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The Genesis 6 Project
Michael Ferguson
2023 Bronze Medal
299 Pages
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Fiction - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
A top-secret mission to capture a mysterious individual leads some of America's finest operatives into the mountains of the Middle East. What these soldiers do not realize is that their target is no ordinary individual, but a survivor from an ancient time long before modern warfare. He is also one whose very presence must be concealed at all costs for fear of the chaos that would ensue if any information concerning this operation came to light. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones interested in the discovery of a lifetime and their shadowy adversaries are prepared to go the extra mile to possess Subject Alpha. Expect the unexpected in Michael Ferguson's The Genesis 6 Project but be certain that Tamir-Benob will not go down without a fight.
Introducing a colossus from biblical legend into a modern-era action storyline replete with tactical weaponry was never going to be an easy feat so my curiosity was piqued once I started reading. I can confidently say Michael Ferguson pulled it off exquisitely with The Genesis 6 Project. His characters are impressively well thought out and the depth of the research that went into them is obvious. You almost feel a certain degree of affinity with Tamir-Benob when you consider the circumstances that led to his predicament and the various references to critical sections of biblical lore make you wonder if there may be more to this enthralling story than meets the eye. This is a notch above the rest when it comes to action stories. Ferguson shows his dexterity with this impressive novel and proves that he is one to watch out for in the future.
A top-secret mission to capture a mysterious individual leads some of America's finest operatives into the mountains of the Middle East. What these soldiers do not realize is that their target is no ordinary individual, but a survivor from an ancient time long before modern warfare. He is also one whose very presence must be concealed at all costs for fear of the chaos that would ensue if any information concerning this operation came to light. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones interested in the discovery of a lifetime and their shadowy adversaries are prepared to go the extra mile to possess Subject Alpha. Expect the unexpected in Michael Ferguson's The Genesis 6 Project but be certain that Tamir-Benob will not go down without a fight.
Introducing a colossus from biblical legend into a modern-era action storyline replete with tactical weaponry was never going to be an easy feat so my curiosity was piqued once I started reading. I can confidently say Michael Ferguson pulled it off exquisitely with The Genesis 6 Project. His characters are impressively well thought out and the depth of the research that went into them is obvious. You almost feel a certain degree of affinity with Tamir-Benob when you consider the circumstances that led to his predicament and the various references to critical sections of biblical lore make you wonder if there may be more to this enthralling story than meets the eye. This is a notch above the rest when it comes to action stories. Ferguson shows his dexterity with this impressive novel and proves that he is one to watch out for in the future.
Recommend this book:
The Vacant Seat
C.J. Toca
2023 Finalist
332 Pages
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Fiction - Religious Theme
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Vacant Seat is a work of fiction in the romantic suspense, espionage, and mystery subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author C.J. Toca. In this highly engaging work filled with conspiracy, long-buried secrets, historical mysteries, and contemporary puzzles, we follow protagonist Stefania DiMaggio, a Brazilian journalist seeking a career-shifting scoop. Her first assignment seems dull and harmless and is made all the more annoying by the tag-along hobbyist duke, Thomas Houghton. But as the pair begin to unpick what seems like a simple story, the body counts in their wake rise, and a huge conspiracy begins to glimmer beneath the surface they’re digging into.
Author C.J. Toca has developed a sensational work of mystery, suspense, and intrigue in this multi-layered novel. I was most impressed by the way the chapter structure and storytelling were crafted to take us to different destinations with the wider ensemble cast and shift the different perspectives so that we get a fully formed story where we can piece a lot of clues together for ourselves. Stefania and Thomas make an interesting central pairing for the tale as neither of them is totally clean-cut in their own secrets, intentions, and goals, and their burgeoning romance is laced with just as much tension as the wider plot. Toca ensures that there’s plenty of emotional narrative skill to keep us deeply invested in these relatable leads, but the bigger-picture plot is never lost, and new twists and challenges pop up all the time to keep things exciting. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Vacant Seat to fans of accomplished, suspenseful dramas everywhere.
The Vacant Seat is a work of fiction in the romantic suspense, espionage, and mystery subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author C.J. Toca. In this highly engaging work filled with conspiracy, long-buried secrets, historical mysteries, and contemporary puzzles, we follow protagonist Stefania DiMaggio, a Brazilian journalist seeking a career-shifting scoop. Her first assignment seems dull and harmless and is made all the more annoying by the tag-along hobbyist duke, Thomas Houghton. But as the pair begin to unpick what seems like a simple story, the body counts in their wake rise, and a huge conspiracy begins to glimmer beneath the surface they’re digging into.
Author C.J. Toca has developed a sensational work of mystery, suspense, and intrigue in this multi-layered novel. I was most impressed by the way the chapter structure and storytelling were crafted to take us to different destinations with the wider ensemble cast and shift the different perspectives so that we get a fully formed story where we can piece a lot of clues together for ourselves. Stefania and Thomas make an interesting central pairing for the tale as neither of them is totally clean-cut in their own secrets, intentions, and goals, and their burgeoning romance is laced with just as much tension as the wider plot. Toca ensures that there’s plenty of emotional narrative skill to keep us deeply invested in these relatable leads, but the bigger-picture plot is never lost, and new twists and challenges pop up all the time to keep things exciting. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Vacant Seat to fans of accomplished, suspenseful dramas everywhere.
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Look Unto the Land
George Rollie Adams
2023 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Social Issues
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In the novel Look Unto the Land by George Rollie Adams, the aftermath of World War I sends protagonist Henry Grant on a mission of vengeance from Indiana to the bustling oil town of Berrytown, Arkansas. Amid the boomtown's chaotic mix of oil field workers, gamblers, and criminals, Henry navigates this foreign environment while learning the trade of a mule skinner and becoming an unlikely champion for the marginalized. Concurrently, Mary Dutton, a widow and mother striving to stay afloat, is compelled into an illegal drug trade by her employer. Mary's Uncle Otis, an eco-conscious farmer, fights the devastating environmental impact of oil drilling, clashing with his best friend Isaiah Watson, who views the oil industry as an escape from racial prejudice. As Berrytown expands and oil tarnishes the land, all must confront transformative choices.
The historical elements make Look Unto the Land by George Rollie Adams stand out to me as good literary fiction. The novel itself is not a steamrolling page-turner, but the benefit of a slow and methodical moving forward is the ability to immerse a reader in the story. There is a scene where Henry is driving to the Leatherhouse farm and he comes across the Taylor family with their Ford Model-T stuck in a creek. A creek! And, they invite him back to their tent. Nuggets like these build atmosphere and show us how things were at that time and are really wonderfully done. Henry is very likable as a character. He returns to the Taylor camp to give them back their stolen quilt, which seems small, but it is the accumulation of small deeds that create the whole man, and Adams has built characters from the ground up. The plot is clear, the writing is clean, and the narrative flows nicely. Overall, this is a thoughtful novel with a unique series of settings, set in a time of profound change. Very highly recommended.
In the novel Look Unto the Land by George Rollie Adams, the aftermath of World War I sends protagonist Henry Grant on a mission of vengeance from Indiana to the bustling oil town of Berrytown, Arkansas. Amid the boomtown's chaotic mix of oil field workers, gamblers, and criminals, Henry navigates this foreign environment while learning the trade of a mule skinner and becoming an unlikely champion for the marginalized. Concurrently, Mary Dutton, a widow and mother striving to stay afloat, is compelled into an illegal drug trade by her employer. Mary's Uncle Otis, an eco-conscious farmer, fights the devastating environmental impact of oil drilling, clashing with his best friend Isaiah Watson, who views the oil industry as an escape from racial prejudice. As Berrytown expands and oil tarnishes the land, all must confront transformative choices.
The historical elements make Look Unto the Land by George Rollie Adams stand out to me as good literary fiction. The novel itself is not a steamrolling page-turner, but the benefit of a slow and methodical moving forward is the ability to immerse a reader in the story. There is a scene where Henry is driving to the Leatherhouse farm and he comes across the Taylor family with their Ford Model-T stuck in a creek. A creek! And, they invite him back to their tent. Nuggets like these build atmosphere and show us how things were at that time and are really wonderfully done. Henry is very likable as a character. He returns to the Taylor camp to give them back their stolen quilt, which seems small, but it is the accumulation of small deeds that create the whole man, and Adams has built characters from the ground up. The plot is clear, the writing is clean, and the narrative flows nicely. Overall, this is a thoughtful novel with a unique series of settings, set in a time of profound change. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Beautiful Misfits
Susan Reinhardt
2023 Honorable Mention
254 Pages
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Fiction - Social Issues
Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite
The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt is the story of Josie, a mother suffering as a result of her son's drug addiction. She spirals out of control and loses it while appearing live on television, pouring out her heart to the world. Thinking her life couldn't get worse, she's proven wrong when the TV station fires her from her news anchor job, and no other station will touch her as her video goes viral. She leaves her hometown of Atlanta and moves to Asheville to start a new life without her beloved adult son Finley, and Frank, her tormenting ex. She starts a new life as a cosmetic consultant, hoping to give herself and her late-in-life daughter Dottie, who has Down’s Syndrome, a fighting chance. As much as Josie attempts to escape her problems in Atlanta, they follow her to Asheville, mainly because her undying love for her first-born son pulls her back to the life she tried to avoid.
The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt is an emotionally charged, riveting, gripping, and heart-warming story of the endless depths of a mother's love. Reinhardt unpacks almost every issue women face while giving each topic the perfect amount of time required to unravel its complexity and impact. The novel covers marriage, divorce, motherhood, childhood trauma, weight, and beauty, and the societal pressure on women to maintain composure while fighting their personal and family battles. This is undoubtedly a page-turner that depicts one woman's journey beautifully. Readers will see their own reflections as they relate to one or more parts of Josie's story. It is well written and a phenomenal contribution to women's fiction.
The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt is the story of Josie, a mother suffering as a result of her son's drug addiction. She spirals out of control and loses it while appearing live on television, pouring out her heart to the world. Thinking her life couldn't get worse, she's proven wrong when the TV station fires her from her news anchor job, and no other station will touch her as her video goes viral. She leaves her hometown of Atlanta and moves to Asheville to start a new life without her beloved adult son Finley, and Frank, her tormenting ex. She starts a new life as a cosmetic consultant, hoping to give herself and her late-in-life daughter Dottie, who has Down’s Syndrome, a fighting chance. As much as Josie attempts to escape her problems in Atlanta, they follow her to Asheville, mainly because her undying love for her first-born son pulls her back to the life she tried to avoid.
The Beautiful Misfits by Susan Reinhardt is an emotionally charged, riveting, gripping, and heart-warming story of the endless depths of a mother's love. Reinhardt unpacks almost every issue women face while giving each topic the perfect amount of time required to unravel its complexity and impact. The novel covers marriage, divorce, motherhood, childhood trauma, weight, and beauty, and the societal pressure on women to maintain composure while fighting their personal and family battles. This is undoubtedly a page-turner that depicts one woman's journey beautifully. Readers will see their own reflections as they relate to one or more parts of Josie's story. It is well written and a phenomenal contribution to women's fiction.
Recommend this book:
The Still Small Voice
A Novel
Brenda Stanley
2023 Finalist
275 Pages
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Fiction - Social Issues
Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite
The Still Small Voice, what we could also refer to as a conscience, is such an apt title for a story that revolves around a dying man’s fears for his future after death. Brenda Stanley opens with a scene by a high cliff at a summer camp. There is a tragedy but we are unsure what it is, only that Madison Moore’s father was there and witnesses a crime that causes the incarceration of an innocent girl. She has been in prison for forty years after confessing to murder. It is his dying wish that his daughter right this wrong. Throw into the mix a family who outed Madison more than ten years ago and is less than welcoming. As she battles to uncover the truth in the town where she grew up and which holds many painful memories, Madison only wants to run back to her home in Las Vegas, but her own still small voice urges her to continue her quest to uncover the truth.
I enjoy thrillers and mysteries but when reading The Still Small Voice by Brenda Stanley I was not expecting the extra layers it includes. It is an excellent read and includes some interesting facts about the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. The heroine Madison Moore has been rejected by her family for not adhering to their beliefs and it is only in the last few pages we discover the reason why. This had me guessing all the way through and I didn’t see it coming. The book moves along at a satisfying pace, it held my attention from the first page, and it caused me to think and question many of the attitudes held by the various characters. I found this a really good read. I was unable to put it down once I started. I have found a new author to love.
The Still Small Voice, what we could also refer to as a conscience, is such an apt title for a story that revolves around a dying man’s fears for his future after death. Brenda Stanley opens with a scene by a high cliff at a summer camp. There is a tragedy but we are unsure what it is, only that Madison Moore’s father was there and witnesses a crime that causes the incarceration of an innocent girl. She has been in prison for forty years after confessing to murder. It is his dying wish that his daughter right this wrong. Throw into the mix a family who outed Madison more than ten years ago and is less than welcoming. As she battles to uncover the truth in the town where she grew up and which holds many painful memories, Madison only wants to run back to her home in Las Vegas, but her own still small voice urges her to continue her quest to uncover the truth.
I enjoy thrillers and mysteries but when reading The Still Small Voice by Brenda Stanley I was not expecting the extra layers it includes. It is an excellent read and includes some interesting facts about the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. The heroine Madison Moore has been rejected by her family for not adhering to their beliefs and it is only in the last few pages we discover the reason why. This had me guessing all the way through and I didn’t see it coming. The book moves along at a satisfying pace, it held my attention from the first page, and it caused me to think and question many of the attitudes held by the various characters. I found this a really good read. I was unable to put it down once I started. I have found a new author to love.
Recommend this book:
Lady of the Plantation
Adrian Heflin
2023 Gold Medal
179 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
Lady of the Plantation by Adrian Heflin is an extraordinary story of love, slavery, survival, and a craving for freedom. It showcases the pain and harsh realities of living a life of oppression on a tobacco plantation. Sylvia's story starts near Charlottesville, Virginia, on the Owensby Plantation. She is a beautiful and intelligent mulatto child born into slavery. Despite the differences in age and race, Sylvia and Ethel, her owner's daughter, are incredibly close. Due to an unfortunate event, Sylvia loses her mother but gains a new friend. Things become more complicated when the Owensby family decides to move to Georgia in the early 1800s. The story follows Sylvia and Ethel into adulthood and motherhood. Through trial and tribulation, they both fight for their families and dreams.
It was impossible not to admire Sylvia's intelligence, inner strength, and ambition to pursue a life that was denied to her. Her story is heartbreaking and inspiring. From start to finish, Lady of the Plantation by Adrian Heflin is powerful, intimate, and emotionally wrenching. It is an extraordinary must-read historical romance novel about slavery. This impressive tale told with empathy and heart, lets us experience the unfairness of slavery on an intimate, personal level. It perfectly captures the irony of underestimating an entire race. It is also an unforgettable tale of motherhood, ambition, sacrifice, hope, and the heartache of forbidden love. I recommend it to anyone looking for a beautifully written and essential novel on slavery.
Lady of the Plantation by Adrian Heflin is an extraordinary story of love, slavery, survival, and a craving for freedom. It showcases the pain and harsh realities of living a life of oppression on a tobacco plantation. Sylvia's story starts near Charlottesville, Virginia, on the Owensby Plantation. She is a beautiful and intelligent mulatto child born into slavery. Despite the differences in age and race, Sylvia and Ethel, her owner's daughter, are incredibly close. Due to an unfortunate event, Sylvia loses her mother but gains a new friend. Things become more complicated when the Owensby family decides to move to Georgia in the early 1800s. The story follows Sylvia and Ethel into adulthood and motherhood. Through trial and tribulation, they both fight for their families and dreams.
It was impossible not to admire Sylvia's intelligence, inner strength, and ambition to pursue a life that was denied to her. Her story is heartbreaking and inspiring. From start to finish, Lady of the Plantation by Adrian Heflin is powerful, intimate, and emotionally wrenching. It is an extraordinary must-read historical romance novel about slavery. This impressive tale told with empathy and heart, lets us experience the unfairness of slavery on an intimate, personal level. It perfectly captures the irony of underestimating an entire race. It is also an unforgettable tale of motherhood, ambition, sacrifice, hope, and the heartache of forbidden love. I recommend it to anyone looking for a beautifully written and essential novel on slavery.
Recommend this book:
The Palms
Clay Anderson
2023 Gold Medal
264 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Palms by Clay Anderson is about a Vietnam veteran who spent thirty-six years of his life in prison for a senseless murder. Ronnie Wells had learned to kill effectively in Vietnam but in prison, he learned to think things through before acting. Ronnie made friends with his neighbor Clara and her daughter Mary. Clara did not trust Ronnie and resisted the friendship. Clara was used to being abused and was not familiar with kindness. Ronnie helped Clara in her frantic attempt to get away from her boyfriend and pimp Joe and stood by her while she battled addiction. Ronnie's and Clara’s worlds were turned upside down when Mary was kidnapped. If Ronnie wants to protect Mary from traffickers and sexual predators, he must decide whether or not to use violence, which he has pledged never to do.
The Palms by Clay Anderson is a heartbreaking story of redemption in the middle of a world heading toward chaos. I was hooked on the first sentence and could not turn the pages fast enough. It was a compelling read, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was fast-paced and full of action. The characters were well-developed. Their backgrounds added depth to the plot, and the characters grew throughout the story. I was rooting for Ronnie to win for a change, despite the odds stacked against him. At times, it was hard to read about Clara and Mary’s struggles. The story is well-written and entertaining to read. It exceeded my expectations by far, and the ending was a big surprise.
The Palms by Clay Anderson is about a Vietnam veteran who spent thirty-six years of his life in prison for a senseless murder. Ronnie Wells had learned to kill effectively in Vietnam but in prison, he learned to think things through before acting. Ronnie made friends with his neighbor Clara and her daughter Mary. Clara did not trust Ronnie and resisted the friendship. Clara was used to being abused and was not familiar with kindness. Ronnie helped Clara in her frantic attempt to get away from her boyfriend and pimp Joe and stood by her while she battled addiction. Ronnie's and Clara’s worlds were turned upside down when Mary was kidnapped. If Ronnie wants to protect Mary from traffickers and sexual predators, he must decide whether or not to use violence, which he has pledged never to do.
The Palms by Clay Anderson is a heartbreaking story of redemption in the middle of a world heading toward chaos. I was hooked on the first sentence and could not turn the pages fast enough. It was a compelling read, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was fast-paced and full of action. The characters were well-developed. Their backgrounds added depth to the plot, and the characters grew throughout the story. I was rooting for Ronnie to win for a change, despite the odds stacked against him. At times, it was hard to read about Clara and Mary’s struggles. The story is well-written and entertaining to read. It exceeded my expectations by far, and the ending was a big surprise.
Recommend this book:
The Knowing
A Bulwark Anthology
Brit Lunden
2023 Bronze Medal
106 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
JB had known from the moment his eyes first met Ellie's that they were meant to be together. His grandma had called what he experienced 'the knowing.' He was drawn to her beyond anything he had experienced before. She was a rich Yankee, he a poor peanut farmer with only the promise of an unfulfilled dream as a football star. He was talented, but was certain he was trapped, forever destined to remain a farmer. Ellie wouldn't listen as he told her to find someone better; she wanted only him, and would even defy her parents for his love. Fate, however, had other plans for the lovers.
The Knowing - JB Stratton's Story - is volume one in Brit Lunden's A Bulwark Anthology. It is a beautifully written love story encompassing the present, past, and even past lives. It is a romance with a hint of the supernatural. It is well written with a level of area building and character development often unseen in shorter books. It was easy to read this in one sitting; the story is sweet, intriguing, and sometimes moving. It has certainly piqued my interest in other books by this author, especially the Bulwark, from which this story stems. Intrigue, obstacles, fate, and the supernatural combine to present a gripping tale bound to satisfy anyone who enjoys a character-oriented, well-constructed read. There are little touches throughout which caught my interest, and have no doubt referenced events in the main book. I thought the conclusion of the book made the perfect ending to a tightly-knit tale. I look forward to reading more work from this author.
JB had known from the moment his eyes first met Ellie's that they were meant to be together. His grandma had called what he experienced 'the knowing.' He was drawn to her beyond anything he had experienced before. She was a rich Yankee, he a poor peanut farmer with only the promise of an unfulfilled dream as a football star. He was talented, but was certain he was trapped, forever destined to remain a farmer. Ellie wouldn't listen as he told her to find someone better; she wanted only him, and would even defy her parents for his love. Fate, however, had other plans for the lovers.
The Knowing - JB Stratton's Story - is volume one in Brit Lunden's A Bulwark Anthology. It is a beautifully written love story encompassing the present, past, and even past lives. It is a romance with a hint of the supernatural. It is well written with a level of area building and character development often unseen in shorter books. It was easy to read this in one sitting; the story is sweet, intriguing, and sometimes moving. It has certainly piqued my interest in other books by this author, especially the Bulwark, from which this story stems. Intrigue, obstacles, fate, and the supernatural combine to present a gripping tale bound to satisfy anyone who enjoys a character-oriented, well-constructed read. There are little touches throughout which caught my interest, and have no doubt referenced events in the main book. I thought the conclusion of the book made the perfect ending to a tightly-knit tale. I look forward to reading more work from this author.
Recommend this book:
The Key to Circus-Mom Highway
Allyson Rice
2023 Honorable Mention
254 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Key to Circus-Mom Highway is a comedy-drama novel by Allyson Rice. Lives have turned out very differently for sisters Jennifer McMahon and Jesse Chasen. While Jennifer is a suburban wife and mom of two kids, Jesse struggles to make ends meet as a bartender and freelance tattoo artist. When the two sisters receive news of the death of their birth mother and discover that she has left them a sizeable inheritance, Jesse convinces Jennifer to take a trip with her to Florida. However, they soon learn that to receive their inheritance, the sisters have to embark on a specified road trip and learn about their mother's life. Along the way, they are accompanied by their brother, Jack, who they never even knew existed. As Jesse, Jennifer, and Jack learn more about their mother's tragic past, they form a bond that draws out each other's buried sorrows.
Filled with heart, humor, and sibling drama, The Key to Circus-Mom Highway is a humorous tale about three siblings taking a chaotic road trip to receive an unexpected inheritance, only to find themselves on the adventure of their lifetimes. Allyson Rice weaves a captivating character-driven drama following the misadventures of three adult siblings in search of their mother's past. Jesse, Jennifer, and Jack have grounded characters and act like people you may have met in real life. Their sibling dynamic feels genuine, and their constant back-and-forth banter was among the highlights of the book for me. There were multiple scenes where I found myself chuckling out loud. Recommended to readers who savor humor-filled character-driven dramas.
The Key to Circus-Mom Highway is a comedy-drama novel by Allyson Rice. Lives have turned out very differently for sisters Jennifer McMahon and Jesse Chasen. While Jennifer is a suburban wife and mom of two kids, Jesse struggles to make ends meet as a bartender and freelance tattoo artist. When the two sisters receive news of the death of their birth mother and discover that she has left them a sizeable inheritance, Jesse convinces Jennifer to take a trip with her to Florida. However, they soon learn that to receive their inheritance, the sisters have to embark on a specified road trip and learn about their mother's life. Along the way, they are accompanied by their brother, Jack, who they never even knew existed. As Jesse, Jennifer, and Jack learn more about their mother's tragic past, they form a bond that draws out each other's buried sorrows.
Filled with heart, humor, and sibling drama, The Key to Circus-Mom Highway is a humorous tale about three siblings taking a chaotic road trip to receive an unexpected inheritance, only to find themselves on the adventure of their lifetimes. Allyson Rice weaves a captivating character-driven drama following the misadventures of three adult siblings in search of their mother's past. Jesse, Jennifer, and Jack have grounded characters and act like people you may have met in real life. Their sibling dynamic feels genuine, and their constant back-and-forth banter was among the highlights of the book for me. There were multiple scenes where I found myself chuckling out loud. Recommended to readers who savor humor-filled character-driven dramas.
Recommend this book:
The Baker's Man
Jennifer Moorman
2023 Finalist
336 Pages
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Fiction - Southern
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
Baking had always been Anna’s passion, something she learned from her grandmother Beatrice at a young age. After her grandmother’s death, Anna decided to run Bea’s Bakery, her family legacy and a staple for the townspeople of Mystic Water. Yet, she could not let go of her dream of someday opening her beachside bakery. Following a breakup and in a drunken stupor, Anna created a dough boy using Beatrice’s secret ingredient. The next day, there was a handsome stranger at her bakery, serving customers with her and charming the entire town. Things became complicated when Anna’s best friend fell for him. Who was this mysterious guy? Can Anna cope with so many heartbreaks and what will happen to her dreams? Find out in The Baker’s Man, a novel by Jennifer Moorman.
As a magical realism aficionado, I can say that this novel catered to my tastes perfectly. If you are a fan of Heather Webber, Sarah Addison Allen, or Laura Esquivel, this book is guaranteed to be a great read. Jennifer Moorman invoked the southern magical charm found in Webber’s books, coated it with the culinary delights reminiscent of Garden Spells, and finally added a layer of romantic angst. Yet, her recipe is unique, creating a delicious treat brimful with love, magic, and baked goods. The literary references sprinkled throughout the narrative were like hidden gems. I rooted for Anna, who had a trusting, loving heart. I wished for her long-cherished dreams to come true, triumphing over all her indecision and insecurities. The solidarity of the friends and neighbors, who came together to help Anna at the moment of her most desperate need, moved me to tears. Moorman’s novel shows the importance of following your heart and creating your blazing trail, and believing that the puzzle pieces will eventually fall into place. I recommend The Baker’s Man to any reader who appreciates magical realism or a small-town romance.
Baking had always been Anna’s passion, something she learned from her grandmother Beatrice at a young age. After her grandmother’s death, Anna decided to run Bea’s Bakery, her family legacy and a staple for the townspeople of Mystic Water. Yet, she could not let go of her dream of someday opening her beachside bakery. Following a breakup and in a drunken stupor, Anna created a dough boy using Beatrice’s secret ingredient. The next day, there was a handsome stranger at her bakery, serving customers with her and charming the entire town. Things became complicated when Anna’s best friend fell for him. Who was this mysterious guy? Can Anna cope with so many heartbreaks and what will happen to her dreams? Find out in The Baker’s Man, a novel by Jennifer Moorman.
As a magical realism aficionado, I can say that this novel catered to my tastes perfectly. If you are a fan of Heather Webber, Sarah Addison Allen, or Laura Esquivel, this book is guaranteed to be a great read. Jennifer Moorman invoked the southern magical charm found in Webber’s books, coated it with the culinary delights reminiscent of Garden Spells, and finally added a layer of romantic angst. Yet, her recipe is unique, creating a delicious treat brimful with love, magic, and baked goods. The literary references sprinkled throughout the narrative were like hidden gems. I rooted for Anna, who had a trusting, loving heart. I wished for her long-cherished dreams to come true, triumphing over all her indecision and insecurities. The solidarity of the friends and neighbors, who came together to help Anna at the moment of her most desperate need, moved me to tears. Moorman’s novel shows the importance of following your heart and creating your blazing trail, and believing that the puzzle pieces will eventually fall into place. I recommend The Baker’s Man to any reader who appreciates magical realism or a small-town romance.
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