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The Wicked Passage

A Blake Wyatt Adventure
N.M. Singel

2012 Silver Medal
218 Pages
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Children - Preteen

2012 Silver Medal
Reviewed by Stephanie Dagg for Readers' Favorite

"The Wicked Passage" by N M Singel is an inventive mix of fantasy and history for young adults. Blake Wyatt just wants the school day to end but then his very odd substitute teacher has to go and reveal that Blake and his sister Erica are Sapphire Travelers. They inherited this legacy from their father, who died many years ago. Now Blake finds himself in charge of an ancient book, "The Chronicle of the Rellium", which he mustn’t on any account open. So what is the first thing he does, thinking this is all just nonsense? Suddenly Blake finds he is having to protect one of the world’s greatest explorers, Christopher Columbus, from the evil Dragonblud of the wicked Tolucan empire. Dragonblud is out to destroy history and needs the Chronicle in order to do that. But he reckoned without such smart, feisty opponents. Erica is every bit as tough as her brother, and with the magical help of someone from their own past, they battle evil. Determination is a key element in this story. It is not going to be easy for Dragonblud.

This is a very entertaining and exciting book, really well-written with lots of clever touches in the language and the twisting plot. We get parabulls and talking bull dogs, and the Chronicle itself has quite a lot to say too. All the characters are complex and realistic and develop through the story. There is a lot of action in the form of storms, murder attempts and imprisonment, to give but a few examples. It is the sort of book that once you start reading, you can’t stop. It is gripping, original and very, very good.

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Lily of the Springs

Carole Bellacera

2013 Honorable Mention
474 Pages
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Romance - Historical

2013 Honorable Mention
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

"Lily of the Springs" by Carole Bellacera transports us back to the 1950s and 1960s with strong reminders of the morals, music, love and turbulence of the times. Lily lives in a small Kentucky town with her very strict Southern Baptist parents. Jake is the son of the trouble making Tatlow family. Jake and Lily have had a special bond since they were kids playing in the woods even though her daddy has told her to stay away from him. Lily has a fight with Chad, her high school boyfriend, and secretly turns to Jake for comfort. One night they go too far in the back seat of Jake’s Plymouth and Lily soon finds out she is pregnant. An un-wed mom in 1950 is really BAD so Jake is forced to marry Lily against his wishes. Lily believes their love and the upcoming birth of the baby will make everything right. She works very hard at learning to be what she thinks is the perfect wife. Jake doesn’t have to work at all to be the immature, drunken, moody, mean husband. The reader quickly becomes a supporter of Lily and feels compassion and sadness for all that Jake can have and is missing. They slowly work out some of their problems and others will always remain.

"Lily of the Springs" is a love story that is very real and very believable. Carole Bellacera has written a book that is hard to put down. I was hooked from page one until the startling ending. If you are a baby boomer and were part of the “Happy Days” you will be transported back, but all women will see something special in this book. "Lily of the Springs" is a five star success that could easily be made into an award winning great movie. I found myself emotionally attached to all of the characters and being pulled further and further into their lives. Carole Bellacera has been added to my favorite authors list.

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The Illuminator

Access to Universal Intelligence
Rajith Rajappan

2012 Honorable Mention
58 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Self Help

2012 Honorable Mention
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Rajappan begins his book "The Illuminator: Access to Universal Intelligence" with an introduction in which he discusses “feeling good in moments of pressure.” He stresses that we should not allow situations surrounding us to control the way we feel. As we delved farther into the book we learn about our inner voice. Too often we deny or ignore that voice as it attempts to direct us. A large part of changing is learning to let go of the past. If we hold on to past hurts we will stay miserable. Many are willing to place blame on fate rather than their own decisions. While Rajappan calls the inner voice our intuition I see it as the Holy Spirit. The author’s purpose in writing this book is to assist the reader in “evolution” or change. He wants to see others grow, mature, develop and progress. He points out that evil and negative thoughts often come up in situations of love, such as if you love someone and they do not return that love. In Chapter 11 Rajappan discusses the effect negative emotions have on our health. From personal experience I can attest that he is correct in his assessment. A person can become physically ill from depression, jealousy, and hatred.

"The Illuminator" is a small book with only 50 pages. The information that lies inside shows influence from the author’s culture. While the author and I do not agree on everything, I do see great wisdom in this book. "The Illuminator" is written much like a work book. The end has space for recording coincidences. At the end of each chapter the reader will discover a rule that will assist in a journey towards change. Although this book is small in size, it is large in perception.

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The One Year Marriage

G. Stephen Renfrey

2012 Bronze Medal
206 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships

2012 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"The One Year Marriage: A Formula For Enduring Love" by G. Stephen Renfrey, Ph.D., covers exams, love, romance, marriage and relationships. In the Preface Renfrey addresses a major problem with marriage. We too often go into it with idyllic notions of what a marriage should be like. However, relationships tend to fall short of our unrealistic expectations. After reading the title of this book I was surprised to discover the author does believe in soul mates, commitment, marriage and love. The author has dedicated two chapters to exploring individual’s expectations of marriage. Among the expectations are sex, companionship and security, someone you can depend on, children, love and acceptance. It is unfortunate that once married we become wrapped up in our careers and stop taking time for our spouse and the much-needed romance, love, companionship and sex. Chapter two discusses a rethinking of marriage, 'The One Year Marriage.' The author is proposing “that couples consciously approach their relationship commitments as mutually negotiated one year agreements that, if not renewed at the anniversary, automatically dissolve according to agreed on terms.” When I first read this statement I was shocked and then I continued reading. There is not room in this review to explain the author’s idea. However, after reading farther I had a different comprehension of what he was proposing.

The examples in this book add much to the text. The reader needs to go into this book with an open mind. When your first thought is to disagree, continue reading and be open to what the author is proposing. Renfrey has both organized and researched his book. He has carefully thought out the topic. One of the best parts of the book comes at the end where he offers the opportunity to explore your relationship. There are five steps to assist you in your exploration. He has also included quotes scattered throughout the text. They are well-chosen and again lend depth to the script. I highly recommend this book to all couples considering marriage and to married couples.

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The Boy From Granite Falls

Book Two Weevil Biscuits
Brenda Ballard

2012 Honorable Mention
110 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure

2012 Honorable Mention
Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

In wanting to keep the life and legacy of her late father-in-law alive, Brenda Ballard creates the "The Boy From Granite Falls" series. This series follows Fred Ballard’s life starting in the 1930’s. Fred and Rudy are up to their usual adventures. At supper one night, Fred’s dad suggested that Fred go meet the new neighbors, since there were a couple of boys Fred’s age. Well, Fred, Rudy and Tubby do just that. The reception wasn’t very well though, and the neighbor boy the threesome met was a very rude and impolite Chadwick “Wicked” O’Brien the Third. This meeting was an adventure in itself, and then they were on to see what the “Pie Lady” in Robe was up to. This is where the "Weevil Biscuits" comes in, and you will truly need to read this book to feel the full effect of this story. It is one you will not want to miss. I actually laughed until I cried!

Again, Brenda Ballard pens a legacy that will forever live on in her family. I can’t say enough about the wonder and beauty of this second book of “The Boy From Granite Falls.” Fred and Rudy remind me so much of my dad and his brother growing up. And Brenda has a special way with words that tell the story in such a unique way that will have you right there in the middle of the mischievous adventures of Fred, Rudy and Tubby. I encourage you to grab a copy of the books in the series “The Boy From Granite Falls” for a super nice summer read. You will be immensely glad you did! And keep checking Brenda Ballard's website as there is obviously more to come from Fred and his friends.

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The Elisha Way

Preparing for the Double Portion
Michael B. French

2013 Bronze Medal
146 Pages
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Christian - Living

2013 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

The young adults of today are searching for something; unfortunately, they have no idea what they are searching for or where to look for it. They turn to Islam, Wicca, Paganism, Buddhism, and Hinduism but somehow they avoid Christianity. At one time beliefs and faith were passed on from father to son but somewhere along the way that ended. In an effort to strengthen the numbers of the “church,” many denominations have turned to models or what I will label as gimmicks. The models have not been successful in the long term. What we Christians should be turning to is the Word of God. “We must restore the relevance of the church.” The heart of discipleship comes through relationships between individuals. This is clearly demonstrated in the relationship between Elijah and Elisha. Their relationship was like that of father and son although they were of no blood kin. Author Michael B. French recommends that Christians must become emulate the Elijah Elisha relationship by becoming spiritual fathers and spiritual sons. Young people today are searching for an Elijah. The role of a Spiritual Father is not an easy one. It means taking on a lot of responsibility. The role of Spiritual Son is the role of being chosen and being prepared.

French’s book is straight forward. It is obvious he has spent much time in prayer, research and thought. His plan is simple and easy to understand. It is not actually his plan but God’s. In a mere 131 pages he lays out a “model” that actually makes sense and he uses scripture to back up his theory. There is a lot of wisdom in this book.

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The Monetarists and the Evolving Crisis

Wake Up, Americans; We Are Losing Our Great Nation
William H. James, Ph.D.

2012 Finalist
368 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics

2012 Finalist
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"The Monetarist and the Evolving Crisis: Wake Up, Americans: We Are Losing Our Great Nation" by William H. James, Ph.D. provides the definition of monetarism as a debt-based monetary and banking system which, in effect, can create money out of thin air. The focus of this book is the United States and its political and economic situation. James offers suggestions that will assist in changing the national growth, strength and supremacy. The United States was once a resilient nation. However, that has changed. We are at an all-time low “politically, economically, diplomatically, and geopolitically.” We are sinking in debt and our monetary system no longer works and neither does our banking system. We have done this to ourselves by pushing “export-oriented trade policies and exporting many of its domestic strategic capital assets to other nations.” Unemployment is at a high and the people are discouraged. James continues by discussing the effect of Monetarism on the Armed Forces and the political system. He stresses the need for strong leadership. In Part II James discusses a National Economic Development Bank among other topics.

Dr. James presents his ideas in a well-organized manner. It is obvious that he has spent much time researching and pondering on the current situations in the United States. James presents an in-depth look at the state of our country and offers solutions. It is very easy for most of us to pinpoint the problem areas but few of us can actually suggest ways to solve our problems. Dr. James writes in a bold, knowledgeable manner. This book has very important information in it for all Americans and should be read by citizens as well as politicians.

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The Walk-On

Inside Northwestern's Rise from Cellar Dweller to Big Ten Champ
Matt Stewart

2012 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Sports

2012 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

I must begin the review of "The Walk-On: Inside Northwestern'S Rise From Cellar Dweller to Big Ten Champ" by Matt Stewartby admitting that I do not know a lot about football. However, this book is about much more than football. My first step was to discover the meaning of the walk-on, which I found in the introduction by Gary Barnett. A walk-on is a football player who has not been recruited or offered a scholarship by the school. Few walk-ons last; it is a lot of hard work and it is time consuming. Matt Stewart was a walk-on that persevered. In high school Matt lacked self-confidence, especially in his ability as an athlete. After reading an article about a football player who “never lost faith in his abilities” Matt had a renewed sense of self-worth and threw everything into football. The difference in his attitude showed during high school football training and college. Matt gives much credit to Coach Gary Barnett for building the self-confidence of the team, the school, and the individuals.

Matt spares little in this book: homesickness, preconceived judgments, pushing himself even when other teammates advised him to slow down, the foul language of many of the players, sex, and booze. In this book Matt is brutally honest about life as a college football player. He shares the highs and lows of the games at Northwestern. Reading between the lines leads to the real story of "The Walk-On", a story of how football, Coach Barnett and the team build character. I have always heard that the team is only as good as the coach and this book to some degree demonstrates that. Though Matt Stewart did not write this book seeking praise, I think he deserves it. He could have given up but he didn’t. What he learned from Coach Barnett followed him the rest of his life. Stewart clearly demonstrates that sports can and does influence the character of its players. If long ago Stewart had not read the article about the football player who refused to lose faith in his own abilities, would Stewart have had what it takes to be the man he is today? Thankfully we will never know.

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The Missing Piece

Inspirational Love Story
Carol McCormick

2013 Gold Medal
270 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General

2013 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Dylan Clark has just been released after 18 months in jail for public intoxication, destruction of property and beating up the sheriff's brother. Destitute, with only his bus fare given by his loving mother, Dylan comes back to his home town of Fredonia, New York. He has loved Lorraine Crawford since she was a teenager. Dylan and Lorraine marry despite her family's disapproval, but Dylan's out of control drinking and the death of their baby girl, Amanda, cause Lorraine to leave him and go back to college for her nurses' training. Now as soon as their divorce is final, Lorraine will marry Dr. Randy Mitchell from Mercy Hospital where she works. Dylan gets a job as custodian at a local church where the pastor and the congregation welcome him with genuine warmth. Dylan keeps slipping back to drink and finally uses a church check illicitly. Pastor Jacobson invites Dylan to attend church services. Dylan goes, feels his life might turn around and he asks God for forgiveness and to guide his life. But can Dylan stay on the straight and narrow and maybe win Lorraine back into his life even though her wedding to Dr. Mitchell is on the horizon?

"The Missing Piece" is a well-written story of Christian life and love. Dylan, Lorraine, and the other characters in this story are totally believable and suit the story nicely. Dylan has his backslidings until he really accepts God into his life and works at his faith. The plot line moves smoothly to the book's concluding pages as Dylan and Lorraine's reunion does not come too quickly or easily. "The Missing Piece" is a love story that readers everywhere will enjoy. It is not preachy, it is for real!

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The Adventures of Ralph Ribbit

Louise T. Constantinople

2013 Gold Medal
104 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

2013 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

When Coach Jack Stone slipped and sprained his foot, Ralph Ribbit volunteered to pick up the new track shirts for his son’s track team. He knew a lot of people were counting on him and he was running late. Everything seemed to be going wrong for Ralph. He had to travel upstream to Leaps and Bounds although he was unfamiliar with the area. Bravely, Ralph sets out on his journey even though he cannot find his map. The reader travels along with Ralph as he makes his way upstream. Along the journey he gets side tracked by some playful crows, two squabbling rattlesnakes, and a bragging neighbor.

"The Adventures of Ralph Ribbit" is a vastly entertaining fable. Louise T Constantinople has created delightful characters that are both humorous and engaging. I certainly am not a fan of snakes but she managed to make even the snakes delightful. There are several lessons to be learned from this tale: the importance of family, how to make friends, and the importance of friends. Constantinople reminds us to never give up. The descriptions are vivid. I was a little frightened when Ralph saw two pairs of eyes. The love Ralph has for his children is heartwarming and demonstrates the extra mile we will go for our little guys. The illustrations by Terry Pond are beautifully done. Even without color they are perfect to go with this story. I would consider this a bedtime tale for it is entertaining without over stimulating. It is one of those stories that you would read a chapter of right before bed time. I highly recommend this book.