Reviewed by Francine Zane for Readers' Favorite

In The Chronocar, science fiction meets history in a dynamic tale of time travel. When Tony finds a science journal about time travel, he combines this new found knowledge with his own near genius talents to design a Chronocar. His first trip is to meet the gentleman who wrote the paper, a Dr. Semmie Johnson who was once a slave but escaped a harrowing ordeal in search of an education. Through trial and error, Tony learns the true dangers of time travel on both history and the future.

I enjoyed both the plot and the history and science that were introduced into the story to provide the validity to the time travel theories. Combined with interesting characters and believable scenes, I found The Chronocar an excellent read that I would recommend especially to teens and young adults.

Steve Bellinger’s story also fills a much-needed niche by featuring black main characters. While Bellinger used racial tensions to add drama to the story, he balanced the dangers of being a minority through history with the fact that not all whites were bigots any more than all blacks were ignorant. He is a master storyteller who takes the time to set the scene with both historical facts and memorable characters. I especially enjoyed how he chose times in history that were unexpected, such as starting Semmie Johnson’s story after the Civil War and choosing a quiet time in history for Tony to make his trip back to Chicago, just prior to the Chicago race riots of 1919. By choosing relatively quiet times in history, the reader gets a better feel for what the everyday man experienced.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Wolf and the Rain is an exciting work of dystopian climate fiction by author Tanya Lee. With a fantastic mix of traditional gangster action and a modern, intelligent sci-fi disaster, the story centers on a southern soldier named Samarra. As the aftermath of global warming continues to ravage the dried-out south, Samarra races north for any hope of survival. In the Barrow, she soon realizes that water isn’t the only thing she needs to worry about. Here, Samarra uses her skill set to work for the Vanus, a powerful family amongst the gangs of criminals that roam the streets. Here too she encounters the legendary Raina, the woman in the job before her, and a whole new obsessive investigation begins.

I can’t praise this book enough for the inventive genre twisting, blending and superbly diverse themes it contains. Tanya Lee is part of a fantastic movement in fiction towards inclusivity and intelligent, modern themes, all whilst delivering us an exciting and fast-paced gangster novel for the post-modern age. Sam’s character is strong and wise but appropriately flawed for a hero, and her adventures dealing with the gross, wet, diseased city of the Barrow are vividly brought to life through descriptions and her inner feelings. The readership of the book is definitely young adults nearer to the adult stage, and the LGBT themes make a realistic and heartfelt addition to the tale overall, without making it the central issue of the story. Overall, The Wolf and the Rain is a superb read that holds much promise for the future of science fiction.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Lights of Time by Paul Ian Cross is the first book in The Chronicles of Engella Rhys. Engella must stay a step ahead of the Hunters so they won't catch her. All she wants is to find answers about what happened to her parents but instead she's wanted by a mysterious corporation. When she meets a stranger named Annys, she finds an ally to help her navigate throughout space-time. Her journey through time leads her to the discovery of a surprising truth about her past. Meanwhile, Eddie investigates an old military base, only to end up in the middle of something bigger. He meets two strangers and when he doesn't heed their cautionary advice, it results in the death of his mother. The next years of his life are spent determined to find the murderer, which puts him back in the path of the strangers who tried to help him before.

Paul Ian Cross weaves through time, dipping into the past as far as 1955 and going into the future of 2066, with journeys to various times in between. Engella's adventures strike a balance between the past and the future with moments bringing significant advancements to how her journey proceeds. The past gives her a surprising connection to her parents and brings her face to face with someone who knew her parents. The future contains various points with advancements made that are at the root of the story through the use of traveling through space-time, which is a form of time travel. The future pinpoints scientific advancements, including GenMod which does genetic modifications, and Clonepetz which has everything from mini elephants to tigers the size of house cats. She's constantly on the run from the Hunters, which gives a thriller element to the story, complete with action and suspense that leave you wondering if she's going to get caught.

Each new place unlocks new clues, slowly delving into certain truths about her past. The perspective of Eddie adds to the mystery through his search for his mother's murderer, which consumes him. He blames himself for not choosing to listen to the warning he was given, leading to his mother's death. This drive is like Engella's desire to also find the truth and the journey for justice pulls him into Engella's path in an interesting way. The Lights of Time weaves through time in an action-packed journey that finds two unlikely allies in a search for answers.

Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

March of the Gnomes by Erinn Price is a fantasy novel you cannot put down. Alexis Dumont finds herself alone in her sister’s house while Morgan cares for their parents after an accident. Alexis is the athletic one of the family, but a broken leg leaves her restless. Her sister is a developer of organic bio-nanotechnology and her testing equipment allows Alexis freedom to move around without damaging her leg further. So begins her adventure in ArcOn, an AI video game. The game fits the character with the personality of the player. She gets a gnome, and for some unknown reason other characters bully and troll them. But she has a plan and she will not back down on her promise to help the one person she thought she would never get along with. Her commitment drives her to motivate the other gnomes, but their activity will not go unnoticed.

I found March of the Gnomes compelling from the beginning. Erinn Price has developed a complete world within this steampunk fantasy that draws the reader into its realm. I enjoyed the teamwork between the players. Price included stats to give this a video game feel which gamers will appreciate. I learned much about the gaming world as I learned along with Alexis. There is also a mystery concerning the aggressive behavior towards the gnomes and what is causing it. I love how the overseers work to see that the game is fair for all the players, even cheering for the unpopular. I would recommend this well-edited novel to those who love fantasy or gaming.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

As Adam balances himself on the icy iron rails of the Golden Gate Bridge, he contemplates the forces that brought him to this point. It isn’t as if he hasn’t thought about suicide before. This day just seems to be a good end to a worthless existence. Because that is all he does. He exists. He doesn’t live, love, or even aspire to either. Just as he counts down his final seconds on Earth, Adam thinks of his mother and realizes that his will to live and his will to die are still in conflict. Maybe today isn’t the day to end it all. His life is devoid of any motivated purpose, but there has to be something else out there. All he wants is what he views in others. Family. Friends. Love. Success. Happiness. Enter Liz, equally as damaged as he is, but with a healing spirit that draws him into a newfound sunshine and the hopeful rumblings of a future. But when Liz loses her own personal battle within herself, Adam cannot face another minute of mere existence.

Love and the Sea and Everything in Between by Brian McBride is the breathtaking account of entering into the darkness that lies on the edge of depression. McBride draws the reader into an unforgiving ride of heartache, first love, spiritual reckoning, and personal blame. McBride’s characters are fully defined and highly relatable. The short chapters keep the reader mesmerized while comfortable narrative provides thought-provoking contemplation. I believe I actually stopped breathing more than once before completing this book. Wow. Just wow. You will be glad you took the time to consume this story. Remarkable!

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Sierra was not at home that night and her car wasn't there in the driveway when her mother Laura reached home. Sierra was usually at home when Laura arrived. Her family had planned a family movie night to watch the latest Mission Impossible. Laura tried contacting some of the people she thought would know of Sierra's whereabouts. On the other hand, Sierra Hart had been kidnapped. She woke up in a strange room and there was a note on the door with instructions for her to follow. She tried banging on the door and cried herself to sleep. Sierra wanted to hear her mom's voice. Why would anyone want to kidnap a senior in high school? As the story unfolds, readers see that there is more here than what meets the eye.

The Keeping by Rochelle Ransom is a compelling story filled with suspense and intrigue, and it is also a story of love, courage, and relationships. As the book progresses, readers learn various truths about Sierra, her friends, activities, and relationships. The author manages to keep curiosity alive for readers as they page through the chapters. I like the way the author introduces the main characters, Sierra, her mom Laura, dad Patrick, and ex-boyfriend Dave Braun, to readers and alternates between them as the plot advances. The narration is detailed and gripping, and the fluidity in keeping the story going makes it fast-paced. There is not a boring moment as the layered plot progresses, leaving readers captivated and intrigued.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie the Cords That Bind You by Dawn Scott Damon offers tools to claim inner freedom and create a life of purpose and happiness. The author starts with a powerful premise — that we are freed by Jesus. But do we really enjoy the spiritual freedom won for us by Jesus Christ? Commenting on the reality of pain, of the prisons we find ourselves in, and the negative labels that define our lives, the author uses biblical teachings to show readers how to win and enjoy the freedom of the children of God. Right from the introduction the author shares a startling truth, one that resonated with me and one that works like an affirmation: “I am who God says I am. This is what the Bible tells me, but I haven’t believed this truth or lived it. I believe I’m who people say I am. I believe I’m who I say I am. And I believe I’m who Satan says I am.” She doesn’t stop there: “I’ve lived my life bound by negative labels, false limitations, and lies spoken by Satan, others, and myself.”

In this book, Dawn Scott Damon takes readers on an interactive journey, confronting them with biblical truths that reveal the cords of bondage and showing how negative beliefs are formed and how they hinder believers from embracing a life of hope and the freedom of faith. This book gives readers the tools to develop a new, healthy mindset, get a fresh perspective on life, and move towards a better future with hope and confidence. Each chapter is followed by a series of questions that push readers to reevaluate their life, take an introspective look at their life and untie a cord that binds them. This book is designed to empower readers to take control of their lives. Written in a conversational style and in language that is accessible, The Freedom Challenge is your companion to designing the life God intended for you and to the spiritual transformation that allows readers to take control of their destiny.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

It was Casey's first day at school and she was scared. She was starting a new school in the middle of the year. Casey was afraid just thinking how the day would be and the more she thought about it, her fears became more intense. It became too much for her to bear as her fears took over her thoughts of the day. She decided to give her fears to the Lord and his grace blew her fears away. As she walked through the doors of her new school, she remembered the Lord and his grace. It gave her peace of mind and strength and she was happy with the kindness God showered on her. At home she collided with her mother's antique porcelain vase and it broke but Casey's mother was not angry with her; instead, she forgave Casey and showered her with kindness.

The Day Grace Saved Me by Katrina De La Fe reiterates the presence of God in everybody's lives and his kindness and grace. It is a book about healing, kindness, grace, and forgiving. The illustrations are adorable and they bring the concept alive. The Reflection section in the book makes it interactive and is helpful to young readers when it comes to reflecting on God and his kindness. This book will help children in their spiritual growth and will encourage them to practice forgiveness and kindness. It is a good story for reading aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries, and God's amazing grace is palpable through the story. The book can be used in Bible classes too because through Casey youngsters will be able to understand how God and his kindness and grace work. It will also help children have faith and belief in God.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

James in the Suburbs: A Disorderly Parable of the Epistle of James by April Love-Fordham is a devotional plus inspirational book that picks powerful lessons from one of the Epistles that focuses on the theme of faith: The Epistle of St. James. In fact, James states that faith without works has no substance. In this book, the author draws powerful lessons from James and shows how a group of men and women have been able to transform their faith into something tangible by translating it into service. April redefines faith and helps readers understand its application in contemporary society.

It is interesting to see how many lives get changed when we allow our faith to lead and guide us. In this book, we are introduced to a group of faith-filled people using their gifts to positively influence the lives of people around them. There are lessons on dealing with the challenges they face as a group, the spiritual and physical benefits of worship, and how the message in James can be applied to contemporary society. James is one of the biblical letters that is very practical when it comes to understanding and practicing faith and this book offers readers the path to making their faith a living testament in the eyes of the world.

James in the Suburbs: A Disorderly Parable of the Epistle of James is written for Christians who want to deepen their faith and it shows the link between faith and charity and how surrendering to the demands of faith transforms us into people who make a difference in our communities. It is beautifully written, inspiring and filled with engaging stories. A book that offers great material for Bible study and personal reflection. This book teaches you what to do when it is challenging living the faith.

Reviewed by Richard L DeMoss for Readers' Favorite

Grow in the Grace by James Callen is a book about the Christian experience and our service to God. Starting with the path to salvation and then going on to how to navigate our life of service to God, this is a well-crafted and inspirational book. The book is divided into six parts and twenty chapters, each one going over steps to lead us to a closer relationship with and service for God. Each chapter starts with a story, either personal or biblical, that illustrates what lesson will be dealt with. Jesus' dealings with Peter are used in each chapter to further help us see the lesson being taught. From Jesus' first meeting with Peter through his walk with him by the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection, Peter's life shows the trials, tribulations, failures, and victory that Christians can have in their walk in service to God.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It painfully reminded me of my own life as a Christian. Although I have been a born-again believer for 55 years, it showed me how little I have accomplished in the service of my savior. Each lesson is taught using the scriptures to back up the lesson being presented. I was deeply moved by Grow in the Grace, and have begun reassessing my own life and starting to make changes that will put me back on the road to acceptable service to God. James Callen has written a book that I would highly recommend to anyone, believer or non-believer, as there is a powerful message here that is applicable to anybody.