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The Bush Clinic
Book I of the Tribal Wars
Stella Atrium
2023 Honorable Mention
496 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Bush Clinic by Stella Atrium is a speculative fiction novel and the first book in Atrium's new Tribal Wars series. The Bush Clinic is unique in that it harnesses the powerful evocation of futuristic human off-planet space colonization against a social structure that has gone backward to resemble a time before man had ever even landed on the moon in our real-life timeline. Women are relevant only in so far as they are useful and necessary, but not for more, in a rural tundra valued outside the bush for one reason: they are ripe for exploitation. This is science fiction in the context of space, time, the introduction of hybrids and interesting new 'animals', and the human post-pioneering of the planet Dolvia. Really, this is literary fiction that follows two women in the age-old battle of fighting gendered violence and subjugation in a world made hostile against them by men, corporations, and choice.
The Bush Clinic is a difficult read, particularly as a man of color raising daughters of color, having spent my own entire childhood in a third-world country. The parallels Stella Atrium draws between the commodification of tribal people and ethnographic feudalism for and against human/human-hybrid/alien-hybrid is a stomach-churning piece of 21st-century realism. I know what living under martial law looks like. I know what the refugee experience feels like. I know what it means to be viewed in a foreign land as 'other' and 'less than'...and Stella Atrium nails it. The pacing of the novel proceeds as a slow and steady burn. We meet a female physician named Dr. Greensboro who has more agency than the youthful Dolviet protagonist Brianna Miller, but Greensboro is still ruled under the warring clouds of greed and patriarchy. As readers are given time to witness the horrors of all manner of violence, we are also provided a near photographic depiction of the planet it occurs on. The Tribal Wars series is an ambitious undertaking but, based on its introductory novel, it's likely to be a brilliant one.
The Bush Clinic by Stella Atrium is a speculative fiction novel and the first book in Atrium's new Tribal Wars series. The Bush Clinic is unique in that it harnesses the powerful evocation of futuristic human off-planet space colonization against a social structure that has gone backward to resemble a time before man had ever even landed on the moon in our real-life timeline. Women are relevant only in so far as they are useful and necessary, but not for more, in a rural tundra valued outside the bush for one reason: they are ripe for exploitation. This is science fiction in the context of space, time, the introduction of hybrids and interesting new 'animals', and the human post-pioneering of the planet Dolvia. Really, this is literary fiction that follows two women in the age-old battle of fighting gendered violence and subjugation in a world made hostile against them by men, corporations, and choice.
The Bush Clinic is a difficult read, particularly as a man of color raising daughters of color, having spent my own entire childhood in a third-world country. The parallels Stella Atrium draws between the commodification of tribal people and ethnographic feudalism for and against human/human-hybrid/alien-hybrid is a stomach-churning piece of 21st-century realism. I know what living under martial law looks like. I know what the refugee experience feels like. I know what it means to be viewed in a foreign land as 'other' and 'less than'...and Stella Atrium nails it. The pacing of the novel proceeds as a slow and steady burn. We meet a female physician named Dr. Greensboro who has more agency than the youthful Dolviet protagonist Brianna Miller, but Greensboro is still ruled under the warring clouds of greed and patriarchy. As readers are given time to witness the horrors of all manner of violence, we are also provided a near photographic depiction of the planet it occurs on. The Tribal Wars series is an ambitious undertaking but, based on its introductory novel, it's likely to be a brilliant one.
Recommend this book:
The Time Trials
Jon McConnell, Dayna McConnell
2023 Finalist
392 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Time Trials is a work of fiction in the science fiction and time travel adventure subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience and was penned by the team of Jon McConnell and Dayna McConnell. In this thrilling high-concept work which features family drama and exciting schooltime intrigue, we meet our protagonist Finn Mallory who is plagued by guilt following the deaths of his parents. A new club at school holds the answers he seeks when he discovers that they take part in competitive time travel, but little does Finn realize that the corruption and danger within these games are second to none.
Jon and Dayna McConnell are bang on the money with this work of YA science fiction that will certainly please readers looking for a unique approach in their next adventure. Beyond this, there are so many other excellent developmental elements that make the work fully formed. These range from the intricate emotional journey that Finn undergoes as he works through grief and blame to the conspiracy-riddled mystery of the timekeepers and their cutthroat approach to such a volatile and world-altering technology. Add to this the slick dialogue and ensemble cast of other club members and competitors stopping at nothing to succeed, and you have a novel that stays engrossing from its opening chapter right through to the satisfying temporary conclusion, which once more leaves the way open for future books. Science fiction fans and YA readers will surely rank The Time Trials as one of the best books they read this year.
The Time Trials is a work of fiction in the science fiction and time travel adventure subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience and was penned by the team of Jon McConnell and Dayna McConnell. In this thrilling high-concept work which features family drama and exciting schooltime intrigue, we meet our protagonist Finn Mallory who is plagued by guilt following the deaths of his parents. A new club at school holds the answers he seeks when he discovers that they take part in competitive time travel, but little does Finn realize that the corruption and danger within these games are second to none.
Jon and Dayna McConnell are bang on the money with this work of YA science fiction that will certainly please readers looking for a unique approach in their next adventure. Beyond this, there are so many other excellent developmental elements that make the work fully formed. These range from the intricate emotional journey that Finn undergoes as he works through grief and blame to the conspiracy-riddled mystery of the timekeepers and their cutthroat approach to such a volatile and world-altering technology. Add to this the slick dialogue and ensemble cast of other club members and competitors stopping at nothing to succeed, and you have a novel that stays engrossing from its opening chapter right through to the satisfying temporary conclusion, which once more leaves the way open for future books. Science fiction fans and YA readers will surely rank The Time Trials as one of the best books they read this year.
Recommend this book:
Blaze Union and the Puddin' Head Schools
W.T. Kosmos
2023 Honorable Mention
415 Pages
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Young Adult - Social Issues
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
In Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools by W.T. Kosmos, a teen, impressed by the students' passion for protecting seahorses, runs into some problems. A protester and media frenzy that shows the most absurd behavior and idea makes the teen think that taking a break is a good idea. In search of schools even more absurd, the teen heads to Puddin’ Head Island School to find even stranger ideas like big hands not being as skillful as small hands for offense in soccer. Baking disasters occur when the Bigs make cookies and cakes from outlandish ingredients, and the Smalls still compliment them as they eat the disgusting treats. What absurdity will be found at the next school in the next Region? Will Blaze be expelled from everywhere or be forced to drop out for fighting nonsensical school rules?
Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools is an absolutely hilarious story that had me laughing at the odd behaviors presented in every chapter. I had a lot of fun reading about Blaze and the rest of the characters that made this funny story the crazy ride it is. I absolutely love the parallels to some of the most ridiculous behaviors that humanity has had to offer in recent years, and I applaud the concept of a student who isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right and try to change the most absurd rules. I recommend Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools to anyone who is ready to have a good laugh and maybe learn something new along the way. I hope that W.T. Kosmos has many more stories like this one waiting in the wings that will give readers a good laugh.
In Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools by W.T. Kosmos, a teen, impressed by the students' passion for protecting seahorses, runs into some problems. A protester and media frenzy that shows the most absurd behavior and idea makes the teen think that taking a break is a good idea. In search of schools even more absurd, the teen heads to Puddin’ Head Island School to find even stranger ideas like big hands not being as skillful as small hands for offense in soccer. Baking disasters occur when the Bigs make cookies and cakes from outlandish ingredients, and the Smalls still compliment them as they eat the disgusting treats. What absurdity will be found at the next school in the next Region? Will Blaze be expelled from everywhere or be forced to drop out for fighting nonsensical school rules?
Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools is an absolutely hilarious story that had me laughing at the odd behaviors presented in every chapter. I had a lot of fun reading about Blaze and the rest of the characters that made this funny story the crazy ride it is. I absolutely love the parallels to some of the most ridiculous behaviors that humanity has had to offer in recent years, and I applaud the concept of a student who isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right and try to change the most absurd rules. I recommend Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools to anyone who is ready to have a good laugh and maybe learn something new along the way. I hope that W.T. Kosmos has many more stories like this one waiting in the wings that will give readers a good laugh.
Recommend this book:
The Last Ark
Lost Secrets of Qumran
Guy Morris
2023 Silver Medal
390 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Last Ark: Lost Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is book two in the SNO Chronicles series. Derek Taylor is on the run. Hunted by a murderous cult, he is searching for SLVIA, a DARPA AI that has escaped. Meanwhile, the US national defense systems are being undermined by a new kind of hack, and, while Taylor knows he should be looking into it, he needs to find the third temple, a temple SLVIA warned existed. His journey leads him to the Vatican and on to Israel, where he finds a copper scroll leading to Moses’ Ark, lost for over 2500 years. In Washington, Jenn Scott’s father is killed by one of Putin’s men, and when she is kidnapped, Taylor faces an impossible choice. Whichever way he turns, things are about to change forever.
The Last Ark: Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is a fast-paced thriller packed with action in a fantastic plot. There are several stories here, all part of a bigger plot that our main protagonist must uncover, and each thread is woven steadfastly into the intricate story. The dialogue is tight and engaging, not filled with unnecessary fluff, and it all adds to the story. The characters are engaging, likable, and easy to relate to and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for Derek Taylor. It’s often difficult to balance action and violence in a thriller – this one has the perfect mix and is one of the most thrilling, heart-pounding stories I have ever read. Although this is part of a series, I believe it could be read as a standalone story. If you love high-action political thrillers, you will love this story.
The Last Ark: Lost Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is book two in the SNO Chronicles series. Derek Taylor is on the run. Hunted by a murderous cult, he is searching for SLVIA, a DARPA AI that has escaped. Meanwhile, the US national defense systems are being undermined by a new kind of hack, and, while Taylor knows he should be looking into it, he needs to find the third temple, a temple SLVIA warned existed. His journey leads him to the Vatican and on to Israel, where he finds a copper scroll leading to Moses’ Ark, lost for over 2500 years. In Washington, Jenn Scott’s father is killed by one of Putin’s men, and when she is kidnapped, Taylor faces an impossible choice. Whichever way he turns, things are about to change forever.
The Last Ark: Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is a fast-paced thriller packed with action in a fantastic plot. There are several stories here, all part of a bigger plot that our main protagonist must uncover, and each thread is woven steadfastly into the intricate story. The dialogue is tight and engaging, not filled with unnecessary fluff, and it all adds to the story. The characters are engaging, likable, and easy to relate to and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for Derek Taylor. It’s often difficult to balance action and violence in a thriller – this one has the perfect mix and is one of the most thrilling, heart-pounding stories I have ever read. Although this is part of a series, I believe it could be read as a standalone story. If you love high-action political thrillers, you will love this story.
Recommend this book:
The Woman’s Curse
The Lies of Submission and the Truth that Will Set You Free
Ginger Taylor
2023 Bronze Medal
203 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
As a pastor with over forty years doing marriage counseling with hundreds of couples, I highly recommend this book to any couple seeking a closer walk with God and a deeper love for each other. Many people will be enraged with Ginger Taylor and her book—The Woman’s Curse: The Lies of Submission and the Truth that Will Set You Free—because of its solidly biblical stance. Ginger explains what submission is and why God requires it in this book. A woman’s submission to her own husband allows her unbelievable freedom. God is responsible for changing the husband. I had to remind my counselees to get out of the way and let God do His job. Lack of submission is either a lack of faith in the love and power of God or downright rebellion against God’s order for marriage and society. Ginger speaks the truth, and many people today don’t want the truth.
Ginger Taylor is not just a great writer but also a wonderful example of what The Woman’s Curse is about. She shares her life experiences that apply to following Christ and living in submission. Ginger is the mother of seven children, a Bible study leader, a submissive wife, and a godly example for women. While this book is not infallible or inspired in the same manner as the Bible, God encouraged Ginger to write it. As you read how God changed Ginger from a rebellious female to a godly, submissive wife, you will realize that submission is not only possible but also preferable. God’s Word is used throughout this book and is the basis for submission. A life based on biblical principles is a life worth emulating. I highly recommend this book be read by both women and men. When we understand what submission means, we can practice it better. Note to men: Ginger does not go easy on men either but calls on them to submit to the leadership of God and love their wives as Christ loves the church.
As a pastor with over forty years doing marriage counseling with hundreds of couples, I highly recommend this book to any couple seeking a closer walk with God and a deeper love for each other. Many people will be enraged with Ginger Taylor and her book—The Woman’s Curse: The Lies of Submission and the Truth that Will Set You Free—because of its solidly biblical stance. Ginger explains what submission is and why God requires it in this book. A woman’s submission to her own husband allows her unbelievable freedom. God is responsible for changing the husband. I had to remind my counselees to get out of the way and let God do His job. Lack of submission is either a lack of faith in the love and power of God or downright rebellion against God’s order for marriage and society. Ginger speaks the truth, and many people today don’t want the truth.
Ginger Taylor is not just a great writer but also a wonderful example of what The Woman’s Curse is about. She shares her life experiences that apply to following Christ and living in submission. Ginger is the mother of seven children, a Bible study leader, a submissive wife, and a godly example for women. While this book is not infallible or inspired in the same manner as the Bible, God encouraged Ginger to write it. As you read how God changed Ginger from a rebellious female to a godly, submissive wife, you will realize that submission is not only possible but also preferable. God’s Word is used throughout this book and is the basis for submission. A life based on biblical principles is a life worth emulating. I highly recommend this book be read by both women and men. When we understand what submission means, we can practice it better. Note to men: Ginger does not go easy on men either but calls on them to submit to the leadership of God and love their wives as Christ loves the church.
Recommend this book:
The Victor
A Tale of Love, Betrayal and Sacrifice
Marlayne Giron
2023 Honorable Mention
342 Pages
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
An epic adventure that takes on a biblical theme with an allegorical twist, The Victor: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Sacrifice by Marlayne Giron is bound to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The story opens with Baron Lucius of North Umberland waiting with unease and fury in the frigid weather as his men lose the element of surprise against their attack to overthrow the king. Lucius wants to possess the mightiest and most mysterious weapon that the king wields. A sword named Ephlal has an awesome capability to decimate an entire army with a mere point of its blade or render an enemy harmless with the spoken word. Lucius flees, leaving a trail of blood and mayhem, but he is determined to fight another day and claim what he believes is rightfully his.
One of the fascinating aspects of this story is Marlayne Giron’s sharp attention to detail. I couldn’t help but squirm as she describes how an enemy impales and eviscerates a knight with a dagger. It's like a cross between Narnia and Game of Thrones. The events in this story may appear fantastical as they hinge on a biblical scenario, but they have a human and earthly scale if we consider the conflict and story arc. The personalities of the battling knights are reminiscent of the angels and demons in the Apocrypha (books omitted from the Bible), yet the king’s relationship with his faithful knights is on the same level as King Arthur and those who sit with him at the Round Table. Lucius’s fixation on getting hold of the sword is just half of the storyline. Joshua, who is destined to inherit the sword, provides a romantic angle to the story along with his betrothed, Llyonesse. The Victor is a wonderful fantasy adventure that all readers will surely enjoy.
An epic adventure that takes on a biblical theme with an allegorical twist, The Victor: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Sacrifice by Marlayne Giron is bound to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The story opens with Baron Lucius of North Umberland waiting with unease and fury in the frigid weather as his men lose the element of surprise against their attack to overthrow the king. Lucius wants to possess the mightiest and most mysterious weapon that the king wields. A sword named Ephlal has an awesome capability to decimate an entire army with a mere point of its blade or render an enemy harmless with the spoken word. Lucius flees, leaving a trail of blood and mayhem, but he is determined to fight another day and claim what he believes is rightfully his.
One of the fascinating aspects of this story is Marlayne Giron’s sharp attention to detail. I couldn’t help but squirm as she describes how an enemy impales and eviscerates a knight with a dagger. It's like a cross between Narnia and Game of Thrones. The events in this story may appear fantastical as they hinge on a biblical scenario, but they have a human and earthly scale if we consider the conflict and story arc. The personalities of the battling knights are reminiscent of the angels and demons in the Apocrypha (books omitted from the Bible), yet the king’s relationship with his faithful knights is on the same level as King Arthur and those who sit with him at the Round Table. Lucius’s fixation on getting hold of the sword is just half of the storyline. Joshua, who is destined to inherit the sword, provides a romantic angle to the story along with his betrothed, Llyonesse. The Victor is a wonderful fantasy adventure that all readers will surely enjoy.
Recommend this book:
The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell
A Novel
Kelly Flanagan
2023 Gold Medal
320 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
In The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell by Kelly Flanagan, Elijah Campbell had it all – a great career as a writer and his faith, although his wife had left him. A recurring nightmare from his childhood could see him lose everything and he heads back to Bradford’s Ferry, his hometown, to get some answers. There, he faces people who can help him understand why his wife left and what his nightmare means. But there is more to this than meets the eye and Elijah is faced with having to make a tough decision to save himself and his marriage – continue hiding his past or unhide himself. What will Elijah do? What happened to him in the past to make him hide his true self from everyone? One thing is for sure; whatever decision he makes, nothing will ever be the same for Elijah Campbell again.
Kelly Flanagan is a psychologist with several non-fiction books under his belt. The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell is his first novel and, in my opinion, he has hit it out of the park. This story has elements of terror as Elijah faces his past and is full of twists and turns that leave you spinning. It’s more than just a novel; Kelly has used his experience as a psychologist to bring us a story of relationships, growth, transformation, and the importance of talking. Every page contains something that any one of us can relate to and his characters are entirely believable and likable. It’s a journey through the dark, one man’s story of why he was hiding from the light and his struggle to get out of the dark. This story will have you re-evaluating your own life and it will stay with you for a long time after you’ve finished reading it.
In The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell by Kelly Flanagan, Elijah Campbell had it all – a great career as a writer and his faith, although his wife had left him. A recurring nightmare from his childhood could see him lose everything and he heads back to Bradford’s Ferry, his hometown, to get some answers. There, he faces people who can help him understand why his wife left and what his nightmare means. But there is more to this than meets the eye and Elijah is faced with having to make a tough decision to save himself and his marriage – continue hiding his past or unhide himself. What will Elijah do? What happened to him in the past to make him hide his true self from everyone? One thing is for sure; whatever decision he makes, nothing will ever be the same for Elijah Campbell again.
Kelly Flanagan is a psychologist with several non-fiction books under his belt. The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell is his first novel and, in my opinion, he has hit it out of the park. This story has elements of terror as Elijah faces his past and is full of twists and turns that leave you spinning. It’s more than just a novel; Kelly has used his experience as a psychologist to bring us a story of relationships, growth, transformation, and the importance of talking. Every page contains something that any one of us can relate to and his characters are entirely believable and likable. It’s a journey through the dark, one man’s story of why he was hiding from the light and his struggle to get out of the dark. This story will have you re-evaluating your own life and it will stay with you for a long time after you’ve finished reading it.
Recommend this book:
The Underground Book Readers
The Secret Society
Terry Overton
2023 Bronze Medal
187 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Kayleigh Perumal for Readers' Favorite
In The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society by Terry Overton, the year is roughly 2031, and a military organization called the World Force has taken over the United States of America. Deep in the countryside of what used to be Virginia, a group of parentless teenagers bands together to survive their hostile environment; books, schools, and churches have been banned, burned, or abolished. Kahn, Jairus, Asher, and Casey have been meeting secretly in a camouflaged cavern for several years. There, among the stalagmites and stalactites, they eat, hold church services and, most importantly, read the books they managed to locate. One day, a girl follows Kahn back to the cavern after he collects his food rations. Having determined she is harmless, he allows her to see their clandestine collection of books. Will the others accept Leena into their society, and will Kahn, Jairus, and Asher manage to evade the World Force work camp?
Through the day-to-day lives of the five main characters, Terry Overton has managed to create a dystopian universe that is vivid and rich in detail; readers are plunged into the teenagers’ reality of the new world order. Overton conforms to the convention by introducing a totalitarian society divided and burdened by inequality. A unique feature of The Underground Book Readers is that it is told from the youngsters' perspectives, who are likely to lead the rebellion. Readers who enjoy mystery, adventure, and perseverance in the face of challenging odds will enjoy this tale.
In The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society by Terry Overton, the year is roughly 2031, and a military organization called the World Force has taken over the United States of America. Deep in the countryside of what used to be Virginia, a group of parentless teenagers bands together to survive their hostile environment; books, schools, and churches have been banned, burned, or abolished. Kahn, Jairus, Asher, and Casey have been meeting secretly in a camouflaged cavern for several years. There, among the stalagmites and stalactites, they eat, hold church services and, most importantly, read the books they managed to locate. One day, a girl follows Kahn back to the cavern after he collects his food rations. Having determined she is harmless, he allows her to see their clandestine collection of books. Will the others accept Leena into their society, and will Kahn, Jairus, and Asher manage to evade the World Force work camp?
Through the day-to-day lives of the five main characters, Terry Overton has managed to create a dystopian universe that is vivid and rich in detail; readers are plunged into the teenagers’ reality of the new world order. Overton conforms to the convention by introducing a totalitarian society divided and burdened by inequality. A unique feature of The Underground Book Readers is that it is told from the youngsters' perspectives, who are likely to lead the rebellion. Readers who enjoy mystery, adventure, and perseverance in the face of challenging odds will enjoy this tale.
Recommend this book:
The Night Cometh
20 Fantastical Short Stories
Lorilyn Roberts
2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
The Night Cometh: Fantastical Short Stories by Lorilyn Roberts reminds us that we are all sinners. If we were placed on the stand in front of a judge, how would we fare given all the wrongs we’ve committed in our lives? Would we be sentenced, having been found guilty as charged, or would someone else - our heavenly redeemer - stand up for us? Isn’t that why Jesus died on the cross - for our sins and our redemption? Twin brothers, one a doctor, the other a priest, each seeks the life that the other leads, as life looks greener in distant pastures. Or is it merely a case of seeking the peace and salvation God offers us through his son, Jesus? “Salvation is a gift, but rewards are earned. Think about it. Each of you wants what your twin brother has. Is that not like Satan, to fool you into believing that what the other person has is better?” These are powerful thoughts to ponder.
I always enjoy immersing myself in a good read, especially one written by an insightful author like Lorilyn Roberts. In her recent collection of stories, The Night Cometh, the author leads the reader on a path of faith, inner peace, and deep contemplation. She tackles some difficult and compelling issues concerning heaven, hell, life, death, eternity, and much more. Each story is impactful and thought-provoking and will guide readers into a deeper understanding and acceptance of what we learn from the scriptures. Biblical verses introduce each chapter and are also incorporated into the text to add credence and structural meaning. The stories are deep, either revealing the author’s perspective or venturing into the dangerous world in which we live. Don’t sell your soul to the devil, don’t seek death as a means to discover true happiness, and don’t believe your life is less worthy than that of your brothers and sisters. There is much we can learn from these stories and the faith that has inspired them. Thanks again, Lorilyn, for sharing your insights.
The Night Cometh: Fantastical Short Stories by Lorilyn Roberts reminds us that we are all sinners. If we were placed on the stand in front of a judge, how would we fare given all the wrongs we’ve committed in our lives? Would we be sentenced, having been found guilty as charged, or would someone else - our heavenly redeemer - stand up for us? Isn’t that why Jesus died on the cross - for our sins and our redemption? Twin brothers, one a doctor, the other a priest, each seeks the life that the other leads, as life looks greener in distant pastures. Or is it merely a case of seeking the peace and salvation God offers us through his son, Jesus? “Salvation is a gift, but rewards are earned. Think about it. Each of you wants what your twin brother has. Is that not like Satan, to fool you into believing that what the other person has is better?” These are powerful thoughts to ponder.
I always enjoy immersing myself in a good read, especially one written by an insightful author like Lorilyn Roberts. In her recent collection of stories, The Night Cometh, the author leads the reader on a path of faith, inner peace, and deep contemplation. She tackles some difficult and compelling issues concerning heaven, hell, life, death, eternity, and much more. Each story is impactful and thought-provoking and will guide readers into a deeper understanding and acceptance of what we learn from the scriptures. Biblical verses introduce each chapter and are also incorporated into the text to add credence and structural meaning. The stories are deep, either revealing the author’s perspective or venturing into the dangerous world in which we live. Don’t sell your soul to the devil, don’t seek death as a means to discover true happiness, and don’t believe your life is less worthy than that of your brothers and sisters. There is much we can learn from these stories and the faith that has inspired them. Thanks again, Lorilyn, for sharing your insights.
Recommend this book:
The Earth Remains
A Novel
Shelley Burchfield
2023 Gold Medal
704 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Earth Remains by Shelley Burchfield spans many years. The story starts in September 1848 and takes us late into 1922. It was bad times in the South, both before and after the Civil War was fought. Polly Burgiss, a white woman, is the main character. Ben and his mama Ona, along with several other slaves, play an essential role in the story. Polly’s hardships begin early in her life with the death of her two brothers. Ona is the slave who cares for Polly and is always there in times of trouble. Ben is Ona’s son and a hard worker who dreams of being a free man someday. We meet many of the other slaves working for Miss Polly, along with the overseer Tom Roper and the man she marries, John Stone. Polly faces many tough times, hard decisions, and frightening situations, but she stands tall and always fights her way back.
Earth Remains is the best book I have read in a long time, causing me to ignore my chores, stay up late and even miss a meal. I believe it can easily become the next Gone With the Wind as a great book and an epic movie. Shelley Burchfield is a brilliant writer who gives us a story with an incredible plot from page one until the last word. In addition, she has created an emotional group of characters meant to be loved or hated. Polly, Ono, Ben, Tom, Cissie, Kate, John, and others became real people to me, and I was magically transported right into the pages. I loved The Earth Remains very much and highly recommend it and anything else that Burchfield writes; it doesn’t get much better than this.
Earth Remains by Shelley Burchfield spans many years. The story starts in September 1848 and takes us late into 1922. It was bad times in the South, both before and after the Civil War was fought. Polly Burgiss, a white woman, is the main character. Ben and his mama Ona, along with several other slaves, play an essential role in the story. Polly’s hardships begin early in her life with the death of her two brothers. Ona is the slave who cares for Polly and is always there in times of trouble. Ben is Ona’s son and a hard worker who dreams of being a free man someday. We meet many of the other slaves working for Miss Polly, along with the overseer Tom Roper and the man she marries, John Stone. Polly faces many tough times, hard decisions, and frightening situations, but she stands tall and always fights her way back.
Earth Remains is the best book I have read in a long time, causing me to ignore my chores, stay up late and even miss a meal. I believe it can easily become the next Gone With the Wind as a great book and an epic movie. Shelley Burchfield is a brilliant writer who gives us a story with an incredible plot from page one until the last word. In addition, she has created an emotional group of characters meant to be loved or hated. Polly, Ono, Ben, Tom, Cissie, Kate, John, and others became real people to me, and I was magically transported right into the pages. I loved The Earth Remains very much and highly recommend it and anything else that Burchfield writes; it doesn’t get much better than this.
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