Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

In Outside the Lines, Mary Perrine covers a subject that we all hope will not happen to us. She writes a most wonderful, moving story that will grip the reader's attention from the prologue to the very last page. Mary uses her main characters Bella and Tilly well. Each one plays an important part in the journey that both have to take as they near the end. Each one is fighting their own demons and facing an uncertain future of what will happen as they near the end of their path. The unexpected twist will leave the reader realizing that every day one has in this world is a bonus day, especially when fighting a terminal illness. This book will linger in your memory and will appear in your thoughts when life gets tough and you have challenges to face that you would rather bury and pretend are not real.

Readers will find that once they start reading, there is no stopping as the characters lead them through their lives with laughter, sorrow, tears, wisdom, and dignity. It will give readers strength and inspiration to face whatever situation awaits them in the future or even in the present. I really enjoyed reading Outside the Lines as it helped me accept the situation I find myself in with my sister who is so far away, and who I am not sure how much longer will be with us. Each day is a bonus day and I try to make the most of it. Thank you, Mary Perrine, for taking a sensitive subject that makes everyone nervous, unsure of what to say and do, and making it more understandable and accepting of the decisions of the person taking the journey. This is a book well worth more than one read. An inspirational and heart-warming story.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Where the Seams Meet by Patrick Holcomb is about growing up, coming to terms with life, loss, and dealing with family issues. Frank Romano was on track to become a college athlete. Sure, his academic progress was a struggle but his talent on the baseball field was undeniable. With an abusive and strict father whose version of love was unending discipline, plus an alcoholic mother, Frank turns to his school baseball coach, Coach Baker, for succor, understanding, and advice. Seeking freedom and a new start in life, Frank follows his mentor into the world of firefighting. It seems, though, that tragedy is never far away and Frank ends up having to raise his young son Danny on his own. Danny, like his father, proves to be a baseball prodigy and it is not long before he attracts the interest of the “Big Boys”; the MLB scouts. What should have been the start of a glittering career will again be dogged by Romano tragedy. Through all this, the Romano family tries to hold together the tenuous bonds of love and respect but it seems that even as the final innings approaches, mending the broken bridges in life may well be too great to overcome.

Baseball metaphors abound in this wonderful story. Many people have stated that baseball is an allegory for life and author Patrick Holcomb makes great use of the principle in this work. What impressed me most about this story is the ability of the characters to rise above the endless stream of tragedies that assail them and come to terms with the harsh realities they face. I particularly liked the delicious irony of Danny’s joking remark to his high school teacher that his ambition in life was to be a teacher, just like him. The story covers a long period, from Frank’s childhood right through to Danny’s fatherhood of twin boys. However, the author manages brilliantly to keep the reader’s understanding of the timeframe and interest in the story despite the often large gaps in years between chapters. The author shows how easily relationships can be damaged by simple misunderstandings or assumptions made about other people’s feelings or motivations. Blame and guilt are two emotions that we easily ascribe to ourselves and others, often without a solid basis or understanding, an aspect highlighted in this narrative. The overriding lesson, perhaps illustrated by the seventh game of the 2014 World Series, is to never give up, no matter how unlikely the circumstances may appear. This is as equally true in life as it is in baseball. Where the Seams Meet is a sports story that is so much more; an allegory of life, love, and relationships. I greatly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Federal Case is a work of fiction in the sports fiction, legal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres, and it forms the fourth novel in The Deadball Files book series. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and contains some occasional use of adult language. Penned by author J.B. Manheim, this captivating blend of legal thriller and baseball history is set in the Deadball Era of the early 20th century. In 1915, the Federal League challenged the American and National Leagues' dominance, filing a lawsuit alleging antitrust violations. Fast forward to the present day, and young lawyer Andy Dennum stumbles upon an old case file that suggests there might be more to the story than previously known. When his prestigious law firm dismisses his discovery, Andy, determined to uncover the truth, embarks on a thrilling journey with the help of his girlfriend, Keiley Barefoot.

Author J.B. Manheim's meticulous research brings the Deadball Era to life, immersing readers in the tumultuous world of early baseball and the legal battles that shaped its future. As the story unfolds, Andy Dennum's pursuit of justice becomes not just a fight for baseball's business model but a personal journey that challenges his career, identity, and integrity. The parallels drawn in the narrative are impressive, handling both the emotive reality at the character level and the bigger picture and its impact on the future of the sport. The novel masterfully combines legal drama with America's favorite pastime, making it a must-read for baseball enthusiasts and legal thriller fans alike. Overall, The Federal Case is a gripping and enlightening read that keeps you on the edge of your seat whilst also being a highly enjoyable sports drama, and I would not hesitate to recommend it as a unique and very engrossing read indeed.

Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

"We all deserve to go home." Yet, sometimes the voyage is difficult or downright impossible. Juliet Rose's novel, By The Dimming Light, explores the dangerous journey of life through Caleb, a young man living in an idyllic small town with a future full of promise. His world shatters in the blink of an eye when his beloved Shannon is murdered, and the crime remains unsolved, slowly fading from memory. However, Caleb can't forget and starts to drown his feelings in the abyss of a bottle. As his life disintegrates and spirals out of control, Caleb realizes something sinister and inexplicable is watching from the woods. To make matters worse, an old high school nemesis moves in next door with his hidden demons. Determined to confront a monster, Caleb sets out on an adventure that offers salvation in the least likely manner, discovering that some monsters can smile politely to your face.

By The Dimming Light defies easy classification and expertly blends science fiction, horror, and mystery into a single thrilling tale. However, the underlying theme is much simpler and relatable: love in all its forms. The story is so heartwarming that it even made me choke up a few times, which doesn't happen often, but the author evokes emotion like a sorceress casting a spell. The characters are well-written and believable; they feel like real people, and I would love to have them as friends or family. The setting is also equally beautifully described and feels like paradise on Earth. The pace and tone of the novel are no-nonsense and gritty at times but also overwhelmingly cathartic, evoking a range of emotions. Juliet Rose crosses multiple genres to deliver an exceptional tale and deftly reminds us that "sometimes, through tragedy, we find what we've been waiting for." Just a great novel.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Wellermans' Tale by Samson's Sister is a YA fantasy following siblings Barron and Adeline Wellerman, who are convinced there is truth behind the stories of Davy Jones, his ability to make the impossible happen, and the tattoos that seal his deals. The pair manipulates passage onto a ship, finding themselves surrounded by a crew with identical tattoos. Barron and Adeline brave the journey, wary of ghostly apparitions and intent on their ultimate destination, the Flying Dutchman. Deeper secrets hidden among the crew and their captain cast doubt on Barron and Adeline's full assessment of the circumstances. When it turns out that Davy Jones might not even be the worst thing they could face, the Wellerman siblings are thrust into a world where few come out alive, and nobody is ever the same.

“While up aloft in storm, from her his absence mourn, and firmly pray, arrive the day, he’s never more to roam.” I was in love with The Wellermans' Tale before Samson's Sister gave us a literal siren song, but I married into the series the second it rang in Adeline's ears. Samson's Sister does an excellent job of intermingling folklore, fantasy, and the objectives of the characters. The world-building is spectacular, from the Billy O’Tea with its golden oak wood and shimmering purple sails, and Shell’s Cove, with its towering cliffs and bustling docks, to the actual appearance of the Flying Dutchman and its ghostly crew. The ship's sails flaring offers both the atmosphere and the emotion of each scene. The character arcs run the gamut and press far beyond just the Wellermans. There's one scene with an insane twist that throws all notions of trust into the ocean, and a moment of betrayal that I absolutely did not see coming. Overall, this is a fantastic work, a solid entry into what promises to be a great series, and I look forward to seeing where it goes. In the words of Barron, “This is not how our story ends.” Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

His region was doing well, but the Gordon incident had spooked the directors. Dr. Stone had dedicated his life to Goodell's vision of saving the country and the human species. But how did they intend to do it? Dr. Morrison has many things going on in his life: separation from his wife, Mike's diagnosis, and his cluster headaches. Immediately after Mike's diagnosis, he became involved with the Advanced Genomic Research Company in the hope of helping his son and many other people suffering from similar conditions. Dr. Stone was able to convince him that the information he would provide was anonymous and for the greater good. Unfortunately, his participation has put everything he cares for in danger. To find out how events unfold, get a copy of The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza.

The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza is a medical thriller must-read. It is a page-turner, and I was hooked from the first chapter. The twists and turns in the flawlessly flowing plotline kept me on the edge of my seat. The author utilized suspense to great effect, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened in the subsequent chapters. He was also very effective in capturing the imagination of the reader through the vivid descriptions of events and the emotions of the well-developed characters. I also found the plot to be thought-provoking on relevant issues, such as ethics in research, especially now that technology is advancing at a terrific speed in fields such as genetics and biochemistry. I cannot wait to read something more by this talented author.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In Joel Burcat's Reap the Wind, an unexpected shift in weather affects Josh Goldberg and his fiancée Kiesha. Josh, an environmental lawyer from a prestigious Philadelphia law firm, wanted to join his pregnant girlfriend who is in a Cincinnati hospital. Due to a hurricane that had engulfed the region, air travel was impossible, but when Josh heard that Kiesha’s doctor was none other than her ex-boyfriend, he hired an old Lincoln Continental from a friend for his journey. Josh was accompanied on this dangerous road trip by his boss, Diane, and best friend, Geoff. The tension increased due to Geoff's addiction, while Diane used the trip as a chance to take advantage of the situation and further her agenda.

I got a glimpse of the climate change issue in Reap the Wind. Joel Burcat brought together love, sacrifice, friendship, and hazardous weather in an exhilarating ride. I was unable to put this book down once I started reading it. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat throughout this exciting story. With every turn of the page, the twists and turns led me down a path of surprises. The situations that Josh, Geoff, and Diane faced exceeded my expectations and were thoroughly explained. The characters were believable and well-developed. Josh’s character drove the plot and raised the stakes because he was a brave, courageous man with flaws who cared deeply about Keisha. Reap the Wind is a fantastic work of environmental fiction, and the issues of climate change and environmental law give the story much depth.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Bitcoin Conspiracy is a work of fiction in the suspense, intrigue, and thriller subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers and was penned by author Tom Callahan. This electrifying financial thriller takes readers on a high-stakes journey into a world where global politics, intrigue, and digital currency collide. In a plot fueled by resentment toward America's dominance, Russia and China conspire to challenge the supremacy of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency. Their weapon of choice? Bitcoin, a digital currency with a mysterious developer who walked away from immense wealth to protect his creation from corruption. The story revolves around NSA operative Laura Roberts and former NAVY Seal turned CIA Deputy Director Tom Michaels. They must unravel a grand conspiracy and prevent a world devastated by nuclear conflict from succumbing to this shadowy power.

Author Tom Callahan has crafted a unique concept for his novel, creating a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and introducing us to the unseen terrors of a digital financial world. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles against corrupt leadership and the forces threatening America's moral compass make for a compelling read. What truly sets this book apart for me is its blend of thrilling suspense, global politics, and tantalizing romance, shifting between different genres and moods with a slick, seamless narrative skill that makes it all flow. Overall, The Bitcoin Conspiracy is a gripping financial thriller that combines geopolitical tension with the intrigue of cryptocurrency, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the potential consequences of a changing world order. It's a thrilling ride from start to finish that I would not hesitate to recommend.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

And the Dead Shall Live by David Shawn Klein is a killer thriller. Jesse Carter is struggling to get on with her life after her twin brother dies. Philip Raymond used to have a happy family and a great job. Now, he’s a recluse living a tortured life. Kit Wheaton needs someone to find out who killed her daughter. Kit and Philip meet accidentally, but when she recognizes him as a famous mystery author, she begs him to help her. On investigation, he discovers that Lee Fletcher, a billionaire recluse, may be involved. Fletcher holds parties where his friends discover the “thrills” of taking a drug that brings them as close to a near-death experience as possible. It’s possible he also killed women who worked for him and may even be involved in presidential election fraud. Philip has no way of getting close to Fletcher until he hires Jesse Carter. Can they work together to bring down Fletcher? The only way Philip can do it is if he can bring himself to step outside his apartment and leave his reclusive life behind. Can he do it to save Jesse? Will they discover what happened to Kit Wheaton’s daughter?

And the Dead Shall Live by David Shawn Klein is a thriller filled with suspense. The plot is thick and twisty, with several threads that eventually pull together in a tightly woven story. The characters are second to none. Mr. Klein has clearly done a great deal of research into how it feels to be a recluse, and all his characters grow into people you can truly relate to. Their lives are a tangled web, but as the story progresses, that web begins to unravel, and the characters become less complicated as we learn what really makes them who they are. This story will grab you right from the start and pull you into a dark plot of drugs, sex, and murder. The writing is descriptive enough to make you feel you are there and compelling enough to keep you reading all the way through. It’s a story of damaged people who find their way back to the light as they begin to heal from their own traumas, and I really enjoyed it. This is one author to watch, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a thriller they can truly immerse themselves in.

Reviewed by Rebecca Holmes for Readers' Favorite

Shadow in the Ward by Ari Gray is a gripping medical sci-fi thriller set in the not-too-distant future. From the perspective of a veteran emergency physician, an eager medical student, and a brilliant programmer, we are drawn into a chilling 'what if?' tale about artificial intelligence in healthcare. Dr. Winter believes he has unlocked a new era in medicine by developing the first fully automated healthcare providers, capable of making accurate medical diagnoses and administering complex patient care without human intervention. Feeling burnt out from years of night shifts in the ER, Dr. Kelley leaps at the chance to experience automated healthcare and assess its capabilities for himself. Yet inside the state-of-the-art Premier West Hospital, all is not as it seems. Are Dr. Kelley and his new colleagues witnessing a healthcare revolution? Or will a fundamental flaw in the programming turn the automation dream into a nightmare?

Filled with accurate medical science and plausible future enhancements for the year 2042, Shadow in the Ward is equal parts frightening and fascinating. While the biomedical terminology and graphic descriptions are not for the faint of heart, this book has a unique soul and perspective that speaks of author Ari Gray's real-life clinical experience. It serves as a welcome reminder of the endless battle fought by unsung heroes in emergency rooms every day while providing a cautionary tale of how easily AI could potentially be misused and spiral out of control. The last third of the book just flew by - I couldn't read fast enough to see how it would end. If medical thrillers are your jam, this book is for you!