Reviewed by Susanna Bencen for Readers' Favorite

Each "The Sycamore Seed" poem is beautifully composed by J.D. Mallinson. These are not mere trite rhyming couplets to please the ear, but are filled with the details and depth of nature herself. In fact, I would go further and say that "Sycamore Seed" is the song of nature and land as well as the beating hearts that live within. The book is divided into five sections: Nature, People and Place, The Arts, Miscellany and History. The subject matter of each poem is meticulously researched either through direct observation or via other methods. To muse upon these poems is not only a delight to the senses but also instructs you through Mallinson’s learned reflections. J.D. Mallinson uses numerous composition methods. He plays with rhythm as in the ‘Garden Spider’ to describe the tentative weaving of the spider that sits lurking in a corner or creating art in the great outdoors. He plays with voice as in the ‘Slug’ which sings its low song, long and rambling, like wading through the sludge of its trail. In ‘Bird-Watching in Wales’ you can hear the lilt of the Welsh dialect coming through in each verse. You will certainly be ensnared by the spikey consonants of ‘Pruning the Hedge’ or hear the beating wind of the undulating ‘Autumn Gale.’ The poems often end thoughtfully as in ‘Gnats among Pine-Trees.’ He also uses alliteration to great effect. Imagery is crystal clear in such phrases as ‘a Pelican pecking the life-blood from her breast’ in the ‘Rain on the Sea’ or the ‘dream-like nebulae’ of ‘Hollingworth Lake.’ His poems are usually based on reality, but sometimes fantastical stories interweave the phrases such as in the meandering mermaid notes of ‘Copper Beech,’ or the enigmatic interludes of ‘Silverdale.’

Reading these poems is like going on holiday to explore rustic towns and antiquated mysteries. To hear pithy stories of characters and dreams we can go to 'Batsman on Tour’: ‘Success won him the laurel crown / failure saw it wither on his brow.’ Musing on the voices of nature, I find myself naturally attracted to particular poems of birds, flowers, horses and snow. It also happens that those are the creatures and elements which take my interest in real life too. Reading "The Sycamore Seed" is like looking at a mirror that enables one to find their own natural song and rhythm. I find J.D. Mallinson’s work fascinating. "The Sycamore Seed" is a must for anyone wishing to learn descriptive writing as J.D. Mallinson is a master at honing the skills essential for exquisite and reflective composition.

Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite

Biblical lore is rife with apocryphal characters and situations that can serve as fuel for a writer's imagination. Glenn Dale Bridges taps this wonderful source and weaves a magnificent story in "The Peacock Angel: Rise of the Decarch". The Grigori are rising once again, intent on irrevocably changing the world of man. Only one man, Thane Connolly, stands between the destruction promised by the fallen angel Azazel. With the help of powerful allies, Thane must face the demons and ghouls Azazel has sent and fulfill his destiny as the child of truth.

Laying the foundation for an epic saga is a difficult task. A writer must craft a back story that draws readers in while providing enough material to provide the novel with a solid framework to work with. Glenn Dale Bridges accomplishes this with ease. The plot is one that left me in an imaginative stupor, thinking about fallen angels and celestial beings even hours after I finished reading the book. Bridges weaves a compelling tale of angels and sin and of lust and envy, that gives readers a world that they can get lost in. The characters in the novel are complex and interesting. There is nary a dull moment as each of them tries to set their own plans into motion. One of my favorite parts was Og and Hidimba's budding romance. The novel is multifaceted, so much so that I was pleasantly pleased by the surprises, both minute and significant, that pop up at the unlikeliest of situations. The pace is flexible, at times fast and gritty as in the several vivid fight scenes but at times slow and introspective like when Armaros has started his narrative. It is hard to pigeonhole such a great book into just one genre since it contains elements of fantasy, suspense, the supernatural and little nuggets of humor. Readers looking for a novel that is easy to read yet which provides an excellent launchpad that allows their imagination to soar hours after reading the book would do well to check out "The Peacock Angel: Rise of the Decarchs".

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Readers' Favorite

Heny Winkler is an actor, director, author, photographer and fly-fisherman. His latest book is a conversational memoir that relates his love for fly-fishing with his life and career. Henry discovered fly-fishing late in life, but it has brought him immense peace and satisfaction. Each year he counts down the days to his seven day retreat on the river, casting a tight line, catching trout, meticulously recording their length and weight in his journal, taking their photo, and then releasing them with a grateful smile.

Henry also discusses his struggles in school with dyslexia, from which he created the popular "Hank Zipzer" series of children's books about a dyslexic 4th grader. Henry's passion for fly-fishing is only exceeded by his love for his family and photography. Peppered throughout his book are his photos of family, fish, Montana and a number of other subjects.

"I've Never Met an Idiot on the River" is a very entertaining read that provides a look at the real Henry Winkler and the passions in his life: family, photography and fly-fishing. I loved this book and truly enjoyed Henry's conversational writing style. I highly recommend "I've Never Met an Idiot on the River" to fans of photography, fishing, memoirs, and of course, Henry Winkler.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

The September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States fortified Joe Legion's determination to fight in order to protect his family from a yet unknown enemy. Illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons, and nuclear materials seem to have a strong link to the 9/11 attacks. Joe Legion aims to destroy these illegal operations. He enlists the aid of friends and family members to seek the legendary treasure of Juraj Janosik, the early 18th century bandit and national hero of Slovakia. The treasure, or related gossip will be used to lure the terrorists out of hiding. Joe and his companions face deadly enemies as they make their way through Russia, India, Europe, North Africa, and Latin America.

"Terrorists and the Terchova Treasure - In My Brother's Place" is written by George Banas, an early Vietnam veteran. He was traveling with his wife between Tangier, Morocco and Madrid, Spain when the attacks occurred. This book bravely brings back the rude shock and painful experience that the United States suffered on that fateful day. The attacks provoked the strongest anti-terrorism sentiments, not just from Americans, but from people around the world. The book is intended to be a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives on that fateful day. The author skillfully entwines his personal experiences with actual historical events from President Carter's administration through President George W. Bush's term. Banas dedicates this book to the military and civilian defenders of this country for their sacrifices that will never be forgotten if he has anything to say about it. I highly recommend this multi-genre book to readers of all types.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Madeline is a housekeeper for Mr. Jeremiah, an elderly man who lives in an old and decaying Victorian house in London. When she first went to see him about the position, she was unfamiliar with both the country and the language and was relieved when she realized that her prospective employer was fluent in her native Spanish. Madeline fled Colombia, where she had grown up, when her lover, Sebastian, had threatened to have her killed, or kill her himself, if she did not immediately leave the country. When "The Dead Still Want to Live" begins, Madeline has returned home several years later to attend the funeral of Sebastian, after his death in a plane crash, and is confronted by his ghost, who seems confused and at a loss. She counsels him to seek the guidance of an angel and is rebuffed as Sebastian has not changed and is still the dominant and egotistical man who sent her away.

"The Dead Still Want to Live" is a remarkable novel. Madeline, Mr. Jeremiah and the cook live simple lives in their ramshackle mansion, which is a joy to behold. She reads to him and is his companion and, in many ways, the elderly man has become her patron, friend and the father she never had. The author, Roxana Jones, handles the metaphysical side of this tale with a deft and sure touch as the angel guides the surly and self-centered Sebastian through the different levels of awareness as he learns to love himself, abandon his need to be controlling and ultimately find healing. There is much to absorb and think about when reading this book which I found to be quite pleasurable. This is a book I'll be reading again soon and will be recommending to my friends.

Reviewed by Nashella Zarek for Readers' Favorite

"The Taste of Snow" by Stephen V. Masse tells the story of Nicole, a young girl in Austria who receives a magical candy cane from a shopkeeper during the Christmas season. Nicole is skeptical at first, but then decides to take the candy cane and begins to think constantly about the idea of magic. After tasting the candy cane, some unusual things begin to happen to Nicole, some of them good and some of them not so good, and Nicole cannot decide whether this is the result of the magical candy cane or nor. Is the candy cane the reason for Nicole’s sudden outbursts? Will the magic that is held in the candy cane be enough to keep Nicole safe through a terrifying night alone in an Austrian blizzard? "The Taste of Snow" follows Nicole through some truly harrowing circumstances, and also celebrates the magic that is Christmas.

"The Taste of Snow" by Stephen V. Masse is a beautiful and well-crafted story. Stephen Masse has a gift for language that is rich but easily understood even by young readers. The reader can easily imagine life in Austria with all its rich holiday traditions. I was drawn to both Nicole, the older and supposedly wiser sister, as well as her younger sister Ashley, who is full of mischief and spirit. Young readers will like Nicole because although she tries hard to do the right thing most of the time, she still makes mistakes and young readers will identify with that. The story is full of vibrant and well-drawn characters, and readers will feel highly compelled to read on to see what awaits Nicole next. "The Taste of Snow" is a wonderful, magical story that introduces readers to a new culture and will leave them rooting for the spunky heroine as she learns about true magic.

Reviewed by Gail Famous for Readers' Favorite

"The Hummingbird Garden" by Evelyn Schwarz is a story about the Johnsons who moved from the city into a house in the suburbs. One day, Alexis, the six-year-old daughter, curiously followed a burst of color she saw flying above her in the yard to her neighbor's fence, through which she saw a wondrous garden with beautiful flowers, hanging glass balls, and many birds that flew about so quickly! She told her parents, who informed her all about hummingbirds. Alexis then wanted to attract hummingbirds to their new yard. The next day, the Fletchers, their next-door neighbors, came over to welcome them, and they eagerly shared what was needed to attract hummingbirds. However, Tyler, their son, became upset - can you guess why? The Johnsons' garden was created and ready for the hummingbirds to visit, if they chose. You must read this book to find out the outcome of their efforts and what happened between Alexis and Tyler.

What an incredibly beautiful story! Not only is it very interesting and informative about hummingbirds' characteristics and habitat, but it highlights how they are able to share both gardens, which provided a lesson for the neighbors themselves, especially with Alexis and Tyler. There are other lessons in this book like being neighborly and kind. "The Hummingbird Garden" by Evelyn Schwarz with illustrations by Kitty Quinn is a book to be enjoyed by children who are bird watchers already and those in the making!

Reviewed by Martina Svyantek for Readers' Favorite

“The Art of Planning Allergen-Free Events” by Stephanie Courtney is a very informative book for those who are looking for information on food allergies, especially as related to event planning. For those who do not have food allergies on their own, this is a wonderful guide into the concerns that their guests might potentially have about the food being prepared. While the guidelines listed by the author might seem like common sense, they are also ideas that readers might not understand if they are not food allergy sufferers. Guides like this are important because food allergies, as the author points out, are not food trends. People with food allergies and intolerance are forced to eat in a certain manner because they have no choice. Taking this fact into account must become a more common practice within event planning, especially when working with caterers unused to such requests. Children, teen, and weddings all have different issues that must be reviewed, given the guest lists, but with a little of the prior planning explained in this book, there will hopefully be no reason to stop the festivities.

I found the book to be well-written, with lots of website links provided so that readers could research food allergy issues on their own as well. Given the increasing number of people diagnosed with an allergy to something everyone else sees as innocuous (milk, peanuts, eggs, seafood, grains), this book can play an important role in planning events for large groups of people without compromising their safety.

Reviewed by Teodora Totorean for Readers' Favorite

Did you know that you have the ability to access and apply your creativity to all areas of your life without necessarily coming from a so called creative field? In her book “The Mind of Thuse! Thriving within Effortlessness”, Linda Smarzik explains how creativity can be successfully applied on a daily basis for problem solving and for reaching a joyful and effortless state of mind. The premise of her theory is that we have all experienced a high degree of enthusiasm and spent hours doing something that we enjoyed, be that baking, fixing a car or writing a children’s story. By accessing this state of mind, we can then apply it to the areas we struggle in. Instead of procrastinating a daunting activity, we can enter in this realm of creativeness to accomplish something that we weren't even aware we could. In proving her theory, apart from her personal story, Linda Smarzik comes with examples from quantum physics, string theory, eastern philosophy and concepts from Hinduism all combined with explanations on how the brain works as well as the distinction between brain and mind.

The book was challenging to read at times because of the science behind the narrative. However, all the scientific data and philosophical viewpoints are necessary to gain a deeper understanding of what is going on in the reactive brain and how those theories can explain some elusive concepts such as intuition, miracles and coincidence. The real life examples and case studies of people who struggled but then managed to find a solution are offering a complete picture of the theory so that we can all apply it to our own lives and reach the effortlessness by accessing the mind of Thuse.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Through spending daily time with God, Kristi Burchfiel created 'The Daily Devotional Series'. One thing that makes this different from most devotional books is that the devotions are in chronological order. Ms. Burchfiel starts in the first chapter of Matthew and goes through the last chapter of Revelation, and all of her devotions are listed in the order of each book and each chapter in that book.

I really like this book of devotions. I have many devotionals, and this is the first one that is in chronological order. For each day, there is a scripture, an explanation of the scripture and a response to the scripture. Each devotion is very short, but don’t let that discourage you, because with each day’s devotion, you will find a special truth that will encourage you throughout the day. The more experienced Christian, as well as a new Christian, can use this devotional, because we all need to be reminded of God’s truth to us, and there is no better way than reading this book. This would be a great resource to use if you are reading through the Bible. "365 Devotions through the New Testament" is definitely a book I will be keeping on my Kindle. I will take it with me wherever I go, so I will have access to encouragement from God’s word when I need it!

Also at the back of this book you will find other Devotionals from Kristi Burchfiel in 'The Daily Devotional Series'. Check them out. I am sure you will find one that will interest you. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book and see for yourself just how awesome it is.