pasts and have a future together?

Out Of The Box Everlasting by Jennifer Theriot is the third Out Of The Box novel. In this book, Ash and Olivia's individual tainted histories have come to haunt their present. Before they can move ahead to their future, Olivia and Ash must resolve their pasts. They have to confront the painful memories of their former marriages. Olivia is a passive aggressive person and has to be in control, believing that her first husband walked over her. Even though she doesn't realize it, she tries to take charge of everybody else's lives so that she feels safe. Ash is an amazing and loving man who cares very much about those around him. Although he has the ability to be a powerful person, he is easily manipulated by those who are closest to him. He loves so hard, that he sometimes gives too much. Olivia and Ash have been deeply injured by their previous spouses and this is the story of how they put their unhappy experiences behind them and start over. This is a beautiful story about a second chance at love, and I recommend it to all those who love second chance romance novels. However, I must give a word of caution; this book contains very graphic sex scenes and is not suitable for anyone under the age of eighteen.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Friar is a romantic suspense novel written by Samantha Cole. Sage Hammond was determined to keep her husband’s family horse ranch a going concern, even though the stillborn birth of a colt the previous season had made keeping up with mortgage payments a challenge. Ever since her husband died two and a half years ago, she had been both mother and father to her two small children, as well as a full-time rancher with a 150-acre spread specializing in breeding Appaloosas. Evan and Maddie Tanner were extended family who had been working with the Hammonds since her husband had been a boy, but the ranch needed at least another hand to keep up. It was a hot and dusty late spring morning when Adam Westfield came walking up the path to her home. Benji, the family’s dog, instantly went on the defense, and Sage had to admit to herself that the man had quickly disarmed her protective dog with his calm and kind responses, but Sage wasn’t about to be as easily persuaded. Adam explained that Reverend Stevens had suggested he come out and meet her. The Reverend knew she was looking for a ranch hand, and Adam, who was new in town, needed work. Adam explained that he was from New York and had been recently released from prison. He was looking for a chance to start again.

Samantha Cole’s romantic suspense novel, The Friar, is a marvelous second-chance story about a young widow and the ex-con who walks into her life. Cole’s main characters are strong, independent and ethical in their outlooks on life, and the reader can instantly understand why Reverend Stevens sent Adam to Heaven’s Pastures, Sage’s ranch. I had a grand time watching as Adam interacts with Sage, Evan and Maddie, and Sage’s two children, and loved seeing him adapt to a very different culture than the one he was raised in. The Friar is a delight to read. There’s tension and suspense around the stalker who’s determined to wreak havoc on the ranch and its inhabitants that works quite well to keep the reader involved in the story. Cole also admirably addresses the automatic bias that many ex-convicts face after they’ve served their time, and the difficulty they have in being accepted back into society, as evidenced by the hostility of the local residents toward Adam. The Friar is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

Very early in life, Katharine Firestone realized her existence was jaded beyond repair. Daughter of a ruthless Hollywood agent, Kat’s earliest memories are filled with hours of toe-bleeding ballet, ridiculous figure conscious dieting, and extreme routines not normal for any normal child. If her mother, Cynthia, really wanted to know of her daughter’s preferences, Kat would undoubtedly confirm that she was quite content with life as a bartender at one of LA’s swankiest night clubs.

But Cynthia is relentless and when Katharine finds herself at another unwanted audition, she is firmly aware that she is not acceptable for the part for which she is reading. She is not at all aware of the fact that reading for just another cheesy vampire script will change her life. At least that is what Wyatt Hastings of the network owning Hastings tells her following her disastrous performance. She is not to be the next television sensation. Wyatt Hastings has marked her for the lead in a big screen film. He sees her gritty fire and feels her passion that will perfectly complement co-star Grayson Dunn. The man who broke her heart years ago. The man Kat firmly swore to hate for all of eternity.

The Monday Girl (The Girl Duet, Part 1) by Julie Johnson is packed full of energetic dialogue and amusing situations, even if you are not a Hollywood star! Johnson’s delightful incorporation of current events invites the reader to become part of the writing process with familiar references. My only complaint is that it ended too soon.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

The Necklace of Goddess Athena: A New Adult supernatural mystery by Effrosyni Moschoudi is a fascinating story of time travel. Ksenia and her twelve-year-old brother, Manos, lost their parents eleven years ago. Phevos lives in ancient Athens with his sister, Daphne, and eleven years ago his mother had disappeared. One day Phevos and Daphne's father places Athena's necklace around his neck and he and his sister are caught in a vortex and spin away. Disoriented, they are dropped into a different location and era. Following the barking of their dog, Ksenia and Manos discover the two travelers in their orchard. Although Phevos is stunned from the fall, he manages to explain that he and his sister Daphne were traveling and had gotten lost. Uncharacteristically, Ksenia accepts this and gives them a place to stay. When they discover that they have their parents' disappearances in common, together the young people begin searching through time and find help from an unexpected source. Will they be able to reunite their families, even though time and place separate them?

The Necklace of Goddess Athena: A New Adult Supernatural Mystery by Effrosyni Moschoudi is an intriguing fantasy epic similar to the Percy Jackson books. It is an excellent time-travel story, blending mythology and the present together. At first, I was slightly surprised at how Athena was portrayed. However, as the story progresses she becomes the goddess that I believed her to be. Also, I was impressed with how the author combined the two eras. I thought the way that Phevos' father introduced him and Daphne to present day living was clever. Because of their prior lessons, they didn't really have trouble adjusting to another time period. This book is a stunning masterpiece. Although this isn't the normal genre that I read, I have to say that it is so well-written that I couldn't put it down. It is a memorable story and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read and review it. This is an amazing New Adult mystery that I highly recommend to those who have a penchant for time-travel.