Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Behind the Tapestry: My Discovery of God's Grace Amidst Chronic Pain and Loss is a work of non-fiction in the biography, spiritual writing, and inspirational subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author M Rose Peluso, this tender narrative memoir unfolds a poignant true story from behind convent walls, detailing Maryanne's struggles with chronic illness and her thwarted dream of becoming a Catholic nun. Initially a graphic designer with aspirations of Hollywood glory, Maryanne's life takes an unexpected turn after attending a Catholic prayer meeting, igniting a fervent desire to serve the Lord in religious life. The narrative raises poignant questions about life choices and the complex interplay between faith, calling, and personal well-being.

Author M Rose Peluso offers a powerfully crafted work that conveys the intricate journey into the depths of one woman's spiritual and physical trials. The book provides a gripping account of Maryanne's challenges within the convent due to her chronic pain, offering a candid glimpse into a heartfelt world of struggle that is told with tenderness, but also confidence, and a guiding warmth that inspires readers to keep the faith with her that things will work out all right in the end. The book is well-structured to give a good balance of emotion versus psychology, delving into the complexities of discernment, sacrifice, and the resilience required to navigate a path that intertwines devotion, personal dreams, and the unrelenting reality of chronic pain. As it builds to its impactful conclusion, Maryanne's story becomes an inspiring testament to the discovery of God's grace amidst profound challenges. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Behind the Tapestry to readers seeking accomplished memoirs on faith and endurance everywhere.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

In The Quest for Family, author Jessica Clancy invites readers on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Through candid reflection and heartfelt prose, Clancy explores the universal struggle to find one's worth and identity in a world that often measures value by external standards. At the heart of this memoir lies a powerful message of redemption and grace, as Jessica Clancy shares her own experiences of grappling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, only to find solace and acceptance in the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Drawing upon scripture in Ephesians 2:10, Clancy reminds readers of their inherent worth as beloved children of God, beautifully illustrating the transformative power of faith to heal wounds and restore brokenness.

What resonates most deeply in The Quest for Family is the raw honesty and vulnerability as Jessica Clancy bares her soul on the page. From her struggles with self-esteem to her journey towards self-acceptance, her narrative is infused with a sense of authenticity that will strike a chord with readers who have faced similar challenges in their own lives. Sharing her story with courage and transparency, The Quest for Family offers hope and encouragement to those struggling to find their place in the world. Moreover, fans of memoirs will be drawn into the skillful storytelling and evocative prose. Through vivid descriptions and poignant anecdotes, the experiences are brought to life, allowing readers to take the journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal. Whether recounting moments of doubt and despair or moments of triumph and joy, the narrative is infused with a sense of authenticity and depth that captivates the reader from beginning to end. Overall, this memoir will resonate with readers of all backgrounds, offering a message of hope, healing, and redemption that addresses the universal longing for acceptance and belonging.

Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite

In Challenging the Chef, Shanna Hatfield presents a heartwarming love story intertwined with delicious recipes, set in the town of Summer Creek, Oregon. Owen Thorpe, once a celebrated chef in New York, grudgingly accepts to offer cooking lessons as part of an auction for a charity in Portland. He is surprised by the auction winner, Tawni Young, who is not what he expected. To hide his attraction toward her, he is curt and unwelcoming. Despite this, Tawni falls in love with Summer Creek and gets an offer to spend her summer break working for Poppy, a new friend. She is torn about accepting this offer as it may involve interacting with Owen whom she thinks is arrogant. The residents of Summer Creek are quick to see the attraction between Owen and Tawni, and it's then up to the two to find ways of making this burgeoning romance work.

In Challenging the Chef: Summer Creek Book 6, Shanna Hatfield explores the theme of love and the courage it takes to open one’s heart to new possibilities. The characters work through their past hurts, fears, and insecurities to make a meaningful connection. For instance, as Owen realizes he has growing feelings for Tawni, he is also made aware of the support and love from the Summer Creek community. The plot is engaging and has the needed ingredients for a fantastic love story. My favorite part of Owen and Tawni’s story is when they gradually grow together, working through internal and external conflicts. Shanna Hatfield masterfully portrays all this and at the end, gives a satisfying resolution and conclusion to Owen and Tawni's romance.

Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

Kerk Murray's Since The Day We Danced is the first book in the Hadley Cove Sweet Romance series. Emma is struggling to recover from her divorce from her high school sweetheart, Chad. She is forced to move from the house her grandparents had given them as a wedding gift. Emma moves into a small house with her dog, Riley. After the fireworks display, Emma discovers Riley is missing. Meanwhile, Luke has decided to move to Hadley Cove to provide a change of scenery for his son, Jeremiah. Since his mother died, Jeremiah has been expelled from school for fighting. On the second day at the new house, a dog shows up on their porch. Luke encounters Emma, and she is elated to find that he has found her beloved dog. They find it easy to spend time together; however, Jeremiah refuses to move past losing his mother.

Kerk Murray alternates between Emma's and Luke’s views on living in Hadley Cove. There is exceptional detail given to how friendly the small-town residents are. The rumors also follow, with everyone knowing everyone else in town. It was obvious that Jeremiah lacked trust in his father. I could see Luke feeling guilty for not being present in Jeremiah’s childhood; his wife had always been the stable force for Jeremiah. Emma’s attempt to disguise her feelings shows in her determination to stay busy. It was easy to see why she was hesitant to let Luke into her life, especially with Jeremiah requiring Luke’s constant attention. The plot becomes unpredictable with the appearance of several supporting characters. They added to the complex story and challenged the relationship between Luke and Emma. Since The Day We Danced will appeal to readers who enjoy clean romances with complex characters.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Amanda Lewis has beautifully crafted an unforgettable story rich with emotion, romance, and faith in her enchanting contemporary romance novel, The Musician: A Goodwater Ranch Romance. Nearly seven years ago, Isaiah Matthews disappeared without a trace. His best friend, Taylor Strauss, was left feeling lost and abandoned. After he left her behind, she was forced to pick up the broken pieces alone. Now Isaiah is back and is determined to get some answers and rekindle the love he shared with Taylor. Taylor, however, is still struggling to move past his abandonment and wants nothing to do with him. But Isaiah is not deterred. As they share their versions of what happened between them, new revelations emerge and they begin to see the past through each other’s eyes.

Lewis offers an absorbing story about God’s redemption and His ability to piece together even the most broken circumstances. The novel also explores other important themes about healing and forgiveness that I found hopeful. Laced with humor, the dialogue is entertaining and skillfully woven into the story. Lewis has an amazing gift of developing original characters with complex lives that portray real-life struggles which will resonate with many readers. With an expert hand, she brings to life the people and places in Goodwater Ranch town. This quaint town has its own eccentric, compelling characters and delightful places that form wonderful backgrounds for Taylor and Isaiah’s soul-stirring love story. The Musician by Amanda Lewis is a hope-filled, captivating story packed with intriguing revelations and uplifting themes. Readers will love its witty conversations and fascinating characters.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

In 1848, Dr. David Carbury is suspected of murder because the chloroform he used on a patient appears to be the reason behind his sudden death. Instead of letting the court decide his fate in London, David escapes to Lindenfell and assumes his cousin's identity while staying with his aunt whom he hadn't seen in a long time. David introduces himself as John to his aunt and the beautiful young woman staying with her—Grace Stratton. Though he finds himself falling for Grace, he fears the judgment he will receive once his identity is exposed. How long does David have before his secrets unravel? Edwina Kiernan's The Letter captivates readers with a historical tale about two individuals whose love for each other is marred by an outrageous act of deceit and a harsh, life-threatening accusation.

Edwina Kiernan's story alternates between two viewpoints, depicting David's and Grace's perspectives at intervals as they get to know each other and deal with their personal issues. It was exciting to learn what the characters didn't know about each other, like their undeclared feelings, by following the well-executed shifts in viewpoints. I loved the compelling protagonists. Both appear to be kind and respectful despite their struggles with deceit, forgiveness, and the law. Also, the narrative incorporates biblical messages that encourage readers to trust God in all situations. Essentially, The Letter is filled with brilliant, reader-friendly features: moderate pacing, profound lessons, compelling developments, likable characters, and more. Fans of historical fiction and suspenseful love stories are in for a treat! It's the type of book you read with your phone on Do Not Disturb because it is just that compelling!

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

In Gods in the Ruins: A Vatican Archives Thriller by E. R. Barr, the main character is a boy named Daniel Azar and his parents who are archaeologists. This story starts in 2003 and then changes to the present day and takes place all in only one month, February. Barr has woven a nail-biting story around the ancient city of Babylon and the main character Daniel who becomes a Catholic priest when he grows up. Barr weaves the lives of his characters so subtly into the story from the time Daniel was a child until he is in his twenties, as well as all the supporting characters that appear. The myths that surround the ancient city of Babylon are used to advantage, as well as using the keeper of the world's ancient books in the Vatican Library in Rome.

Gods in the Ruins: A Vatican Archives Thriller by E.R. Barr has been written with an unusual skill that holds your attention from the first page to the last. Barr brings to light the ancient ruins that have been excavated for centuries in such a vivid way that, when reading the book, you can actually feel as if you are there on site. Barr has introduced twists in the plot that start in Rome and move to the Middle East and end in Rome but, as each move takes place, you eventually find out how they all fit together and how all the characters are interwoven into the story. The author has taken the chaos that we find ourselves in today, with all the holy wars going on, and turned it into a stunning crime thriller with science fiction and magic that anyone new to the genre would be captivated by after finishing this book. It is not normally the type of book I read but I found that once I started, I could not put it down and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the fact that you could not guess as to how it would end - that was the best. Thank you for a delightful book that kept me reading long past midnight.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

In The Lair of Legends by David Buzan is a meticulously written work of fiction. Lieutenant Winterhawk is trying to escort gold earmarked for the federal reserve. It was after the American Civil War, and his great deeds in the war are still well respected. General Ramon, a self-proclaimed "confessor," keeps a journal of the last words spoken by those he has killed, which is quite a high number. With the help of the Zouave and his militia, will he get his hands on the gold he believes belongs to Mexico? Meanwhile, in Oregon, where the lumber industry is booming, a mythical creature roams the land, killing people.

In The Lair of Legends by David Buzan was an adventure without having to leave my couch. The most interesting part of the book is its plotline, which is diverse and flawless. Buzan has also managed to utilize suspense to great effect. I loved how vivid he was with the explanations. The events and emotions of the characters are well described; it's like watching a movie. This book is entertaining and provides the reader with a glimpse of Native American culture and their thoughts on issues such as the Civil War, Christianity, and how the settler migrations affected them. I also loved how Buzan utilized stylistic devices such as flashbacks and flashforwards to fill the reader in. This book is a must-read. I can't wait to read something else from David Buzan.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Horseman Who Came From the Sea by Jeff Turner is gentle, historical fiction at its very best. Henry Cameron was a young man in turmoil when he and his best friend attended a camp aimed at introducing young teenagers to a life at sea. Henry thought he would follow in his father’s footsteps as a ship’s captain. Whilst at the academy, run by his uncle, Henry’s friends were determined to enlist in the army and join the great overseas adventure that was World War I, despite them all being underage. At the last minute, Henry balked at the idea and only his friend Mickey traveled to Europe to fight the good fight. WWI ended and many of America’s finest men came home damaged and missing limbs, including Henry’s friend Mickey. A lieutenant at the Academy had taken Henry under his wing and introduced him to life on his Vermont horse farm. When the lieutenant, along with thousands of others, caught and died from the Spanish Flu epidemic, Henry was shocked to discover he had been left the farm and wealth. Determined to make a success of the farm and honor the lieutenant’s legacy, Henry's first task was to find Mickey, however damaged he might be, and bring him back to the restorative atmosphere of the farm and its horses.

If The Horseman Who Came From the Sea was primarily a romance, it would be known as a cozy romance, so that is the term I will adopt for it. This is cozy historical fiction. Author Jeff Turner has created an ensemble cast of wonderfully warm and loving characters who populate this gorgeous and enervating ranch in the rural hinterland of Vermont. The kindness, civility, and caring nature of the inhabitants of this bucolic treasure just invite the reader in to “sit a spell.” The decency and humanity of Henry and his friends form a wonderful counterpoint to both the archetypal lazy, incompetent, drunk, and mildly corrupt small-town sheriff, who uses his power and position to bully others to get what he wants, as well as Henry's mean and bitter uncle. I particularly appreciated the independent and incredibly gifted young woman in the character of Abigail, a talented horsewoman seeking a home and a place to put down roots, something which she would find on the farm. The romance is sweet and gentle and the prose is simple, inviting, and warm. I, like other readers, no doubt, couldn’t help but notice the corollaries between the fear and panic of the unknown with the Spanish Flu epidemic and our recent brush with a pandemic; the Coronavirus. In reality, not much has changed in human behavior in a hundred years. I can honestly say, given the types of books I’ve read lately, how much pleasure it was to read a simple, moving story with a message of morality, honesty, love, and family. I can highly recommend The Horseman Who Came From the Sea.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Here in the Dark is a collection of sixteen short stories by Meagan Lucas. Plagued by guilt over the death of an addict in her custody, a police officer must make a difficult choice. A woman desperately clings to the hope that her husband didn't intentionally abandon her. Two inmates trapped in the basement of a women's prison resign themselves to their fates as a devastating hurricane comes their way. A mother learns to let go as her daughter's addiction threatens to slowly suck the life out of the rest of her family. After his parents left him alone in this world, a young boy finds sanctuary at the house of the woman his parents resented. A young woman struggling with the trauma of abuse inflicted upon her by her abductor finally gets a chance to escape his clutches.

This is a captivating short story collection with various women from diverse backgrounds as protagonists. Meagan Lucas explores some of the darker facets of the human experience in this absorbing anthology that will leave you wanting more. The tales in Here in the Dark will break your heart in many ways, all while keeping your eyes glued to the pages. These stories are tragic and, at times, even twisted. They provide readers with a view into the darker aspects of the human condition while showing the vulnerability of being human. The author also touches upon some relevant social issues with these tales. If you're a short story lover, this book is a must-read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and you should too!