Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

Linda Joy Myers' The Forger of Marseille is set in WWII, as Europe falls into the terrifying grip of Hitler and Nazi Germany. The story is inspired by the historical figure of Varian Fry, an American journalist who helped countless refugees escape from France. Sarah Rosen is 19, a Jew living in 1939 Berlin. Joshua Lieb, a Jew and master luthier, has been like a father to Sarah since her childhood days when she lost her father. As the persecution of the Jews intensifies, Sarah and Joshua flee from Berlin to France. In Paris, Sarah pursues her dream of being an artist. César Garcia is from Catalonian Spain and works for an underground organization as a forger of new identities and documents for refugees. Sarah becomes a forger when she meets César. In 1940, Hitler's forces advanced toward Paris. Sarah, Joshua, and César escape to Marseilles. Sarah continues to be a forger for the French underground resistance. This well-researched and well-crafted novel's suspense and tension continue to the end!

I was deeply moved by Linda Joy Myers' compelling historical novel, The Forger of Marseille, because of its three exceptional characters, Sarah Rosen, Joshua Lieb, and César Garcia, and their unflinching courage and commitment to helping others find freedom under life-threatening circumstances. From the outset, I was immersed in the story as the lives of the three characters unfolded against the backdrop of evocative and gripping wartime descriptions. I liked their backstories and how Sarah and Joshua got to know César in Paris. Some of the story’s most powerful and emotional moments occur as Sarah, Joshua, and César flee Paris to Marseille. In a difficult journey, each protects the other, finding inner strength as they face life-threatening situations. I liked how thoughts and emotions are interwoven, revealing their fears, hopes, pain, and anguish of losing each other in vivid and realistic ways. I liked the interpersonal drama of Sarah's meeting with the American journalist Varian Fry and how Sarah joined his team of forgers. The Forger of Marseille is gripping WWII historical fiction with extraordinary characters, a tale of incredible fortitude, resilience, love, and friendships.

Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers' Favorite

Whispers of the Roaring Twenties: Paris Unveiled vibrantly depicts the City of Light during the 1920s when France was still emerging from the horrors of war to greet a new world. Naza Semoniff meticulously sheds light on the changes and upheavals Paris underwent during this pivotal period. She recalls how Paris embraced jazz music, fine cuisine, and a rich culture that stood out among other cities worldwide. From art, sexual expression, architecture, entertainment, and fashion to literature, music, colorful social interactions, and political change, Paris made monumental headway as a city on the rise. Included in this treasure trove are tributes to well-known sites like Montparnasse and Montmartre, and short biographies of historical figures like Jean Cocteau, Jeanne Hébuterne, Nancy Cunard, Tristan Tzara, and Marcel Duchamp, to name a few.

Whispers of the Roaring Twenties: Paris Unveiled is an incredible read. Through her writing, you can tell that Naza Semoniff is very passionate about Paris. But who can blame her? The feeling is infectious. Reading her book is parallel to relaxing in a café and having an intense conversation about Paris with the writer herself. I am impressed by the book’s layout. It is structured with themed chapters that encourage a deep appreciation of Paris during the 1920s. In completion, it looks like a well-written thesis. Each chapter provides in-depth details, intriguing stories, and fascinating photos or artwork. This book can be enjoyed by persons who love Paris and its rich history, as well as potential visitors who would like to experience more than the average tourist attractions.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

Turning the Pages: How Exploring My Past Lives Led Me on the Journey of Healing Memories, and What I Learned While Traveling Back in Time by Alla Kaluzhny explores her past lives and how they affect her present life. Alla was raised in the Soviet Union before relocating to the USA. Dreams have always played a significant role in her life. One dream of importance is where her husband gives her a book but she is not able to open some pages, which is interpreted as her subconscious protecting her from something. In another of her dreams, she is born as a noble poised to inherit her father's titles, but she dies a violent death on the battlefield. In another past life, she lost her child at the hands of the midwife, who was also her mother, which might explain the tensions with her mother. In another experience, she gets a rash and forms a bond with a Buddhist monk.

Turning the Pages by Alla Kaluzhny was an interesting read for me. It triggered my curiosity about reincarnation, a subject I am not familiar with. I loved how every event and emotion was vividly described, making the book entertaining. Alla utilizes suspense to great effect, which makes me look forward to the next adventure in her life. Another thing that caught my attention was the concept of forgiving oneself and the importance of healing from the soul level. Though subtly, the thought-provoking work also got me thinking about issues such as religion, immigration, and the freedom of citizens to practice their beliefs.

Turning the Pages was amazingly narrated by Lea Greene. She did not just read the book; she brought the characters to life by changing her voice where necessary. She also used relevant intonations and ensured that the pace was neither too slow nor too fast to follow.

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

Peter Klein wrote Zen and the Art of Navigating College to aid with the "gap" between the reality of college and student expectations and help students fully benefit from their time in college. Klein discusses the direction you think you need to go, self-discovery, and the development that may interfere with your choices, and explores the true benefits of the cost of a college education and taking electives. The author prepares readers for transitions that will help them grow as they mature, aiding with awareness as they move from one developmental milestone to the next. He touches on personal responsibility and networking before leaving college, prompting students to use the time in college to consider alternate plans and possibilities, even if there are times when intellectual or social demands overwhelm them.

In a country where students must weigh their potential income against continuing education, it is no wonder people are anxious about the myriad of responsibilities in their futures. No one has a crystal ball to tell them if their decisions will make them financially secure. Peter Klein guides readers like a mentor who has experienced their thoughts and fears and helps them understand their situation so they make optimal choices while he applauds their persistence when they don't live up to their self-expectations. Klein includes statistics to make you feel less isolated in your feelings, as he encourages you to use your time to mold your future into something that brings you pride. Educators will find Zen and the Art of Navigating College an indispensable resource that they may use to advise their students, and readers will benefit from every informative chapter.

Amtech Publishing has produced tracks that provide the most optimal listening experience. Listeners will find themselves deeply involved with the material. Warren Brownley narrates with a smooth voice that matches the author's words so closely it's like hearing the advice straight from the source. As someone who has put his direct and understandable voice to several nonfiction titles, Brownley easily embraces Klein's rich vocabulary and relatable metaphors and conveys them clearly to readers. It's easy to do household chores, a hobby involving your hands, or drive as Brownley relates Klein's wisdom and insightful stories.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Dr. Karla Hylton recounts her challenging upbringing and subsequent struggles, including a tumultuous marriage marked by financial strain and infidelity in her memoir, The Unvarnished Truth: Purpose in the Pain. Hylton discusses childhood trauma and experiences, speaking on the importance of addressing past wounds for healthy relationships. Her endurance of emotional abuse and marital issues fuel a drive to balance motherhood with career aspirations, even as she faces setbacks, like a home invasion and depression. Following her divorce, Hylton is overwhelmed by the impact of estrangement from her children but finds support in a new relationship, and musters strength in legal battles against her ex-husband. Despair leads to horrific consequences, but she ultimately finds resilience through faith, self-love, forgiveness, and solace in teaching, writing, and reconciling with her children.

The Unvarnished Truth by Dr. Karla Hylton is a very candid reflection of seemingly insurmountable adversity that is shared with raw honesty. The scars of domestic violence, family alcoholism, and a notably difficult upbringing are laid bare without reservation. Hylton's story is brave, and in telling it she prompts readers to confront issues such as the fragility of trust and the wreckage of betrayal, something that touched me deeply when she shared a story of her husband's unconscionable actions while she was in the hospital. The writing is well done and blends personal anecdotes with straightforward, conversational musings. She is at her best when offering her multi-layered insight into resilience and the human spirit, which she accomplishes via moments of vulnerability that are juxtaposed with displays of unwavering strength. It is not an easy read but it is a good one, and I applaud the courage required to share it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Climbing the Glass Mountain: A Father’s Amazing Journey into Spirituality is a work of non-fiction penned by father and son duo Allen and David Gliniewicz in the memoir, inspirational writing, and family history subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Readers are invited to follow the compelling narrative of Allen Gliniewicz, an aerospace engineer at NASA during the Apollo era. The story delves into the challenges Allen faced in the aftermath of the Apollo 1 accident, highlighting his unconventional approach to decoding the language of dreams. As a crucial player in the Apollo 13 rescue, Allen's journey is intertwined with his deep connection to the unconscious mind.

This engaging memoir is so well-described and atmospherically delivered that it’s like taking a fascinating journey through the golden age of space flight, witnessing triumphs against formidable odds as if you were personally there. The storytelling, as conveyed smoothly and enthusiastically by Allen's son David Gliniewicz, is both personal and engaging, offering a loving tribute to an adored father, but also keeping readers involved in the tale and welcomed into Allen’s world. The narrative captures historical events with a great level of accuracy and creativity, and it also introduces a sense of broader reality, inviting readers to consider the mystical possibilities that may exist beyond the mundane. I found myself increasingly curious and more excited as the story developed, and I can easily see this work inspiring others to follow in Allen’s footsteps. Overall, Climbing the Glass Mountain is a thought-provoking and highly recommended exploration of spirituality, dreams, and the extraordinary potential that can be discovered in the pursuit of one's passions.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Women of the Wind tells a fascinating and heartbreaking true story of neglect, abandonment, abuse, and abduction. Angela Gail Griffin shares her mother's family's childhood memories and tales that she passed down to her. The recollections span three generations of women intertwined with 19th- and 20th-century Georgia history. Mildred May Robinson, Angela's grandmother, was a neglected and unwanted child. When Mildred was a baby, her birth mother, Lula, did something unspeakable to her that no mother should ever do. Fortunately, a loving family rescued and adopted Mildred just in time and loved her as their own. This book is about Mildred's marriage to a horrible, abusive man and their children, who all fought for a better life. It's also about Mildred's birth mother, Lula, her life, and how the ill-treatment affected Mildred as an adult.

In Women of the Wind, Angela Gail Griffin paints a riveting portrait of three generations of remarkable women, packed with thirty-two beautiful photographs. It's a well-researched book and a must-read for everyone. It follows the women through their lives together, through hard times and suffering, revealing their strength and resilience. Angela Gail Griffin has amazingly pieced together personal and thought-provoking stories that will move, shock, and inspire you. By rewriting her great-grandmother's history, the author lets you decide if Lula deserves forgiveness for what she did to Mildred. This book is a masterpiece, showing how some women survived hardships with their humanity intact and excelled in life. I recommend this book to all mothers, as it's also about how a mother's love saved all her daughters.

Reviewed by Adanna Ora for Readers' Favorite

Raymond Thompson, also known as Li'l Ray, was the most feared and revered drug lord in all of South Florida. He controlled millions of dollars from the sale of hard drugs and other businesses in Miami. He was also one of the most investigated people in Miami at the time and a hard nut for the police to crack. On a fateful day, Raymond was arrested and given a death sentence for the murder of his associates and his connections with other crimes. What led to the downfall of this enigmatic, heavily guarded, and wealthy man? Eric Sande, who had only heard of Raymond Thompson in stories, had the opportunity to meet physically with him while he was still on death row and had the rare privilege of hearing first-hand Ray's life experiences and how his life took an anti-climactic turn. Eric turned these notes on Ray's life into The Real King of Miami. Here, we see Raymond Thompson from different angles: as an astute businessman, a trusting friend, an inspiring leader, and a great family man. We also see the ruthless side of him in his dealings with traitors and snitches. Find out more about the life and times of Raymond Thompson in this amazing book, The Real King of Miami.

One of the things I admired about The Real King of Miami is the organizational structure, where the author begins Ray's story from the end and takes us back to the beginning for a better understanding. I appreciated the ease with which one can read The Real King of Miami. There is a mix of first-person and omniscient points of view, which readers will recognize and connect with. Unlike stories of other criminals, we see Raymond in a different light: as a person who can be vulnerable and has other qualities that the public may not know. Above all, readers learn a great deal from reading this book as people can see the repercussions of involving themselves in illicit ventures and the dangers of associating with the wrong people. The Real King of Miami entertains, educates, and makes people reflect on the impact of their choices. This is a must-read for true crime fans.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Nothing is more terrifying for a mother than losing her child. Kathleen's 39-year-old son, Chad, took his own life on October 14, 2014. Since that fateful day, Kathleen's life has drastically changed. She spent three horrifying years immersed in intense grief, anger, and guilt. Kathleen was already familiar with difficulties and hardships. She was married to a Vietnam veteran dealing with PTSD. The abusive marriage left her with many scars, and Kathleen found escape in writing and praying to God. In October Will Never Be the Same, Kathleen Janz-Anderson opens her heart and tries to understand what led her beloved son to his untimely death. Kathleen explains how to cope with grief, gives recommendations regarding grief groups, shares her experience with different therapists, and advises concerning medium interference. October Will Never Be the Same is a heartbreaking and inspirational account of grief and bravery for those who suffer the loss of a loved one and readers who want to understand what a grieving parent is going through.

Kathleen Janz-Anderson is a gifted poet; her writing style is lyrical and beautiful. Kathleen shares many amazing, emotional poems in October Will Never Be the Same. They help us understand her traumatic experience and deep pain. It's hard to imagine what courage and inner strength it took for Kathleen to share these deeply personal experiences. From this book, we learn how to support grieving parents who have lost their children. Kathleen describes the stages of grief in her deeply emotional diary entries. She graciously admits that her reactions to triggers, which bring traumatic memories back, could be disturbing for people around her. Her kindness and wisdom are overwhelming. I appreciated Kathleen's thoughts about God, His will, and the power of prayer. She explains with simple words the essence of humans' free will and our relationship with God. October Will Never Be the Same leaves a lasting impression and helps heal even the deepest wounds of those enduring pain, loss, and grief.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

From the Spotlight to Real Life by Lisa David Olson offers a comedic yet insightful journey into mastering communication and team dynamics. With a blend of humor and practical wisdom, Lisa emphasizes the vital importance of connection within teams. She eloquently delves into the ripple effect of joy and commitment within a group, showcasing how a connected team breeds productivity. Through engaging quizzes like "Am I Funny?" and discussions on topics such as storytelling versus story sharing and the transformative power of improv, Lisa equips readers with invaluable tools for becoming dynamic communicators. By emphasizing the essence of listening and openness in leadership, she drives home the message that effective communication begins with fostering genuine connections within teams.

Readers will find themselves drawn to From the Spotlight to Real Life for its refreshing blend of humor and raw honesty. Lisa David Olson's practical advice, coupled with entertaining anecdotes and quizzes, ensures an engaging and enlightening read. Beyond simply offering communication tips, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating various social and professional interactions with confidence and authenticity. Whether readers are seeking to enhance their public speaking skills, improve teamwork, or simply become better communicators in everyday life, this book provides actionable insights and inspiration. With its accessible approach and relatable content, this guide promises to empower readers to command any room with ease, making it an essential addition to the library of anyone striving for personal and professional growth.