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The Forgotten Queen

Retelling Camelot
Annette Mackey

2013 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure

2013 Silver Medal
Reviewed by Donna Wharton for Readers' Favorite

Camelot is a very popular story and retold over and over throughout the years. A wonderful love story/love triangle with adventure. And of course there is Merlin and 'The Lady of the Lake' and things you never knew. Here we find somewhat of a twist if you will, a "what if". What if there was a "Forgotten Queen" other than Guinevere? What if Arthur found someone to love him with HER whole heart? It only takes one idea to spin a story in an entirely different direction. Wherever you look there is something new being intertwined, interjected, and introduced into this wonderful story. And it never takes away from how wonderful the original story has always been. Avalon or Ava as she is called is The Lady of the Lake's daughter by Merlin. She is at the very center of everything meaningful about Excalibur.

Understanding why Arthur wanted Guinevere and insisted on marrying her, and why she and Lancelot would not tell Arthur about their affair made a lot of sense. At the same time you are torn by watching all of their hearts in turmoil without the ability to have comfort. Then there are Knights of the Round Table here too and they are as loyal as ever to the king and to one another. Take a chance on the retelling of Camelot in "The Forgotten Queen". You won't be disappointed!

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Where Did the Sun Go?

Myths and Legends of Solar Eclipses Around the World Told with Poetry and Puppetry
Janet Cameron Hoult

2013 Finalist
72 Pages
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Children - Fable

2013 Finalist
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

"Where Did the Sun Go?" by Janet Cameron Hoult is a marvelous and unique introduction for children and adults of all ages to world-wide beliefs about solar eclipses. The colorful, full-page illustrations by Julia Andrzejewska are a perfect accompaniment to the author's explanation of cultural beliefs. Janet Hoult writes of each belief in twelve lines with rhymes that work perfectly and aren't a stretch. At the beginning of this charming book, the author defines what really happens when there is a solar eclipse and then goes on to tell of how, for instance, in ancient Mesopotamia, a solar eclipse had few descriptions as the Sun had been bad and was covering his face in shame. She tells that in Japan it was thought that a dragon eats the Sun. The puppet show near the book's end where the author shows children how to perform with puppets based upon this book, is easy to assemble and produce.

"Where Did the Sun Go?" is a truly great addition to children's non-fiction collections. It is beautiful to look at, well-organized, and even includes a number of good references. The print is large enough for readers of all ages to enjoy and each country's conception of a solar eclipse is well-presented. The full page illustrations that accompany each belief are simple, colorful and easily interpreted by even the youngest reader. This book was originally a traveling educational program for children world-wide. The author also developed a series of workshops for children where they could learn about eclipses through poetry and puppetry. That she has explored this subject in "Where Did the Sun Go" is to her everlasting credit. It is a "must" book for children's book collections worldwide.

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Parry Pretty and the Eight Realms

Caught in the Slipstream of Time Book 1
S J Musgraves

2013 Finalist
262 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi

2013 Finalist
Reviewed by Alexander Rigby for Readers' Favorite

In "Parry Pretty and the Eight Realms: Caught in the Slipstream of Time" by S.J. Musgraves, the young heroine Parry Pretty is both contorted and confused as she continues to wake up on the same day over and over again, caught in the slipstream which keeps replaying her days and forbidding her to move forward. Although the day is repeated, each time she lives through it, it is different, as she continues to meet new creatures, discover new places, and comes to understand that her world is not the only one that exists. Throughout this story, Parry learns that there are eight realms, all different from each other in a multitude of ways. She meets friends and foes along the way, not always knowing for sure which is which, and who is trying to help her, and who is trying to sabotage everything, causing the slipstream to continue on forever.

The thing I liked most about the first adventure of Parry Pretty was how original it was. I was astounded by the vast quantity of characters and situations that S.J. Musgraves puts her main character into. From midgi, thunderbirds, a Gent, Omea, the Lady, and deaffers, the beings who exist in this world seem endless and they cause the story to move along in an exciting manner, as I never knew what kind of new character Parry would come across next. Although the synopsis of this book may sound a bit complicated with the way the days recycled themselves, the author has a way of making it flow in a logical manner. I would recommend this novel for preteens, as it may be a little too complicated for children under the age of ten to understand. All in all, it is a well-written introduction to the world of the eight realms. When I came to the final pages of the story, I wanted to know what was going to happen to Parry Pretty next.

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The Long and Whining Road

Simeon Courtie

2013 Gold Medal
335 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy

2013 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite

"The Long and Whining Road" by Simeon Courtie is one of the best books I’ve read in recent years. The story of how a family of five threw caution to the wind and launched into a trip around the world, busking Beatles beats for UNICEF while exploring the culture and meeting the people of the countries they travel to had me laughing out loud at almost every page. Simeon, his wife Jill, and their daughters Edie, Bethan and Ella share their experiences as they come face to face with different cultures, peoples and situations while traveling on their reliable (most of the time) VW "Penny."

Dry English humor and puns aplenty await the reader lucky enough to come across this book. Beatles references dot each chapter, interspersed with fun facts that will make anyone bit by the travel bug smile in amusement. The book takes readers to the back alleys of India, to the marvels of Europe and to the dangers of Syria. It takes them to shark-infested waters, unreliable garages and warm, welcoming strangers’ homes. It is a rare book that makes readers want to revel in every little detail of each and every page. Simon Courtie is a great narrator, employing numerous tiny devices to make the reader actually feel like they are part of the Beatnik Beatles. The generosity of the people the Courtie’s encountered during their adventure is inspiring. Weird housemates and corrupt officials are turned into funny experiences. No author can ask for a better material to craft a book from and perhaps no other author can take such experiences and make it as interesting and as inspiring to read. The book is a mosaic of many things, both beautiful and ugly, but I what I took away from reading it is that it doesn't matter where you are, or what’s happening around you; what matters is that you’re with friends and family.

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Hearts on the Line

The Elusive Pursuit of Love in the City of Angels
Marla Martenson

2013 Gold Medal
277 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir

2013 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Marla Martenson, noted author of "Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker", returns with "Hearts on the Line: The Elusive Pursuit of Love in the City of Angels". This delightful further look into her life and lifestyle is highly readable and often quite humorous as the author refers to a certain type of client as "Uncle Fester". As the book begins, Marla works as a matchmaker for the Los Angeles dating service called Exclusive Personal Search of Beverly Hills and must always look totally great on the job. The men who come to Double D, as Marla calls her agency, always want a trophy wife. And all too frequently the women who are their clients are gold diggers, or GDGD as Marla calls them. Some of the men are SFBRG, or short fat bald rich guys. In spite of these differences, Marla does her best to find what the clients want for a partner. The boss at Exclusive Personal search is Gary, who is difficult and demanding with his staff and may be taking money on the side to provide clients with a sexual partner. Marla is deeply happy with her husband Adolfo even though they would love to move from their apartment to a home, but can she stand working for Gary?

"Hearts on the Line: The Elusive Pursuit of Love in the City of Angels" is a memoir for everyone to read. Marla Martenson tells of Exclusive Personal Search's clients and describes them in detail without being nasty. For instance, one of the clients named Brittany is beautiful, high-maintenance and what Marla calls a GDGD. The characters of all Marla's contacts are well-delineated and totally believable, although sometimes exasperating as they complain about the matches Marla has made for them. The affirmations at the end of each chapter will make the reader laugh or sigh in agreement. "Hearts on the Line" is one great read!

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Inside the Dementia Epidemic

A Daughter's Memoir
Martha Stettinius

2013 Silver Medal
353 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Health - Medical

2013 Silver Medal
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Martha Stettinius writes so very well in this memoir of how she, her family and caregivers dealt with her mother Judy's dementia as it moved from mild to progressively worsening stages. The author is very forthright in telling readers that she wished she had paid more attention to what was going on in the early years when her mother was developing dementia. Judy lived by herself for over twenty-five years in her family's remote lakeside cottage in rural New York. And even though Judy was bright and had been a special education teacher, her solitary life was dangerous as her brain needed stimulation. She needed to learn new skills and participate in a variety of social and cultural events but since she lived alone, she did not. Her daughter, author Martha Stattinius, writes at the beginning of "Inside the Dementia Epidemic" that dementia, often called the "silver tsunami", is not just Alzheimer's but is also 100 different conditions. It is the fifth leading cause of death for those over 65 and of the leading 10 causes of death, it is the only one without means of prevention.

"Inside the Dementia Epidemic" is an honest and thorough look at diagnosing and then dealing with a family member or close friend who is in one of the seven stages of Alzheimer's. Stettinius gives suggestion after suggestion on how to deal with someone afflicted with dementia. She tells of her own experiences and shares information about how to deal with the high financial costs of care-giving. Martha Stettinius also shares her mistakes in moving her mother from one nursing facility to another and what the reader should look for in a care facility. Above all, she stresses that in dealing with a dementia patient their jumbled words should never be equated with loss of self awareness. The appendixes, bibliography, and index at the book's end are thorough and excellent, a treasure trove of information. As baby boomers ago, dementia diagnoses will increase, so "Inside the Dementia Epidemic" is a "must read" book for readers everywhere.

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The Defence of Troia

Book 2 The Paladin Chronicles
Neil Port

2013 Honorable Mention
478 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General

2013 Honorable Mention
Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite

"The Defence of Troia" is a sweeping alternate history/ fantasy tale set in a world where the history of both elves and men are intertwined. As the second book of Dr. Neil Port's 'Paladin Chronicles', "The Defence of Troia" continues the adventures of Hakeem, Elana and Jacinta as they aid the besieged city of Troia. They must find a way to consolidate the city's defenses against the entire might of the Makedone army while searching for ancient elven artifacts that can aid in their struggle. Set in the cradle of Western civilization, "The Defence of Troia" is a vivid re-telling of the the rise and fall of the Greek and Macedonian cultures.

Historical fantasy really doesn't get better than this. Dr. Neil Port's attention to detail is extraordinary. I think I learned more about ancient warfare from reading this fantasy novel than from all the history books I read during high school. It is a rare author who can mesh fantasy and history into a compelling account, one that leaves the reader utterly unsure when reality stops and fantasy begins. The book is just epic in its scope and brilliant in its delivery. Interesting characters, exotic settings and brilliant military strategies all contrive to keep readers like myself hooked from start to finish. I found myself feeling Hakeem's pain as he watched men die. I found myself shaking with Jacinta as she survived the terror of battle. Writing in such a way to induce such empathy from readers is one of the strengths of this book. Every character, friend and foe alike, is a multifaceted being. No alternate history/fantasy novel is complete without sweeping armies and brutal battles. "The Defence of Troia" delivers a vivid account of ancient warfare with a fantasy twist that can leave readers contemplating military scenarios and tactical positioning hours after finishing the book. The battle scenes are incredibly detailed: gory, gritty and gut wrenching. I found myself rereading several passages and just letting my imagination wander in this wonderful world that Dr. Neil Port has intricately woven.

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Coming Through the Fog

A Mother Shares her Journey of her Daughter's Recovery from Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder to Functioning...
Tami A. Goldstein

2013 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Biography

2013 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Tami Goldstein has written "Coming Through the Fog" for readers everywhere as an informational, in-depth look at what parents of a child diagnosed with Autism should know. "Coming Through the Fog" also tells what they should do to get help for their child, and if they don't get help, where to look further for assistance. Tami's daughter Heather reached the age of twelve before anyone realized that she had Autism even though she lost weight and after school headed for a cubbyhole area in her closet where she'd rock back and forth, shake, tremble, and cry. Tami went to pediatricians for help with Heather and was told she was a bad parent and that there was nothing wrong with Heather. Tami read, telephoned, networked, searched for support groups and found finally that Heather had what's called Sensory Processing Disorder. How would Tami and Heather proceed?

"Coming Through the Fog" is an in-depth, valuable and quite serious book on how parents or caregivers should proceed, how they should network when they receive a diagnosis of any of the Autism spectrum such as Asperger's, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or ADHD. Tami Goldstein is certified in CranioSacral Therapy and specializes in the Autism Spectrum and Sensory Processing Disorders and is knowledgeable in the information and tips that she provides. The appendixes at the end are invaluable as are the books and lists of social networking resources. "Coming Through the Fog" should be available everywhere. Buy a copy and leave it behind at school, at the doctor's, anywhere someone might pick it up, read it, and change a life. As the author writes on page 95, "If you can find the right supports at the right time, you can achieve a degree of Functional Recovery."

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Come to the Garden

A Novel Inspired by True Events
Jennifer Wilder Morgan

2013 Honorable Mention
224 Pages
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Christian - Fiction

2013 Honorable Mention
Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite

Jennifer Wilder Morgan’s book "Come to the Garden" is a uniquely pleasant story. For many years, Jennifer has experienced visions in her dreams. Some she has understood, some have been prophetic, while others remained somewhat mysterious. One day she meets a spiritual creature who claims she is her guardian angel. God has sent her to enlighten Jennifer on the whole meaning of her dream visions, and to give her complete understanding. Margaret, the angel, meets with Jennifer on a daily basis and during her visitations Jennifer receives guidance as well as enlightenment regarding earthly events. 9/11 artifacts become a feature showing her how God desires all people to respect and love one another. A poignant moment where the Bible fused into a metal beam might cause you to wonder, as I did, why the religious groups of the world are so diverse in their beliefs. In fact, like me, you might shake your head as Jennifer’s one particular dream is shared and then explained by Margaret, her visiting angel. Experiencing these visions has been a blessing to Jennifer, and her faith has benefited greatly by what she has seen, in her dream world as well as prophetically. Sharing Jennifer’s life and how her faith has grown will surely encourage you. The angel is fiction, whereas Jennifer’s visions really do happen to her still.

I liked the book. It is a story with a difference, and that drew me to read it. The conversation between the two ladies is light reading and humorous as well as encouraging. If you are in need of a lift in your spirits, try this book.

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The Pregnant Pause of Grief

The First Trimester of Widowhood
Brenda J Wood

2013 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Non-Fiction

2013 Finalist
Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite

Brenda Wood’s latest publication, "the Pregnant Pause of Grief", takes the reader on a journey to understanding the emptiness and loneliness of grief. In finding out why she feels the way she does, Brenda had to begin to take the first steps into her new life. As you read you will feel her immense struggle to endure each day, as she attempts to recognize who she is and what she has to do, in this new role. Perhaps, like Brenda, you have become single after years of experiencing a role within a happy marriage or partnership. Determining how you will survive the deep, dark loneliness is one of the first new steps you will take, even though you would prefer not to be in such a painful position. Life keeps moving on with an unrelenting urging. Folks will tell you ‘to get on with your life’ or ‘how long will you keep up this crying’? Why can’t they feel what you are feeling? It is so much easier to give advice than to try to understand the inner turmoil and anxiety of a bereaved person’s anguish. When you find yourself in the role of widow or widower, or loss through separation, divorce or even job loss, you too will experience a gambit of emotions normally hidden from view.

Reading this book will certainly cause you to confront life with a set of different goals and values as you start to discover the new you. As it is humble yet gut-wrenching with the humor for which Brenda is known, you can at least relate to the roller-coaster ride of being alone and starting over. Just as Brenda did and continues to do, you will discover that life goes on regardless of you and your situation and you have to come to the point of ‘jumping back on the band wagon’ of life and get on with it, too. Well done, Brenda!