Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite

Three women, three wars, and one castle. The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray is a historical fiction novel spanning the lives and influences of Adrienne Lafayette, Beatrice Chanler, and Marthe Simone, each saga coming together at one remarkable spot: Chavaniac. Adrienne must stand by her husband, the famed General Lafayette, as he fumbles in the lavish court of Versailles through the Reign of Terror and his subsequent imprisonment. Beatrice is a staunch philanthropist, advocating for the Americans to aid the French during the First World War. Marthe is an orphan, who grew up to teach at Chavaniac, and finds herself a somewhat unwilling participant in the French resistance during World War Two. Each woman has her strengths and weaknesses, but all are formidable forces as they fight for what they believe in.

There are not enough words to praise Stephanie Dray’s magnificent The Women of Chateau Lafayette. Certainly an epic novel, it’s worth the time to read as Dray weaves together the lives of three evocative women. There were parts where I felt palpable heartbreak, especially in the life of Adrienne Lafayette. Her struggles, perseverance, and triumphs during one of the most harrowing events in French history were inspiring, as were her relationships with American dignitaries and presidents. Beatrice, likewise, rose above her humble beginnings as an actress and singer and became known to heads of state and ambassadors. She latched onto her cause and was a relentless force for good when the USA was hesitant to enter World War One. Dray also created a believable character in reluctant resistance fighter Marthe. I could feel her hesitance to put herself in danger, but her morals and ethics ultimately won. I highly recommend The Women of Chateau Lafayette to anyone with a passion for historical fiction and those who enjoy stories about strong, resilient women. This one will stick with me for some time, long after I’ve read the last page.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

A young British girl sent to Australia with her siblings during the height of World War II is determined to trace and reunite with her family again in Joan Fallon’s moving historical novel, The Only Blue Door. Before the war, Maggie and her family lived an idyllic life in London’s East End. Their house has the only door painted blue. Maggie’s father had painted it her favorite color before leaving for the war. As other women and children are evacuated, Maggie’s family remains in London. Her mother, Irene, is convinced that the war will soon be over and is determined to receive her husband when he returns. But things take a turn for the worst, and in all the confusion, the children are sent to Australia as migrant children.

Even when faced with grim circumstances, all the main characters in this moving novel display courage and strength. Maggie provides direction and takes care of her siblings while also trying to cope with changes and challenges. Her sister, Grace, survives physical and emotional torture in the orphanage where she is placed with Maggie. Separated from his sisters, their brother, Billy, is forced to carve out a life of his own. Irene is also forced to move forward without knowing the fate of her children. The story also covers the horrors immigrant children had to endure, including separation from their families, mistreatment in orphanages run by unqualified staff, and trauma from their experiences and the war. The Only Blue Door by Joan Fallon is a powerful coming-of-age novel about immigrant children who learn to survive in a foreign country during World War II.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

Sitting in her bedroom in Manhatten, Victoria writes another letter to Santa asking for some excitement in her mundane life. Victoria still likes to believe he exists even though she is 26 years old. Her parents cannot understand why she still likes to wear her Christmas jumper and play festive songs in October. Victoria's wishes come true almost immediately when she bumps into a mysterious man on the ice rink at the Rockefeller Center, who seems to know her. Shortly afterward, Victoria meets her first love Brian at the airport just as she is about to board a flight to Italy for her cousin's wedding. With her mind still spinning from seeing Brian after so long, Victoria takes the wrong flight and eventually arrives in a mysterious place called The Winter Lands. Victoria meets some extraordinary characters who need her help to urgently rescue someone who has become lost. Victoria must complete her mission, repair her relationship with Brian, and teach her cynical father that people are essentially kind-hearted without revealing the existence of The Winter Lands.

Tale of The Winter Lands by JD Bass is such a delightful tale that will transport you back to your childhood, where you were allowed to imagine and dream anything was possible. The descriptive narrative was exceptional and brought New York, Finland, and the magical Winter Lands to life. I loved the characters especially Rudolph and Grandpa A; they were so kind and intuitive to Victoria's emotions. The relationship between Victoria and Brian was perfect, you could feel the strong chemistry between them. There is never a dull moment in the story and it moves forward consistently with magical situations and a startling revelation about Brian later in the plot. I thought there were so many great life lessons cleverly scattered throughout the story which would inspire children to become caring individuals.

The story teaches us not to be afraid to be yourself and live an authentic life. Don't live in fear of what others may think if you feel in your heart something is the right decision for you. Be considerate and charitable with no expectation of receiving anything in return. The story also highlights that you can feel lost, not just physically like Sean, but also mentally and emotionally if you are not living your dreams. I loved the thought that in the Winter Lands there is a light where 'Every light is for one kid that’s been helped and taken down the right path in the world.” Tale of The Winter Lands by JD Bass is truly an enchanting tale that could be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

For the legion of shapeshifting demons to resurrect, an amethyst necklace must be retrieved and liberated. To retrieve this artifact, the wearer must die! This is the story of The Cursed Brothers, a thrilling horror novel written by Christine M. Germain. Crystal had just returned to Lakeview Falls, a year after her parents’ brutal murder. Her birthday was fast approaching, and she received the amethyst necklace posthumously from her late mom. She also developed romantic feelings towards her new next-door neighbor, Jason. Unfortunately, her friends started disappearing one after the other. The culprit was the necklace, and two immortal demons were after it. Only Crystal can fight this battle. She will choose her destiny, whether to live or die. What will it be?

Whoosh! The Brother’s Curse by Christine M. Germain offered a lot and lived up to its genre. Christine is such a fantastic storyteller that I felt the energies emanating from the novel. The plot was unlike anything I’ve ever read, very detailed and otherworldly realistic. I loved the sprinkle of humor that tempered the tension and fear. Character development was top-notch, and I loved their unpredictability. John and Trey were my authentic heroes in the book. They were the ones who truly loved; walking their talk all the way. I loved the writing style and the way words flowed effortlessly–almost poetically. The book cover was also very attractive and informative, telling me what to expect. This is the first book, and I can’t wait to read other works by Christine.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Covenant of Wickersham Hollow by Thomas A. Bradley is an occult horror thriller. Annabel and Brian have lived their whole lives in the town, and they really should have known the history behind the old Wickersham place before they decided to buy it. Behind its façade hides a horrific secret dating back to 1697. On All Hallows Eve, a deal was struck. A deal was forged in the fires of hell, and now it waits, hiding in the shadows. Waiting for the next soul to arrive. Waiting for Annabel. What happened to the seven teenagers who thought it would be fun to spend the night there all those years ago? Will Annabel be the one to finally cleanse the house or just another victim?

The Covenant of Wickersham Hollow is a spooky, spine-tingling read that will stay with readers for a long time. The story flicks between timelines, giving us a history of the house and other events that have occurred there while guiding us through the present time. This is done particularly well by author Thomas A. Bradley, as you fall seamlessly between past and present, the story pulling you deeper in until you are fully immersed in the evil. The action doesn’t let up, the story is well-paced, and the characters are real people, easy to like and relate to, developed as the story unfolds before you. The plot contains lots of twists and turns and plenty of scares and thrills to keep you turning the pages. If you are looking for something different in this genre, or you just want a way to escape the real world for a while, this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Trusting the Currents by Lynnda Pollio is an uplifting story about the spiritual journey of self-discovery, faith, forgiveness and courage of the author, and inspires readers to rise above the insecurities and obstacles in their lives and face the fear of darkness and uncertainty head on. The book teaches readers acceptance and also to learn from their experiences in life and make positive changes in their lives. The presence of a mother and her love during ups and downs in life runs through the book. The book is inspirational and encourages readers to look inward and effect the positive transformation that makes life more meaningful.

The narrator's spiritual awakening, her falling in love, her stepfather and cousin Jenny form an integral part of the story that speaks to readers about the author's transformation. The author teaches readers to trust their own hearts and open their eyes to their surroundings. The book also helps to bring inner peace and happiness and it also touches readers in many ways. Many readers will be able to relate to the author's experiences and this book will sow the seeds of hope in their souls. The writing style is powerful, expressive, exquisite and descriptive. All the characters are memorable and will remain in readers' heart for a long time. This timeless story of love, courage and spiritual transformation is definitely worth reading and also owning in one's personal collection.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

The Menu by Steven Manchester is an inspirational novel to savor. It's about a man named Phinn Reed, who has the chance of a lifetime. A chance found mostly in fairytales or romance novels. The chance to choose what he wants out of life. Chief among them is love. The heart wants what the heart wants, but what is the recipe for true happiness? Sometimes love can be found where we aren't looking, and this is the case with Phinn. Love doesn't always make sense, but it always finds a way. Out of love comes more than just the physical--faith can come, and so can family. For those who want to know if you can love, lose, then love again, you're going to have to read this book. We live and die with our choices. What will Phinn choose from God's menu?

This book will take you on a deep dive of questions we all have from time to time: What happens when we die? Is there an afterlife? Will we ever be with lost loved ones again? Manchester is a master at crafting a heartrending story that stays with you, characters that are true to life, and plot points that will make you think and break your heart. The author has skillfully wrapped a self-help book inside a poetic novel. He knows how to bring smiles along with the tears. You won't forget Phinn and Maddie, and it's certain you'll find yourself among the pages. If you like stories where love endureth all things, don't miss The Menu by Steven Manchester.

Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

On the opening page of Jenna Takes The Fall by A R Taylor, we first meet her in the inner sanctum of her boss’s office, staring down at his dead body. Did she kill him? No, but she’s asked to pretend he died of a heart attack while in the throes of passion with her. As a young and naïve girl who recently arrived in New York, and very unsure of herself, she complies, partly as a result of a very generous incentive. But what was behind the promises she made and the papers she signed? The answers to these questions swirl around in her mind and haunt her for years. A new life and a new career beckon but this means exile from her home country and friends. The family has a secret to hide and they are not sharing it with Jenna. She is forbidden to contact the people who might be able to tell her, but as she reinvents herself, she cannot rid herself of the past.

When I read the opening to Jenna Takes The Fall by A R Taylor, I was so intrigued that I had to download this book. The scenario of wriggling beneath the dead body of your boss was one of the most eye-catching beginnings to any book I’ve ever picked up. While I liked Jenna and felt for her, I did get annoyed with her for feeling so sorry for herself. Although she could not understand why she had been substituted for the real culprit, her recompense would have kept me happy for decades. It was a laugh-out-loud book to begin with that then became deeper as Jenna became more introspective. I loved the quotations at the beginning of each chapter, especially the ones from Jenna’s late grandmother, not someone who ever became famous, but so apt. The flow was excellent, an easy book that kept me turning the pages, wanting to know what happened. The end was satisfactory and tied up all the loose ends. The author’s ability to ‘show and not tell’ is excellent, putting the reader right into the scene. I just wanted to get my hands on Jenna and give her one good shake to remind her there is a big wide world out there so she should enjoy it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Legend of the White Lion is a work of fiction penned by author Kathy Coons, and it fits well into the modern folk tale and mythology style of novel writing. The story is suited to the general reading audience, and it begins with the central character Mariah Brooke, who is frustrated that she isn’t where she wants to be in life. Knowing that her true calling isn’t to stay stuck in a small town in Kansas, Mariah takes the leap and moves to Seattle. But once there, Mariah discovers a valley village being terrorized by a mysterious white mountain lion, one that bears the same yellow eyes which call to her in dreams. Could this be the destiny she’s wished for all along?

Kathy Coons sets the scene for a transcendent and somewhat surreal story, but one which is deeply grounded in the emotional reality of the central character. We get to know Mariah so well right from the off, with a solid portrait of her grieving state and her very relatable desire to get out into the world and find her true place. What unfolds within the pages of Legend of the White Lion is a journey to strength, insight, and inner peace, but it does so with all the dark moments and sharp edges thrown in that real life hands us every day. The setting, atmosphere, and side characters in the work also beautifully highlighted these highs and lows in the drama, foreshadowing some gritty moments and alleviating others. I would highly recommend Legend of the White Lion for readers seeking something totally different in modern fiction: an original and heartfelt work indeed.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

The inhabitants of Little Sister Island have grown accustomed to the ancient magic that lingers in the bedrock, entwining the island and the islanders together. When an unexplainable quake hits the island, they believe it foretells some future event, although no one is certain what it might be. Meredith Turner, miles away from the island, once again wakes up from the recurring, haunting nightmare of a shipwreck. After knowing the same dream plagues her mother, Meredith seeks help from a Native American healer. When she spots a photograph of Little Sister Island, all the puzzle pieces fall into place. Why does the island call the Turners? What fate awaits them there? To learn the answers, read Face the Wind by Caren J. Werlinger.

Caren J. Werlinger’s novel is a combination of romance, LGBTQ fiction, and magical realism. Although this is the second book of the Little Sister Island series, not reading the previous one posed no issues. Werlinger sketched each character down to the minutest detail; however, Molly and her partner, Kathleen, stole the show for me. The island community as a single unit helped and looked out for each other. When the arrival of the Turners raised conflicts among the islanders, some bitter memories resurfaced, and I waited impatiently for the issues to resolve. Despite the perils of living at the mercy of the sea, the simple life on the island lured me. I would recommend Face the Wind, a story of love, acceptance, and healing, to anyone looking for a heart-warming read.