Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

This is an entertaining, occasionally humorous and always delightful story of Galveston, Texas, in 1900. Before the Great Hurricane of that year tore this coastal city to shreds, Galveston was an elegant place to live and thrive, at least it was if a family was wealthy. But the author introduces the reader to the alley people of Galveston, the misfits, the blacks, the prostitutes, the nuns and the ninety orphans in their care. These people, Maxwell, Newt, disgraced Dr. Frank the vet and his raccoon Lucy, Fanny and her son Cody, Bishop, Elma and their three children, Sisters Ruby and Mary, Marbles and Burly Horse are delightful, believable and not totally perfect people who struggle daily against racism, prejudice, and the poverty to which they were consigned. Maxwell, one of the main characters, takes a stand against the corruption and greed of those in power in Galveston, and learns that his love of long ago wasn't quite as honorable as he thought. The people of Galveston's alley are beaten up, shot at, whipped, raped, and are forced to endure terrible things but they show their bravery and their frontier spirit when the Great Hurricane of 1900 struck without mercy.

"The Last Paradise" is a brilliant story of what life was like in the South in 1900 with the prejudice, the racism and the indifference to poverty that existed quite clearly back then. It is well-written and well-edited with characters that are totally believable and true to them throughout the entire story. The plot flows to the end of the book with moments of glory and also of horror. Maxwell and Fanny find love, Newt discovers he loves the local Catholic orphanage and cannot do enough to help, and Burly Horse and Marbles are deficient mentally but abound in love for those around them. The reader will love them all, but hate the bad guys, and will rejoice in their sorrows and celebrate their good times. "The Last Paradise" is a book to be remembered. It teaches the history of Galveston, Texas, in an unforgettable period of time but in a readable way that the reader will not soon forget. A book for everyone!

Reviewed by Rita Vetsch for Readers' Favorite

Launch Out Into The Deep is a spiritually touching book of devotions written by Author, Acacia Slaton Beumer. Beumer writes from her own life experience and has included inspirational essays, divine poems and quotes from the holy scripture in this book that truly touches the soul. Beumer's brother, Aaron Slaton, has delicately written the uplifting poems in this book with character and class. The cover of the book grabs the reader's attention. The girl with the ripped shirt looks as if she is tormented, but the hand of God reaching down is a powerful image. This makes the reader want to pick up the book to see what it is about. Each essay is short and to the point, and each relaying a lesson in life that we can all relate to. The plot is well thought out, each chapter flows nicely to the next and the wording is very easy to comprehend. The issues written about are common ones that affect the world today and she offer's her spiritual guidance to those who need it and will embrace it. Beumer explains that life is a constant battle of temptations whether it is money, drugs, crime, sex or even peer pressure. Those temptations feed on themselves and can drag the victim down to destruction. But Beumer is also there to remind us how great the power of God is and how having Faith can turn our lives around.

I loved how Acacia Slaton Beumer added so many elements into one book. Her words of wisdom, poems and quotes all blended together nicely to create a true masterpiece that is different from anything I have ever read before. We all choose our path in life and we need to be careful that we make the right choices and Beumer reiterates this message through and through. This book would be perfect for teens who think they know everything and what is right for them. They will be able to relate to the issues presented and will come away with a powerful lesson in faith and spiritual guidance. I felt very connected and inspired by reading this wonderful book that made me question my own relationship with God. Let's face it, the Bible is very hard to read, let alone to understand each message that God intends for us, but I found this book to have some of those answers written in simple terms that I could easily comprehend. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking spiritual guidance, anyone who is searching for spiritual inspiration, or anyone who just loves beautifully written poetry. It has something for everyone, no matter what age you are, you will be certain to bring away the message of hope, forgiveness and peace in your life.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

It is nap time but Penelope doesn’t want to go to bed yet. She dons her purple pirate hat, white shirt and pants, wraps her purple sash around her waist and allows her imagination to take her on an adventure. Along with her are her friends, Daphne dolphin, Teddy turtle and Oliver octopus. Today’s adventure will be a treasure hunt. On the way to the island the friends play in the water, jumping, splashing and having fun. On the island the gang searches for the treasure. They search Fountain Falls, Treasure Forest, Batty Caves, Fire Mountain, and Funny Bones Bay. The crew takes time to make a large sand castle and splash in the water. After finding the treasure the crew head back to the ship for their journey home. The adventure leaves Penelope tired and yawning maybe it is time for a nap.

I love children to use their imaginations. In their mind they can go anywhere, do anything, even become a pirate and find a treasure. "Penelope the Purple Pirate" by Melissa Northway is a fun book for children. Both parents and teachers will love the story as much as their children. There are questions at the end of the book that will help children with retention and comprehension. The illustrations by Paul Johnson are eye catching with their bright colors and whimsical characters. Northway has included fascinating information about dolphins, sea turtles and octopus. This book is appropriate for pre-school, kindergarten and possibly first grade classes. I very much enjoyed this book and intend to share it with my grandchildren.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

In her book “Underneath the Scars” the author tells her story living with Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS). She shares her feelings, trials and tribulations, accomplishments and failures, fears and courage, and disappointments and hope. Candida prayed for healing, and God answered her prayer, just not in the way she expected. He didn’t take away the scars, but He gave her so much more. And this is why she wrote this book. The book explains to the world what God has done, and is still doing in her life.

The entire book is awesome, but one chapter stood out to me more. In the chapter about 'Stares and Smiles' Candida talks about people staring at her, feeling sorry for her, and I love her reaction. She says “I respond by saying something like this, “Actually I’m thankful to be alive! I could have died, but yet I’m alive to love and be loved. These scars remind me daily that I am a survivor.” Candida Sullivan can say this because she doesn’t look at herself as being disabled and not worthy of anything. She realizes her life is a gift from God, and she writes this book to show the world that her scars are not any punishment for her, but to exemplify God’s love and mercy for her life. As you follow Candida’s journey though this book, you will experience the many feelings and emotions she goes through. She will have you crying and then laughing, feeling her disappointments and also her hopes and healing through Jesus Christ. You will be amazed at what God is doing in this young lady’s life. And if you struggle with health issues, or any other issues, you will find hope in this wonderful book.

I can’t say enough to recommend this book for you. You will fall in love with this sweet young lady as you read about her life, and how she trusts the Lord and follows Him. This is a book extremely worth reading.

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Elderly Bobby Valentine has his daughter drive him back into the Spanish section of Queens. They park and eat lunch at a cafe which features Italian food and Bobby remembers when a long ago time this cafe was the Starlight Club where Mafia "made" Yip and Red were the owners and ran their illegal businesses out of back private rooms. Yip and Red take really good care of their loyal followers, rewarding Trenchie for his unjust ten years in prison with a restaurant of his own, even letting the young meat deliverer, Bobby Valentine, place discreet bets while they lent him money that he needed for his family. Colorful unforgettable characters pass through these pages like Jimmy the Hat, a handsome hitman who actually succeeds as a movie star. Violence is the norm with rival Mafia organizations like the Gallos and the Profacis looking to move in on Yip's territory. Those were the days.

"The Starlight Club" is an enjoyable, well-written and well-edited book that tells accurately how, decades ago, the Italian Mafia were kings, with connections in politics, police and even Hollywood. Character portrayal is first-rate and the reader will come to appreciate, if not love, Yip, Red, Trenchie, Joey Gallo and the many other "wise guys". Author Joe Corso has created a memorable look into a world long gone as the streets of our country now see not just the Mafia but gangs from countries all over the world. The Prologue and Epilogue with Bobby Valentine looking back on his life as a young man are effective in telling the story. Finally, the plot moves smoothly, if rather violently, to its conclusion making "The Starlight Club" a must read for mystery and Mafia history lovers everywhere.

Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

Dwight Morgan's "The Unlikely Career of Sonny B. Feelright" is one of the best books I have read in some time and I detest anything that smacks of business! Fresh out of school with an MBA, Sonny is approached by a gorgeous woman who needs an associate for an investment firm. Unknown to Sonny, he has been swept into a scheme in which it appears impossible to extricate himself without going to prison for fraud. Enter an alcoholic genius who is willing to dry out and use his skills against the best insider traders in the business. Up against a plan to do a hostile takeover, Sonny and his associates develop a plan of their own which will either land them all in prison or make them heroes.

The book is filled with hints of romance, episodes of criminal behavior and ongoing evidence of mental health issues which both motivate and defeat the scheming characters. Charlotte is downright loveable in her commitment to Sonny and in her restraint in fighting evil. Her cohort Simon is a delight in his motivation to renew a soured life and get back in the heat of high-powered business battle.

Morgan's character development is outstanding and his ability to develop a so-so story into an intriguing and page-turning plot is brilliant! The reader will want to get behind the naive Sonny Feelright and push him into awareness so that he can outmaneuver the bad guys and come out a hero.

Reviewed by Molly Edwards for Readers' Favorite

Jane Baskin is a highly talented author. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from this novel, but I got some good laughs and really had the wild ride-of-my-life with this interesting story. Ms. Baskin has done a wonderful job at creating a complex yet intriguing heroine with Jane and opens the story with a fun plot line. Jane is a character to be reckoned with. She is a widow, and has some rather unique talents. She talks to animals. Well so do I - just ask my adorable Cocker Spaniels - but she can ACTUALLY talk to the animals. It is kind of like a Doctor Doolittle-ette. And, did I mention that Jane can make buses fly? Well, she does. It is absolutely a fantastic part of the story, giving it a whirlwind action feel. On top of the flying buses and the animal talking, you get an adventurous comedy ride with mobsters and love, giving this book the perfect amount of everything: laughs, love, suspense. You name it, it is all incorporated into one heck of a great read.

Now, I'll be honest and say that if I had seen this on Amazon, or in a book store, I would not have picked it up on my own. I just wouldn't normally go for this book. But, in all honesty, I would have been missing out. The action, the writing style, the characters, all of it absolutely gripped me and didn't let me go. Jane is a character who will settle in my heart to stay, and I will cheer for awesomeness all the way.

I can definitely recommend this book with high flying 5 stars. It is a book that will keep you hooked and have you wanting to come back for more. Great job, Ms. Baskin!

Reviewed by Bob MacKenzie for Readers' Favorite

While this tale hinges partly on 21st Century technology, the style and substance is very old fashioned, reading not so much like John Gresham or Tom Clancy as Raymond Chandler or Mickey Spillane with just a dash of Nick and Nora Charles thrown in. A description of the story could sound rather boring. In the quiet town of Red Wing, Minnesota, the cop's wife's best friend has disappeared, leaving behind a note for her husband that their marriage is over. The cop, having little time for this, asks a lawyer friend of his to look into it. That could be the whole story. However, the missing woman is one of the highest qualified computer programmers in the world. In a former life, the lawyer had been top international spy for U.S. military intelligence. The lawyer's wife is a former CIA operative and code-cracker still doing contract decoding for the agency. Soon, people start getting violently threatened or killed. Life in Red Wing has become an adventure!

The characters in this story are thinly drawn, as is often the case in detective fiction, yet they walk just this side of the line between stereotype and stark realism, becoming intriguing individuals almost in spite of themselves. Central to the story, James "call me Beck" Becker and his wife Beth especially stand out and become real to the reader, but others become real the more they are on stage. Like the plot and the pacing, the development of characters in this novel is quite masterful. "The Missing Element" has the pace of "The Big Sleep" or perhaps of any Elmore Leonard novel you could name and has its share of quirky characters and cliffhanger moments to keep your eyes locked on its pages until the very end.

I am very impressed with this novel and with the author's skills as a storyteller. The story is gripping and at times intense. I would recommend "The Missing Element" to anyone as a great, fast-paced read.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

S. Thomas Bailey transports readers back to the time of the French and Indian War. It was a fascinating time in history. Our tale begins near Black Creek where Maggie Murray lived in the family’s small cabin. Alone Maggie ran the farm. Her husband had enlisted in the Virginia Provincial Militia leaving her unprotected. Maggie knew how to “use a rifle and skin a deer,” but the hardship of the farm work and raising their children alone was starting to show on the once beautiful woman. Maggie was the best female shot in the area and put her talent to use when a Huron raiding party aided by the French attacked the cabin. The Murray cabin was not the only one attacked that day. The savages burned the cabins and took settlers prisoner.

I was unable to put this book down once I had started it. Bailey has captured the essence of the era in his account. Maggie, Joshua and One Ear are characters with great depth that march off the pages of this book into the hearts of the readers. The savagery of the Huron was something I had heard of but in this book I all but experienced it. The Huron’s not only conquered but humiliated and destroyed the men. Some of the women would be sold into slavery. We often forget that our nation was formed during a time of great violence. Brave men and women lead the way for the forming of a new nation. It cost many their lives. There is a lot more to this book than I have been able to touch on in a short summary. There is the mission of the militia, the English “proper” way to fight, and the desperation of a husband to find his beloved wife.

Bailey is an incredible writer and his long hours of research are evident. I could easily see this plot on the silver screen. I grew up watching Hawkeye, Daniel Boone and Davy Crocket. It is wonderful to read a high quality work of fiction about our country’s turbulent history. Mr. Bailey do not keep me waiting too long for the next installment of the Murrays.

Reviewed by Terri Tumlin for Readers' Favorite

This novel starts with a lie which skillfully snares the reader unfamiliar with Jefferson Bass’s other books. Well done. Then on to Angie St. Claire, a forensic analyst from Florida, who is taking a professional course from Dr. Bill Brockton at the National Forensic Academy. Before she can complete the course, however, she is called home when her sister dies. Shortly thereafter, she calls Dr. Brockton for help. Her sister’s death has been ruled a suicide and she is sure it is murder. Dr. Brockton agrees to go to Florida to see what he can do. While there, he is shown a skull and asked for his opinion on the type of individual the skull belonged to and how this person died. That request leads him into a twisted story of brutality and murder that played out over decades in a reform school for boys in the Florida Panhandle. The story, however, doesn’t stay in the past. A modern murder may be related and other dangers lurk on Brockton’s journey to find justice for the dead — recent and from long ago.

"The Bone Yard" is a marvelous story with a clear but complex plot overlying a fascinating introduction to the work of a forensic anthropologist. The characters are well-drawn, the pacing keeps you turning the pages and the secrets are unraveled in a manner that at once keeps the reader guessing and when revealed are completely anticipated. This is one of those novels that make the reader feel that they have actually journeyed into a real world that is outside their experience. I highly recommend it.