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Recommend this book:
The Orbriallis Institute
Lost Grove: Part Two
Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen
2025 Bronze Medal
421 Pages
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove is a work of fiction in the thriller, mystery, and crime genres, and is the suspenseful conclusion to the award-winning first part of the story. The work is best suited to adult readers as it contains some strong language and descriptions of grisly crime scenes. Penned by author duo Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen, the Orbriallis Institute stands as a mysterious beacon of medical innovation in the haunted town of Lost Grove. Dr. Neil Owens is both revered and feared for his obsession with human genetics. Sergeant Seth Wolfe investigates the death of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams, leading him into the institute's secrets. Local teens also search for answers about a missing boy and the ominous Green Man. As deception and danger mount, Seth must uncover the truth before it's too late.
Author team Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen have crafted another chilling novel to perfectly complement the first half of their superb thriller tale. The atmosphere of Lost Grove, with its ancient redwoods and perpetual mist, created a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery, with atmospheric language keeping us totally immersed. The character of Dr. Neil Owens was both fascinating and terrifying, embodying the fine line between scientific genius and madness with some brilliant speech and thought presentation. The narrative surrounding Sergeant Seth Wolfe and his determined quest for the truth was also powerful, making him a compelling protagonist with attitudes that were constantly challenged and reshaped by an engaging plot. There’s also a layer of youthful determination as we contrast Seth’s journey with a younger perspective, and the constant sense of dread and the meticulous unraveling of secrets amongst the ensemble cast kept me on edge. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove as a captivating and thought-provoking read that fans of the first book will adore.
The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove is a work of fiction in the thriller, mystery, and crime genres, and is the suspenseful conclusion to the award-winning first part of the story. The work is best suited to adult readers as it contains some strong language and descriptions of grisly crime scenes. Penned by author duo Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen, the Orbriallis Institute stands as a mysterious beacon of medical innovation in the haunted town of Lost Grove. Dr. Neil Owens is both revered and feared for his obsession with human genetics. Sergeant Seth Wolfe investigates the death of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams, leading him into the institute's secrets. Local teens also search for answers about a missing boy and the ominous Green Man. As deception and danger mount, Seth must uncover the truth before it's too late.
Author team Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen have crafted another chilling novel to perfectly complement the first half of their superb thriller tale. The atmosphere of Lost Grove, with its ancient redwoods and perpetual mist, created a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery, with atmospheric language keeping us totally immersed. The character of Dr. Neil Owens was both fascinating and terrifying, embodying the fine line between scientific genius and madness with some brilliant speech and thought presentation. The narrative surrounding Sergeant Seth Wolfe and his determined quest for the truth was also powerful, making him a compelling protagonist with attitudes that were constantly challenged and reshaped by an engaging plot. There’s also a layer of youthful determination as we contrast Seth’s journey with a younger perspective, and the constant sense of dread and the meticulous unraveling of secrets amongst the ensemble cast kept me on edge. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove as a captivating and thought-provoking read that fans of the first book will adore.
Recommend this book:
A Wolff in the Family
A Novel
Francine Falk-Allen
2025 Honorable Mention
392 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
A Wolff in the Family by Francine Falk-Allen is a riveting narrative based on true events, weaving together a tapestry of family strife and resilience against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. The story explores the complexities of the Wolff family, marked by themes of misogyny, prejudice, and profound passion. The story begins with Frank and Naomi Wolff, a couple whose marriage seemed destined for happiness. Settling in Ogden, Utah, their union flourished despite Frank’s demanding job as a railroad engineer, which frequently took him away from home. Naomi, a Kansas farmgirl turned devoted mother of fourteen children, epitomized the era’s ideal of domesticity, where her days were consumed with child-rearing and managing a bustling household. However, Frank’s decision to place their younger children in an orphanage far from home marks a pivotal scandal in the Wolff family history, shrouded in secrecy for eighty years.
What’s notably apparent is that Francine Falk-Allen has meticulously researched A Wolff in the Family to deliver a compelling tale that captures the essence of a bygone era. The narrative is compassionate, and Falk-Allen tells the story with emotional depth and historical authenticity. A glossary at the beginning of the book helps readers with keeping track of the many characters and their position in the family hierarchy. Naomi is a character readers will care about and root for as she has amazing resilience and determination. Without giving away too much, Falk-Allen wrote Frank so perfectly that readers may find they have a love/hate relationship with him. Overall, A Wolff in the Family is a poignant and thought-provoking read about the power of forgiveness and the enduring legacy of secrets kept hidden throughout generations.
A Wolff in the Family by Francine Falk-Allen is a riveting narrative based on true events, weaving together a tapestry of family strife and resilience against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. The story explores the complexities of the Wolff family, marked by themes of misogyny, prejudice, and profound passion. The story begins with Frank and Naomi Wolff, a couple whose marriage seemed destined for happiness. Settling in Ogden, Utah, their union flourished despite Frank’s demanding job as a railroad engineer, which frequently took him away from home. Naomi, a Kansas farmgirl turned devoted mother of fourteen children, epitomized the era’s ideal of domesticity, where her days were consumed with child-rearing and managing a bustling household. However, Frank’s decision to place their younger children in an orphanage far from home marks a pivotal scandal in the Wolff family history, shrouded in secrecy for eighty years.
What’s notably apparent is that Francine Falk-Allen has meticulously researched A Wolff in the Family to deliver a compelling tale that captures the essence of a bygone era. The narrative is compassionate, and Falk-Allen tells the story with emotional depth and historical authenticity. A glossary at the beginning of the book helps readers with keeping track of the many characters and their position in the family hierarchy. Naomi is a character readers will care about and root for as she has amazing resilience and determination. Without giving away too much, Falk-Allen wrote Frank so perfectly that readers may find they have a love/hate relationship with him. Overall, A Wolff in the Family is a poignant and thought-provoking read about the power of forgiveness and the enduring legacy of secrets kept hidden throughout generations.
Recommend this book:
The Torus Run
Harry Buck
2025 Finalist
402 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Torus Run is a high-octane science fiction novel by Harry Buck. In the high-tech sprawl of post-Blackout San Francisco, Stash Novak’s future is about to be rewritten by his own creation. His AI Twin, Zero, is evolving fast, on the verge of becoming smarter than anyone alive. But not everyone wants that future. With enemies closing in, including NSA agents, corporate competitors, and rogue hackers, Stash is forced to make a dangerous choice: risk everything in the digital labyrinth of the Torus or let Zero be destroyed. This razor-sharp sci-fi thriller is where consciousness, morality, and technology collide in spectacular fashion. Part cyberpunk, part cautionary tale, it’s a chillingly plausible vision of AI’s next leap and humanity’s precarious role in it.
Author Harry Buck has a superb sense of pacing to keep readers constantly on the edge of their seats, and that has resulted in this relentless sci-fi thriller with heart, brain, and bite. I loved the unique combination of ideas, and each one is introduced with a natural sense of context that makes great sense. This author takes us on a mind-bending narrative where the future of AI isn’t just a concept, but a countdown. This is a chillingly apt premise for our modern day, and Buck brilliantly captures the tension between innovation and control in a world on the brink of chaos that feels disturbingly familiar. This made me root for Stash all the more as the stakes around his and Zero’s entwined fates increased. The emotive narration lets you sit on his shoulder and experience his anguish firsthand. Overall, The Torus Run is a brilliant read that’s as smart as it is cinematic, and I’d certainly recommend it as top-tier speculative fiction that keeps you guessing.
The Torus Run is a high-octane science fiction novel by Harry Buck. In the high-tech sprawl of post-Blackout San Francisco, Stash Novak’s future is about to be rewritten by his own creation. His AI Twin, Zero, is evolving fast, on the verge of becoming smarter than anyone alive. But not everyone wants that future. With enemies closing in, including NSA agents, corporate competitors, and rogue hackers, Stash is forced to make a dangerous choice: risk everything in the digital labyrinth of the Torus or let Zero be destroyed. This razor-sharp sci-fi thriller is where consciousness, morality, and technology collide in spectacular fashion. Part cyberpunk, part cautionary tale, it’s a chillingly plausible vision of AI’s next leap and humanity’s precarious role in it.
Author Harry Buck has a superb sense of pacing to keep readers constantly on the edge of their seats, and that has resulted in this relentless sci-fi thriller with heart, brain, and bite. I loved the unique combination of ideas, and each one is introduced with a natural sense of context that makes great sense. This author takes us on a mind-bending narrative where the future of AI isn’t just a concept, but a countdown. This is a chillingly apt premise for our modern day, and Buck brilliantly captures the tension between innovation and control in a world on the brink of chaos that feels disturbingly familiar. This made me root for Stash all the more as the stakes around his and Zero’s entwined fates increased. The emotive narration lets you sit on his shoulder and experience his anguish firsthand. Overall, The Torus Run is a brilliant read that’s as smart as it is cinematic, and I’d certainly recommend it as top-tier speculative fiction that keeps you guessing.
Recommend this book:
The Matriarch Messiah
Mystery of the Matriarchs Book 2
Maxime Trencavel
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Matriarch Messiah is the second book in the Mystery of the Matriarchs series by Maxime Trencavel. The story picks up six months after the events of The Matriarch Matrix as Zara Khatum has a new quest. She has to fulfill an ancient prophecy and find the cavern of blue light if she wants to find salvation for humanity. A mysterious voice guides Zara, while a shadowy organization, NiQihs, and global superpowers seek to control the source of her visions, which is a powerful black object. Alongside Zara, Rachel Capsali, an archaeologist, searches for evidence of the goddess Asherah. Little did they know their destinies would be intertwined very soon. Things get worse when Rachel falls for Peter while Zara is struggling to find a balance between fulfilling her destiny and letting her feelings for Peter overcome her mind. These two women will fight to the death, and only one will save the world. Who will be the survivor?
Maxime Trencavel crafts a thrilling science-fiction novel with elements of mystery, romance, and ancient prophecy. The narrative is driven by Zara's prophetic visions and the escalating conflict between various groups seeking to control the black object. Rachel's archaeological quest adds an intriguing layer to the story. The love triangle between Zara, Rachel, and Peter creates emotional stakes and was something I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. I loved their love triangle, but, more than that, I loved the rich world-building and the amazing development of the three main characters. I enjoyed how Rachel and Zara are two very different yet very similar women. I loved the twists and turns, how the fast pace kept me entertained, and how the story ended. I enjoyed the journey, I loved the action, and I was thoroughly gripped by the plot. I highly recommend this series!
The Matriarch Messiah is the second book in the Mystery of the Matriarchs series by Maxime Trencavel. The story picks up six months after the events of The Matriarch Matrix as Zara Khatum has a new quest. She has to fulfill an ancient prophecy and find the cavern of blue light if she wants to find salvation for humanity. A mysterious voice guides Zara, while a shadowy organization, NiQihs, and global superpowers seek to control the source of her visions, which is a powerful black object. Alongside Zara, Rachel Capsali, an archaeologist, searches for evidence of the goddess Asherah. Little did they know their destinies would be intertwined very soon. Things get worse when Rachel falls for Peter while Zara is struggling to find a balance between fulfilling her destiny and letting her feelings for Peter overcome her mind. These two women will fight to the death, and only one will save the world. Who will be the survivor?
Maxime Trencavel crafts a thrilling science-fiction novel with elements of mystery, romance, and ancient prophecy. The narrative is driven by Zara's prophetic visions and the escalating conflict between various groups seeking to control the black object. Rachel's archaeological quest adds an intriguing layer to the story. The love triangle between Zara, Rachel, and Peter creates emotional stakes and was something I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. I loved their love triangle, but, more than that, I loved the rich world-building and the amazing development of the three main characters. I enjoyed how Rachel and Zara are two very different yet very similar women. I loved the twists and turns, how the fast pace kept me entertained, and how the story ended. I enjoyed the journey, I loved the action, and I was thoroughly gripped by the plot. I highly recommend this series!
Recommend this book:
The Tempests of Time
Ages of Malice, Book IV
Lloyd Jeffries
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
The epic tale continues in The Tempests of Time: Ages of Malice by Lloyd Jeffries as Emery and Rhyme each try to find a way to put a stop to Cain and the unending madness he has unleashed on the world. But when things go awry and twisted prophecies start to become a reality can the duo overcome the cruel mistress that is fate? Can they put an end to Cain’s evil reign and find their way back to one another? Having all the events of the previous books converge and essentially seeing the final stage set up was something I never could have anticipated. Jeffries truly outdid himself with this book.
The Tempests of Time: Ages of Malice by Lloyd Jeffries holds its own even against the first book. The drama, the chaos, and the intrigue were all at their peak and I found myself hanging onto every page. I also really loved Emery giving the reader little flashbacks and a comical-style summary of the events of the previous books. I found the breaking of the fourth wall to be so entertaining and a nice touch between the seriousness of the rest of the novel. Overall, the writing was as amazing as always, the plot was thrilling, and the pacing of this book was steady yet just fast enough so that it didn’t drag on too long. Jeffries really has a way of blending the right elements into his books and producing a masterpiece at the end of it all. This book was absolutely amazing and I’m so glad to have read this series.
The epic tale continues in The Tempests of Time: Ages of Malice by Lloyd Jeffries as Emery and Rhyme each try to find a way to put a stop to Cain and the unending madness he has unleashed on the world. But when things go awry and twisted prophecies start to become a reality can the duo overcome the cruel mistress that is fate? Can they put an end to Cain’s evil reign and find their way back to one another? Having all the events of the previous books converge and essentially seeing the final stage set up was something I never could have anticipated. Jeffries truly outdid himself with this book.
The Tempests of Time: Ages of Malice by Lloyd Jeffries holds its own even against the first book. The drama, the chaos, and the intrigue were all at their peak and I found myself hanging onto every page. I also really loved Emery giving the reader little flashbacks and a comical-style summary of the events of the previous books. I found the breaking of the fourth wall to be so entertaining and a nice touch between the seriousness of the rest of the novel. Overall, the writing was as amazing as always, the plot was thrilling, and the pacing of this book was steady yet just fast enough so that it didn’t drag on too long. Jeffries really has a way of blending the right elements into his books and producing a masterpiece at the end of it all. This book was absolutely amazing and I’m so glad to have read this series.
Recommend this book:
Sam in the Clouds
How Love Endures Beyond Goodbye
Cameron De Jong
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
Sam in the Clouds by Cameron De Jong is inspired by the profound connection the author shared with his sister and their first and most beloved dog, Sam. Days after Sam is buried, William sees a dog's head nestled in the curve of a billowing cloud. It even has a floppy ear—Sam’s ear. Logic screams “buried,” an undeniable end. Yet the rest of William—the part that recalls the comforting weight of Sam’s head on his knee—clings to the smile in the clouds. Things take an extraordinary turn when William witnesses a flower blooming instantly on the freshly turned earth of Sam’s grave. At first, he thinks grief is making him see and hear things. But then Mom, Lyn, and even Dad start to see them too. Then there’s Max. Why does he so often gaze into empty corners around the house? Could it be Sam? Is he there, or is William just desperate to believe he is? What of all the ordinary moments that William interpreted as meaningful? What if they’re just... ordinary?
Love, once given, never truly ends but transforms into something that remains with us always, and it always finds ways to bridge the distance, even in death. Cameron De Jong recognizes how devastating it is to lose a loved one. He gently walks the reader through the unique grief of losing a pet and even addresses the difficult journey of opening one’s heart again to a new pet. The tone is compassionate and hopeful. There’s intrigue, hidden truths, tension, grief, humor, renewal, plenty of love, and some very thought-provoking insights about the soul and what we perceive to be the end. Sam in the Clouds: How Love Endures Beyond Goodbye is a gift for all bereaved pet owners and readers fascinated with spiritual connections that transcend death.
Sam in the Clouds by Cameron De Jong is inspired by the profound connection the author shared with his sister and their first and most beloved dog, Sam. Days after Sam is buried, William sees a dog's head nestled in the curve of a billowing cloud. It even has a floppy ear—Sam’s ear. Logic screams “buried,” an undeniable end. Yet the rest of William—the part that recalls the comforting weight of Sam’s head on his knee—clings to the smile in the clouds. Things take an extraordinary turn when William witnesses a flower blooming instantly on the freshly turned earth of Sam’s grave. At first, he thinks grief is making him see and hear things. But then Mom, Lyn, and even Dad start to see them too. Then there’s Max. Why does he so often gaze into empty corners around the house? Could it be Sam? Is he there, or is William just desperate to believe he is? What of all the ordinary moments that William interpreted as meaningful? What if they’re just... ordinary?
Love, once given, never truly ends but transforms into something that remains with us always, and it always finds ways to bridge the distance, even in death. Cameron De Jong recognizes how devastating it is to lose a loved one. He gently walks the reader through the unique grief of losing a pet and even addresses the difficult journey of opening one’s heart again to a new pet. The tone is compassionate and hopeful. There’s intrigue, hidden truths, tension, grief, humor, renewal, plenty of love, and some very thought-provoking insights about the soul and what we perceive to be the end. Sam in the Clouds: How Love Endures Beyond Goodbye is a gift for all bereaved pet owners and readers fascinated with spiritual connections that transcend death.
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The Legend of Titus
T.S. Maynard
2025 Finalist
234 Pages
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Fiction - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite
“Despite the difference in class, death is life’s great equalizer. Every man must face it.” However, as T.S. Maynard's novel The Legend of Titus illustrates, it is often easier to confront our own demise than to see the people we love cut down. The story begins in a small medieval kingdom where a man works the land to support his family. But this is no ordinary man; he is Titus, a legendary warrior who has grown weary of battle. Unfortunately for Titus, fate is unkind, and he finds himself in a new war, where he confronts something he has never experienced before: defeat. Driven by rage and seeking vengeance, Titus fights against overwhelming odds. In doing so, he realizes that the true struggle is not between cynical kings who delude themselves into believing they are better than they are. The real war is the one over his very soul.
The Legend of Titus by T.S. Maynard is a cold and harsh read. It is also cleverly nuanced and demonstrates a keen understanding of psychological strategy. The action-packed plot focuses on a man who seeks revenge and the tribulations he faces as he confronts a mighty foe, but it's more complex than that due to the many significant themes that act as a foundation for the tale. Good versus evil, wretchedness, redemption, and a test of faith play key roles in the story. Character development is outstanding, and Maynard puts on quite the show by introducing numerous unique individuals, such as Titus, Knut, and Kensington. With its fast pace and easy-to-read style, The Legend of Titus will thrill fans of Christian-themed historical fiction and anyone who loves rowdy medieval tales.
“Despite the difference in class, death is life’s great equalizer. Every man must face it.” However, as T.S. Maynard's novel The Legend of Titus illustrates, it is often easier to confront our own demise than to see the people we love cut down. The story begins in a small medieval kingdom where a man works the land to support his family. But this is no ordinary man; he is Titus, a legendary warrior who has grown weary of battle. Unfortunately for Titus, fate is unkind, and he finds himself in a new war, where he confronts something he has never experienced before: defeat. Driven by rage and seeking vengeance, Titus fights against overwhelming odds. In doing so, he realizes that the true struggle is not between cynical kings who delude themselves into believing they are better than they are. The real war is the one over his very soul.
The Legend of Titus by T.S. Maynard is a cold and harsh read. It is also cleverly nuanced and demonstrates a keen understanding of psychological strategy. The action-packed plot focuses on a man who seeks revenge and the tribulations he faces as he confronts a mighty foe, but it's more complex than that due to the many significant themes that act as a foundation for the tale. Good versus evil, wretchedness, redemption, and a test of faith play key roles in the story. Character development is outstanding, and Maynard puts on quite the show by introducing numerous unique individuals, such as Titus, Knut, and Kensington. With its fast pace and easy-to-read style, The Legend of Titus will thrill fans of Christian-themed historical fiction and anyone who loves rowdy medieval tales.
Recommend this book:
The Muse
Kurt Petrey
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
The Muse by Kurt Petrey is an intriguing short story that follows an aspiring writer named Victor, who is involved in a dangerous love affair with Kim, the wife of successful author Mark Davis. Victor deliberately inserts himself into the couple's life under the pretense of seeking accommodation and mentorship. As he grapples with jealousy and insecurity, he becomes increasingly curious about Mark’s writing process, especially since most of Mark’s works are highly regarded and have been adapted into successful films. As Victor immerses himself in their world, his obsession deepens, not only concerning Kim but also regarding uncovering the secret behind Mark's literary success. Tensions rise when Mark returns from a writing trip and requests a conversation with Victor. During this conversation, Mark reveals that he writes the future through a mystical journal he refers to as his Muse. He tells Victor that each time he writes a story, the journal demands a death.
The Muse is a suspenseful tale that explores themes of obsession, creativity, and destiny. The chilling nature of the story effectively creates an atmosphere of unease, leaving the characters’ fates uncertain. With dark mystical forces seemingly at play, readers are left contemplating death, the price of ambition, and the true nature of inspiration. Can one defy fate, or is everything predetermined? The plot's complex dilemma makes readers view the drama from each character's point of view, making readers sympathize with their struggles while also questioning their morals. Kurt Petrey's writing is engaging, drawing readers into the story from the first page to the last, and his attention to detail makes every interaction feel charged with tension and significance. The Muse is a creative exploration of the fine line between ambition and obsession, and I recommend adding it to your reading list for its compelling and suspenseful narrative.
The Muse by Kurt Petrey is an intriguing short story that follows an aspiring writer named Victor, who is involved in a dangerous love affair with Kim, the wife of successful author Mark Davis. Victor deliberately inserts himself into the couple's life under the pretense of seeking accommodation and mentorship. As he grapples with jealousy and insecurity, he becomes increasingly curious about Mark’s writing process, especially since most of Mark’s works are highly regarded and have been adapted into successful films. As Victor immerses himself in their world, his obsession deepens, not only concerning Kim but also regarding uncovering the secret behind Mark's literary success. Tensions rise when Mark returns from a writing trip and requests a conversation with Victor. During this conversation, Mark reveals that he writes the future through a mystical journal he refers to as his Muse. He tells Victor that each time he writes a story, the journal demands a death.
The Muse is a suspenseful tale that explores themes of obsession, creativity, and destiny. The chilling nature of the story effectively creates an atmosphere of unease, leaving the characters’ fates uncertain. With dark mystical forces seemingly at play, readers are left contemplating death, the price of ambition, and the true nature of inspiration. Can one defy fate, or is everything predetermined? The plot's complex dilemma makes readers view the drama from each character's point of view, making readers sympathize with their struggles while also questioning their morals. Kurt Petrey's writing is engaging, drawing readers into the story from the first page to the last, and his attention to detail makes every interaction feel charged with tension and significance. The Muse is a creative exploration of the fine line between ambition and obsession, and I recommend adding it to your reading list for its compelling and suspenseful narrative.
Recommend this book:
The Lemon Golf Diary
An Adventure of Imagination with a Neurodivergent Heroine
Christine Foster
2025 Finalist
140 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
The Lemon Golf Diary by Christine Foster introduces readers to Rory, a neurodivergent preteen girl who is just beginning to understand how her mind differs from those around her. Told in Rory’s wonder-filled, observant first-person voice, the story blends traditional narrative with occasional diary entries that serve as snapshots of her inner life. At the heart of the story is her evolving friendship with Paige, a brilliant but domineering new classmate, whose obsession with a made-up spirit named Morgana draws Rory into a risky game of pretending and lying. Along the way, Rory tries to make sense of her father’s absence, her mother’s strained patience, and her own complicated sense of self—right down to discovering that her name isn’t short for the elegant “Aurora,” as she once believed, but simply Rory. The book gently explores themes of identity, isolation, and the yearning to feel seen and understood.
As an educator, I was struck by how well Christine Foster captures the quiet chaos of a child who experiences the world differently. Rory’s thought process—full of tangents, emotional misfires, and flashes of deep insight—feels utterly authentic. There’s a rawness in the way she observes adults, tries to decode friendship, and navigates guilt that hit me in the chest. I didn’t just read about Rory, I worried about her. I ached for her. The book is thoughtful, funny in a bittersweet way, and doesn’t feel the need to tie everything up with a bow. Instead, it offers us a glimpse into a vividly real voice trying to make sense of a world that often doesn’t make space for kids like her. The Lemon Golf Diary is a strong and sensitive work from Christine Foster, one that stays with you long after the final page.
The Lemon Golf Diary by Christine Foster introduces readers to Rory, a neurodivergent preteen girl who is just beginning to understand how her mind differs from those around her. Told in Rory’s wonder-filled, observant first-person voice, the story blends traditional narrative with occasional diary entries that serve as snapshots of her inner life. At the heart of the story is her evolving friendship with Paige, a brilliant but domineering new classmate, whose obsession with a made-up spirit named Morgana draws Rory into a risky game of pretending and lying. Along the way, Rory tries to make sense of her father’s absence, her mother’s strained patience, and her own complicated sense of self—right down to discovering that her name isn’t short for the elegant “Aurora,” as she once believed, but simply Rory. The book gently explores themes of identity, isolation, and the yearning to feel seen and understood.
As an educator, I was struck by how well Christine Foster captures the quiet chaos of a child who experiences the world differently. Rory’s thought process—full of tangents, emotional misfires, and flashes of deep insight—feels utterly authentic. There’s a rawness in the way she observes adults, tries to decode friendship, and navigates guilt that hit me in the chest. I didn’t just read about Rory, I worried about her. I ached for her. The book is thoughtful, funny in a bittersweet way, and doesn’t feel the need to tie everything up with a bow. Instead, it offers us a glimpse into a vividly real voice trying to make sense of a world that often doesn’t make space for kids like her. The Lemon Golf Diary is a strong and sensitive work from Christine Foster, one that stays with you long after the final page.
Recommend this book:
Home for the Bewildered
Michelle Tobin
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Social Issues
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Home for the Bewildered by Michelle Tobin is a poignant novel that delves into social issues surrounding mental health in 1970s Lansing, Michigan. The story follows Dr. Dorothy Morrissey, the first female psychologist at St. Lawrence Asylum, as she navigates her complex relationships with her patients amid a changing societal landscape. As Dorothy grapples with her patients' chaotic lives, she simultaneously confronts her own personal emotional turmoil and the strain on her relationship with her boyfriend, Kenneth. The novel explores the challenges of healing, both for patients and the healer herself. Tobin offers her readers a nuanced perspective on the struggles faced by healthcare professionals and patients during a time of societal upheaval and shines a light on how little support there was for either party during the 1970s. Her ability to present the inner lives of her characters with empathy and authenticity helps readers understand their experiences and struggles.
I loved the narrative style that gives different snapshots of patients from Dorothy’s educated but highly empathetic perspective. Each person is vividly drawn and multi-dimensional in their description and dialogue, each representing different facets of emotion and strain. Dorothy evolves throughout the story at the center of all these experiences, grappling with her own vulnerabilities while striving to support her patients. The intricate character work around her narration and dialogue invites readers to connect on a deeply personal level. At its core, the novel explores the theme of self-healing from every possible angle. Michelle Tobin poignantly illustrates that the journey to understanding oneself can be as complex as that of helping others, which is a strong message to take away from a deeply engaging character-led drama. Overall, Home for the Bewildered is an important and powerful read that will impress fans of emotive storytelling. It also has a lot to teach us about healing and how we view and treat others around us.
Home for the Bewildered by Michelle Tobin is a poignant novel that delves into social issues surrounding mental health in 1970s Lansing, Michigan. The story follows Dr. Dorothy Morrissey, the first female psychologist at St. Lawrence Asylum, as she navigates her complex relationships with her patients amid a changing societal landscape. As Dorothy grapples with her patients' chaotic lives, she simultaneously confronts her own personal emotional turmoil and the strain on her relationship with her boyfriend, Kenneth. The novel explores the challenges of healing, both for patients and the healer herself. Tobin offers her readers a nuanced perspective on the struggles faced by healthcare professionals and patients during a time of societal upheaval and shines a light on how little support there was for either party during the 1970s. Her ability to present the inner lives of her characters with empathy and authenticity helps readers understand their experiences and struggles.
I loved the narrative style that gives different snapshots of patients from Dorothy’s educated but highly empathetic perspective. Each person is vividly drawn and multi-dimensional in their description and dialogue, each representing different facets of emotion and strain. Dorothy evolves throughout the story at the center of all these experiences, grappling with her own vulnerabilities while striving to support her patients. The intricate character work around her narration and dialogue invites readers to connect on a deeply personal level. At its core, the novel explores the theme of self-healing from every possible angle. Michelle Tobin poignantly illustrates that the journey to understanding oneself can be as complex as that of helping others, which is a strong message to take away from a deeply engaging character-led drama. Overall, Home for the Bewildered is an important and powerful read that will impress fans of emotive storytelling. It also has a lot to teach us about healing and how we view and treat others around us.
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