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Crushing the Devil

Your Guide to Spiritual Warfare and Victory In Christ
Pedro Okoro

2012 Bronze Medal
256 Pages
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Christian - Living

2012 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Lorraine Carey for Readers' Favorite

"Crushing the Devil" will open your eyes and astound you with things about the devil you never thought were possible! This novel hit home for me because it came at the right time in my life to open my eyes to the real power we have from Jesus - one that we had all along to defeat this ugly beast! You will see just how ugly he is and learn his evil tricks as he tries to destroy your life. This book is a true interactive program for life for born again Christians that includes scripture, examples, action points that recap each chapter and prayers. You are given real tools to regain your faith and abolish his presence immediately. Some shocking things were revealed here that I never had taken into account with the inner workings of the devil, as his intent is to take you down, whether it is a full blown possession or the simple fact that you are stagnant in your career and not going anywhere. No matter at what stage of your life you are and what you are ailing from, there is a way to conquer it by affirming your place as a child of God and you can extinguish the devil by using the prayers, and the steps outlined in this book. Words have such power, and they are provided right here along with mind blowing statements to affirm. A very strong statement is given at the end of the book, for all of us to ponder at a time when our world is in such a state. It is one of hope if you choose to follow the steps in the book.

Pedro Okoro has been granted Divine Intervention to be able to write this book for you! He is one who has done his homework on this subject and knows how to go into battle and is well-armed with the armor of God as he shares these great messages with an easy to follow format. He writes with such strong voice on this powerful subject. The book was organized with such balance and reflection. Everything seemed to flow together. Yes, I can honestly say every bit of information here had impacted me in a way that will be reshaping my life for the better. I have printed out the action points and prayers that I have immediately put into practice too.

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The Jesus Factory

Scott Lindquist

2012 Bronze Medal
242 Pages
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Christian - Fiction

2012 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Lori Moore for Readers' Favorite

Remember how Dan Brown’s “The DaVinci Code,” while being fiction, got people talking about their beliefs or lack of belief in organized religion? “The Jesus Factory” by Scott Lindquist is such a book. Through a fictional story, Lindquist presents a story about the lost message of a hidden apostle and the main character’s (Pete) search for spiritual truth. Much as Jesus presented lessons in the form of parables in the Bible, this story unfolds in the same way in that it really is a lesson or a thought-provoking issue for each reader as an individual but they are reading it as part of a story of someone else’s struggle.

Before I became a Christian, I hated televangelists and what I thought of as “organized religion” because those issues have been so manipulated by some that it is enough to turn you against God. “The Jesus Factory” addresses those very same issues and invites the reader to think for himself about spiritual matters, while actually drawing the reader nearer to a relationship with God. Pete, the focal character in the book, has to reconcile his beliefs with his experiences of preachers using the Bible as a weapon to humiliate and control people and the petty politics of church congregations.

Christians, non-Christians, agnostics, and seekers will all enjoy this book because the plot is good and the story line is relatable. There is a theme in the book about empowering women and gender equality that isn’t overdone. It is a good read, but may be an emotional rollercoaster for some.

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The Take-Charge Patient

How You Can Get the Best Medical Care
Martine Ehrenclou

2012 Gold Medal
320 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Health - Medical

2012 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

As soon as I saw the title of Martine Ehrenclou’s book I knew I had to read it. In "The Take-Charge Patient: How You Can Get the Best Medical Care" by Martine Ehrenclou we learn much about patients’ rights and how we can be our best advocate. She discusses a broad range of topics from how to find the right doctor or other health care professional and discounted medications to dealing with insurance companies. There is so much in this book that I can barely scratch the surface in a review.

Ehrenclou's book is an essential tool for everyone. The book is well-organized. I cannot think of an additional topic to be covered. After writing this book, Ehrenclou became ill and put every aspect of this book into practice. Some points I felt were very valuable: chapters 5-8 are extremely important. You must trust and communicate with your doctor and staff. This includes listening to your doctor just as you want to be listened to. Be prepared for your visit. Have a list of written questions, a list of medications and a family history. I am very much impressed with this book and the author. This is a much needed tool for patients.

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The Exiled Element

A James Becker Suspense/Thriller
John L. Betcher

2012 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Suspense

2012 Honorable Mention
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Beth Becker is retired from her decrypting work for the CIA and lives with her husband, James, a former military intelligence operative, in Red Wing, Minnesota. Then she is called back by those in power in Washington, D.C., to head over to Egypt to "see" her friend Rasha at Egypt's CIS as the new Egyptian President has just been assassinated by someone with a Southern Texas drawl and messages need Beth's decoding genius. Senator Grossman, head of the Senate's Armed Services Committee, is threatened with assassination, as well, and it is not just because he has had numerous extra-marital affairs. While Beth pursues information that will tell why Egypt has stolen plans for the United States' top secret plane, Aurora, her husband James teams up with local sheriff Gunnar and Native American "Bull" to stop attempts on Senator Grossman's life. Will Beth decode top secret information before she is captured and will James, Gunnar, and Bull capture Raptor, the assassin, who has "drawn a bead" on Senator Grossman?

"The Exiled Element" is a follow-up novel in the Beck Suspense/Thriller series and it is well-written, filled with suspense and unexpected twists and turns. Readers will follow the plot as it proceeds to a satisfying conclusion and will love all the characters, especially Dakota Native American "Bull". In fact, readers will adore and even reread the part at the book's conclusion where Bull acts out off-camera violence in the assassin's prison cell. Formatting and editing are above par and fans of thrillers will put "The Exiled Element" at the top of their reading list.

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Beneath the Mimosa Tree

Stephanie Verni

2012 Bronze Medal
218 Pages
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Romance - Contemporary

2012 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Annabelle Marco and Michael Contelli have been next door neighbors in Annapolis, Maryland, since they both were five years old. In their senior year of high school under the mimosa tree in Michael's back yard, they realized their attraction to each other. By the end of their college years, Annabelle and Michael are ready to marry. And, oh, aren't their parents excited about this! However, Annabelle deserts Michael on the eve of their Caribbean wedding as she feels the pushiness of her parents and Michael's. Both sets of parents obviously are furious with Annabelle, and Michael goes off to London alone and stays there for ten years, marrying the wrong girl for a short and dismal time. Now he is coming back to Annapolis and Annabelle has just ended a disastrous affair with an alcoholic. Will Annabelle be able to apologize to Michael for what she did ten years before and will he accept her apology and be able to love her as he once did?

"Beneath the Mimosa Tree" is a lovely, well-written and well-edited story of childhood sweethearts. Annabelle and Michael, their parents, Annabelle's grandmother Vivi and all their supportive friends in the United States and London are totally believable. The special charm of this story is that Annabelle and Michael have much to overcome and take their time doing so. They don't just make up and jump right into bed together. The story's true-to-life plot flows smoothly to the book's conclusion and "Under the Mimosa Tree" is a story to read and cherish.

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The Angry Woman Suite

Lee Fullbright

2013 Gold Medal
382 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Historical

2013 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Joana James for Readers' Favorite

"The Angry Woman Suite" is quite a ride. Set in the early 1900s, it is a story of family conflict, mystery, drama and love. Young Francis Grayson grows up with a slew of women referred to merely as “the women,” consisting of two aunts and a grandmother. Unfortunately, Francis is subjected to abuse at their hands. Young Francis does not know much about his history and even the true identity of his father is kept from him. Elyse, Francis' stepdaughter, tells the story from her point of view in a rather compelling manner. A third narrator is history buff and schoolmaster, Aiden Madsen, who also plays the roles of music teacher and friend to young Francis. Francis is talented, something that runs in the family, but he lets his desire for fame get the best of him.

Filled with deceit, outright lies, anger and resentment, this book is very cleverly written, with different points of view bringing unique perspectives to the story. The characters are fully developed and easy to understand, and as the story comes together one finds oneself empathizing, loving and sometimes even hating them. The novel is quite a trip through time as the characters tell history as they see it. It seems that each character is on a quest for truth. It is hard to decipher whose version is correct, but this adds to the flavour of the whole novel. This is quite an outstanding novel and I recommend it with no reservations.

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The Sixties Girl

Victoria Staat

2012 Honorable Mention
354 Pages
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Romance - Contemporary

2012 Honorable Mention
Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

In “The Sixties Girl,” Victoria Staat tells a story of when life was quite a bit more innocent that it is today. With the setting in the 1960’s, readers can enjoy the signs of the times as it was back in those days. Brad Montgomery had the things that count going for him, women loved him and he had money. But Claudette wasn’t about to let anyone else have Brad, for she wanted him all for herself. All of this changed though after Brad went off on a business trip. Brad and Claudette had an argument before he left, so he felt free to look when he saw the cute car hop at Lou’s Drive-In. Kit was sure to check out Brad as well, especially with his shining Shelby Mustang. Sparks seemed to fly hot when these two young people met. Imagine miss Claudette when she meets Kit! Of course she did try her best to pull the breaks on their relationship, but did she really have it in her to break them up? Don’t miss this sparkling romance and a nice trip back to a funny and exciting time in history.

I love the book cover, with the car hop Kit in her bobby socks, tennis shoes and ponytail. And then there is Lou’s Drive-In Restaurant. I love meeting Lou and the restaurant gang. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip back to the 1960’s era, enjoying everything as it was back then. Remember the jukebox music? Victoria Staat pens a fun and enjoyable story with characters that are so realistic and believable for the 1960’s. She so vividly details the story to make you feel as though you are back there in time. I enjoyed Kit and Brad’s story, with their romance and struggles, love and war, and the determination to make their love work. If I were you, I would run out and grab a copy of this book to read and enjoy for yourself.

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The Little Gnome

Sheri Fink

2013 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Fable

2013 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"The Little Gnome" was written by Sheri Fink and illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam. This children’s story begins by introducing the Little Gnome to readers. Little Gnome was happy as he enjoyed the beautiful flowers, the singing birds, the whispering wind and the warm sunshine in the Victorian garden. He was sure he lived in the most perfect garden. His friends liked to visit the Little Gnome in his garden. One day the Little Gnome noticed something different: the air was getting cooler, the days were shorter and the leaves on the trees changed color and fell to the ground. One morning the Little Gnome saw white powder on the ground. It was cold and he was sad. When the Little Gnome was sad he was grouchy. He missed his friends and the warm sunshine. But then he heard laughter and experienced something he had never experienced before.

"The Little Gnome" is a delightful book. The illustrations are bright and cheerful. They lend much to the text. The plot is cute, interesting and well done. It will appeal well to children. This tale teaches the difference in the seasons and what we can enjoy about each one. Parents and teachers alike will want a copy of this book to read to their children. One of my favorite lines in the book is on page 25: “The Little Gnome now understood that there’s something to look forward to and celebrate in every season.” The moral of this story is, “When you look for the positive in every change, you will always find something to appreciate and enjoy.” This is a must read book!

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The Lucky Cake

Anna Prokos

2012 Honorable Mention
24 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural

2012 Honorable Mention
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite

"The Lucky Cake," written by Anna Prokos and illustrated by Christina Tsevis, is the wonderful telling of a Greek tradition. Billy is very excited as it is New Year's Day and he cannot wait until the cake is cut into as he is hoping that the lucky coin is in his slice of cake. Billy is hoping for a year of good luck just like his brothers have had in the last two years when they had the coin in their slices of cake. While the family is participating in this tradition, the story of how this tradition began and the significance it has to Greek culture is shared.

This is a well-written story with cute illustrations. I was aware of this tradition prior to reading the book; however, I had no idea of how the tradition began or about the significance of it. This book is a great resource for anyone whom would like to learn more about a specific tradition or would like to help their children learn more about a culture. The story is easy to follow and a child's attention will be held throughout the book as it is a mix of learning about the tradition and discovering who is the lucky one to end up with the coin this year. This is a nice way to share a new tradition with children, especially since the cake recipe is included at the end of the book. After reading this book, your child will be asking to make this a tradition as a part of your family's New Year's celebration!

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Under The Tree

Danielle Leibovici, LMFT

2012 Bronze Medal
60 Pages
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Children - Fable

2012 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"Under The Tree" by Danielle Leibovici, LMFT, is the story of a little boy who was lost. He woke up under a tree and wandered deeper into the forest searching for his home. The boy came upon a rabbit hole. The rabbit, owl and fox could not help him. The blue jay took the boy to the wise old squirrel. The squirrel showed the boy a bowl of magic water. When he looked inside the boy could see himself asleep under the tree. The water revealed things to the boy that helped him find his way home.

"Under The Tree" is an adorable book. Danielle Leibovici uses prose to deliver her message. Danielle Leibovici brings out the many emotions that children go through, and the disillusionment, distress, and the sorrow as the little boy searches for his home. The boy feels other emotions like happiness, relief and elation when the boy discovers he is no longer lost. When he returns home he rushes into his loving mother’s arms. The plot is delightful and well-written. The illustrations are bright and cheerful. Julia Gabrielov uses beautiful colors to complement the text. The greens used for the grass and trees are peaceful and calming. The rabbit is dressed in a blue vest with a pocket watch. The owl wears a scarf around his neck while the fox has a red cape. The wise squirrel has a walking stick and his home is beautifully decorated. All of the illustrations come together to help the child use his imagination. It is easy to recommend this book.