Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite

In The Meaning of Myth, Neel Burton (psychiatrist, philosopher, wine expert) brilliantly discusses and exhibits the meaning of myth. First, he defines it as “a piece of lore” and then separates it from legend, fable, fairytale, parable, religion, ritual, magic, and science. He presents a staggeringly exquisite progression: “Where science ends there is philosophy, where reason ends (end of language)—myth, music, wine.” Professor Burton’s voice in the piece is of an unselfconscious, thoroughly informed expert. The prose is fluid, professional, personal. He talks about the history of myth, and the tools used such as metaphor, personification, and allegory. And he explains the plot structure and content, its heroes/ heroines and gods/goddesses. He also talks about the history and current state of myth, implying enigmatically that sometime in the future myth might be all we have.

For quite some time I have been reading to be entertained, but I started this book to learn. I soon discovered that learning is super entertaining. I was reminded and inspired about the importance of story to mankind. And the necessity of knowing myth as it relates to human history and thought. After Dr. Burton tells us all we need to know about myth in general, he offers specific presentations on 12 major myths (with photographs of artwork), starting with Echo and Narcissus and ending with Plato’s Myth of Er. The stories are spellbinding by themselves, but then there is commentary by Professor Burton, wise, knowledgeable, and enthralled by his subject. I felt as if I’d rediscovered a fabulous world I’d long forgotten, and it’s a world that we must never forget. The Meaning of Myth by Neel Burton is teaching and writing at its most superb and is as entertaining as you could ever want.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Sophia Demas’s story will reverberate in all of us. The Divine Language of Coincidence: How Miracles Transformed My Life After I Began Paying Attention is the story of her spiritual development that started at the age of nineteen. Much like many young people who are preoccupied with finding answers to life’s questions, Demas has her share of events that are seemingly beyond the realm of chance. Transformational change in her perception comes in the form of dreams—an out-of-this-world experience that made her start paying attention. Whether you choose to call it coincidence or miracle, she has received graces and attributed these mysteries to a Divine Power. Her perception of this entity is far different from the traditional concept of God in established religion, but it is nonetheless an entity that pervades all realms and all living things. And in her cosmic connection, she shares her experiences to help those who have lost their grasp on happiness.

The synchronicity of events in Sophia Demas’s experiences aptly illustrates the non-casual events in the external world which link with the things taking place in the internal world, and in this case, her dreams. If we are to apply Carl Jung’s concept of synchronicity to The Divine Language of Coincidence, then this makes Demas’s memoir truly meaningful. Whether you choose to ascribe religious abstractions to her experience or go for a scientific explanation, there is something enriching about her discourse that will make you want to connect in a higher plane of consciousness. You appreciate the narrative for its honesty and Demas’s openness in showing her vulnerabilities. Read it and see how her straight-to-the-point explanation will make you believe in finding the miracles in your own life.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead is a work of non-fiction in the spiritual, supernatural, and life experience sub-genres, and was penned by author John Russell. An extraordinary and intriguing work, the book explains the pursuits of the author in relation to his psychic and paranormal talents and is written for adult audiences owing to the use of some explicit language on occasion. Working as a professional psychic, we journey with Russell on his motorbike as he rides from tale to tale, offering historical and contemporary paranormal experiences or, as the author himself puts it, some really entertaining ghost stories which also happen to be true.

Whether you fully believe in paranormal phenomena or not, author John Russell delivers a superbly well-penned and highly engaging collection of tales to enjoy. The series of stories and essays are all episodic in nature, meaning that you can turn to any story in any order and really enjoy it as a capsule of intrigue, humor, darkness, and discovery. What won me over time and again was the spirit of the author himself, whose nature is easy-going and enthusiastic in his pursuit and depiction of his many different experiences. This makes the book a true winner on every page for its writing style alone. Overall, I would highly recommend Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead to all readers who enjoy exploring the true-life paranormal experiences of others and take an interest in the psychic profession.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Finding Hope In The Afterlife by Joshua Louis based on his personal experiences, Joshua shares with you his incredible journey and personal experiences in the field of the paranormal. Growing up in a Catholic household in Connecticut, Joshua had an early connection to Jesus Christ but it wasn't until a series of strange occurrences that led him to research the subject of the paranormal further. Now he uses his natural ability to help those in need of comfort and answers. The guide is filled with research data in the metaphysical, paranormal, and instrumental-trans communication fields as well as data from pivotal people who helped him along the way. Whether you have a keen interest in the afterlife, want to improve your own psychic ability, or are a complete skeptic, we all have the right to open our minds to the unknown. As humans, we are all here to expand our minds and find our own unique purpose. The reality that we can see, taste, touch, and smell is just a minute part of what exists and through a deeper understanding of our spiritual awareness, we can be open to exciting life opportunities and experiences.

Finding Hope In The Afterlife by Joshua Louis is such a compelling read, I could not put it down. Joshua's brutally honest accounts of his past were admirable and I loved his inquisitive mind to search for answers regarding his experiences. His story highlights that we receive signals to point us towards our destiny and they will continue until you take action. I also appreciated Joshua's skepticism at first until he could no longer deny what he encountered. The chapter where he deals with his inner battle to prevent logic, reasoning, and his ego blocking the belief in what he was experiencing was quite moving. The personal accounts were extremely insightful, especially Adam's story; this was heartbreaking to read. The chapters on the four stages of conducting a session and the afterlife were really educational. I have always been skeptical about the existence of telekinesis but Joshua's explanations have convinced me otherwise. There is some superb advice and research data throughout and also brilliant guidance on avoiding fraudulent psychics and so-called experts. The photographic evidence was mindblowing, especially of Jesus and Nikki. A spectacular and thought-provoking read and one I would highly recommend.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Going the Wrong Way by Chris Donaldson is a wonderful memoir that will also entertain fans of travel. When Chris leaves Belfast on his café racing Moto Guzzi at twenty-one, he has no destination, and little does he know that his bike won’t just take him places but on a journey of self-discovery, as he travels over land and sea, by boat or by train. The travels will take readers across countries and continents, including the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, North America, Central America, and others. It is a tale of courage in which the author encounters different cultures. He will be misunderstood, treated differently, welcomed in places where the immigration officer thinks he has emigrated to Syria, and experience more. He faces interesting situations at times, and heartbreaking ones, too. This coming-of-age narrative is exhilarating and his experiences as he travels through the Third World are hilarious.

The author writes in a style that is gripping and a voice that is observant and as readers follow the narrative, they get glimpses of the world he traveled through and the cultures and social situations in different places. There are fun and surprising moments; there are the challenging ones, and there are some that are breathtaking. Overall, it is an exhilarating ride that allows Chris to discover himself as he comes into contact with different people and diverse cultures. Going the Wrong Way is an exciting story that isn’t lacking in humor and the strong narrative voice gripped me from the first page. Chris Donaldson’s memoir made me want to pick up a backpack and hit the road.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Venice I Know is a work of non-fiction in the travel guide subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by travel enthusiast and author Margie Miklas. After five interesting trips to Venice, this award-winning blogger has many things to comment on to celebrate the culture, food, artistry, history, shopping, and accommodation available in one of Italy’s most popular holiday destinations. Determined to capture the true nature of the city and its people, Margie offers solid travel advice and deeper insight into the people who make Venice special behind the scenes, and the hidden treasures that you wouldn’t be likely to discover without a dedicated guide.

As an avid traveler and someone who has visited Venice, I was absolutely delighted with this guidebook from cover to cover. Initially, the thing that made the biggest impression was the passion and positivity with which author Margie Miklas writes, as every page is an eloquent celebration of quintessential Italian culture, but also homing in on the details that make Venice truly unique. The section featuring the glassmakers of Murano was especially interesting to me as that was my favorite place when I visited, and I learned so much more from Margie’s guide than I did from my own trip there. I would definitely want this book with me if I were to visit again. I’d certainly recommend The Venice I Know to anyone wishing to learn more, but also to those who want a charming escape with a highly descriptive and enthusiastic writer as their guide.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Zodiac Revisited, Volume 1: The Facts of the Case is a nonfiction, true crime book written by Michael F. Cole. The story of the Zodiac Killer is an exceptional one in the pantheon of serial killers. His saga is a mystery that remains unsolved five decades after he first appeared and continued to slaughter innocents, taunt the authorities, and share personal details with the press and the public alike. He first appeared on the scene in December 1968, and, in the ten months following, had launched attacks four times, leaving five victims dead and two others, who were left for dead, surviving grievous injuries. He continued to dominate the news cycles; however, through 1974, and, while authorities considered his death toll to be those five victims, the Zodiac claimed that he had dispatched 37 unlucky souls who had met him under unfortunate circumstances. Cole’s work focuses on what he terms “Pillars of Principal Importance” in his investigation into the Zodiac Killer: the crimes committed; the letters sent by the Zodiac killer to the press and the authorities, over 20 letters in all; and the journalistic efforts of the Chronicle, the Examiner and the Vallejo Times-Herald in reporting the crimes and their interactions with the Zodiac.

Michael F. Cole’s The Zodiac Revisited is a compelling and well-written story charting the odyssey of one of America’s most enduring mysteries -- the Zodiac killer and the hold he had on the Bay Area for years. Cole brings the reader in close focus to each of the attacks, making them privy to details made public as well as those kept quiet to help the authorities discount fakes and copy cats during their investigations. His accounts of eye-witnesses and the surviving victims are fascinating and helped me understand more about this shadowy killer who terrorized the country and seemed oddly dependent upon the authorities and the press as he continued his rampages. Likewise, Cole’s coverage of the ciphers the Zodiac sent and the efforts made by authorities and cryptologists alike to decipher them is fascinating. I appreciated the endnotes and images of victims, locations and the notes the Zodiac sent, which all provide the reader with the opportunity to consider the evidence and perhaps do a bit of armchair sleuthing. The Zodiac Revisited is a well-organized and brilliantly presented work. It’s highly recommended.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

The Sound of Violet is an emotional rollercoaster that made a wonderful heart-rending story. Shawn is autistic and wants nothing more in life than to find the perfect girl who will marry him and love him forever. His grandma Ruth and brother Colin have watched and protected him all his life, worrying about his choices. As the story opens, Shawn is going out on many dates but each one of them is more disastrous than the last. When he meets Violet, he believes that his search is over and she is the girl of his dreams. Because of his innocence, he fails to see the signs that Violet is a prostitute. Shawn spends as much time with Violet as she will allow, but he always wants more. Violet finds Shawn’s innocence unique, for he is unlike anyone she knows, and she views Shawn and his way of life as an escape from prostitution: an opportunity to move on.

The Sound of Violet is a very different love story than most, and the path that both central characters follow to reach their goals is what makes the work a must-read. It was easy to root for Shawn and want to see his dreams come true whilst also wanting it to all turn out right for Violet. The story focuses on autism, prostitution, God, romance, and family, and pulls it all together perfectly. Author Allen Wolf addresses the issue of human trafficking while presenting a sweet romantic and touching story. The Sound of Violet was sad and happy all at once and I found myself crying and laughing a lot. I was so happy to learn that The Sound of Violet is also a movie, one that I can’t wait to see. It is impossible not to be inspired by Shawn’s determination and Violet’s moxie.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

Shae had it all; a dashing husband, wealth, unrivaled beauty, and a thriving career as an actress. It all came tumbling down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Seth, her husband, left her for new arm candy, while she faced a bleak future fighting cancer and unable to work. Shae was over men because her mom had previously fallen victim to her absent and philandering dad. Shae wasn’t looking for love, but fate had other plans. Nate showed up as her oncology nurse with his sweet personality and experience with cancer, both medically and personally. Gradually, they fell for each other, but while Shae pushed him away, he held on. Will love triumph? Will Shae live long enough to love one more time? Find out in The Other Side by TK Cherry.

The Other Side by TK Cherry is a contemporary romance novel that combines medicine and entertainment. It explored themes like courage, positivity, resilience, hope, grief, and the fickle nature of humans. I loved this book so much because it speaks of beautiful people suffering from any kind of illness, especially cancer. It tells us to smile, even when things look bleak. Honey was a perfect example, and this made her my most favorite character. She evoked from me an assortment of emotions as she went through her ordeal. I cried, laughed, got anxious, and more. TK Cherry wrote a sound story with a strong plot. The characters were also well developed and relatable. This book is just perfect, and I’d like to read more from TK Cherry.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Cross the Stars (Crossing Stars Duet, Book 1) by Venessa Kimball is a suspenseful romance with echoes of Romeo and Juliet. Star-crossed Ella and Raj experience a chance meeting at a D.C. party and think their paths will never cross again. He is Jordanian royalty and she is an American nearing college graduation, out to prove her parents wrong and stay true to her own values and conscience. But when the two do meet again, due to a Syrian relief effort they are both involved in, an earth-moving romance begins between them, and they defy everything and everyone just to be together--family, tradition, position, criticism, danger, etc.

The first book in a series, this original romance brings something fresh to the table. It has everything you would expect in a great romance novel--complete, believable characters, an interesting plot, and of course a heartbreaking, irresistible romance--but there is more. Kimball's writing and phrasing add depth to the conflict, the descriptions and dialogue put you into the scenes as if you are part of the story. As you read, you will feel the draw of both cultures and lives as they collide, and you will be pulled in different directions. But most of all, you'll want this love story to work out for the best. A book can begin with an impossible scenario, but it takes a talented writer like this author to pull it off convincingly and with heart.

From the beginning, you feel like you are caught up in a real-world relationship with real people, not just reading a story in a book. The minor characters add a lot to the story as well. I was moved by Ella and Raj's romance, their dreams, and how their lives intersected. This isn't an assembly-line romance. The characters are living out the social issues of today. Venessa Kimball could be the brand new star of suspense romance. Her writing is magnetic and unpredictable. If you're looking for a romance with substance, lose yourself in Cross the Stars by Venessa Kimball. You'll be looking for the sequel.