Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Left Hand by Brittnay J. Sears is a gripping romantic thriller that transports readers to the dangerous world of 1950s organized crime. The story follows Jan Hendricks, a Montana farm girl, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she falls for the charismatic Lavio Rossano, a man deeply embedded in a powerful crime family. As their romance deepens, Jan transforms into 'The Left Hand,' becoming the silent but lethal force behind her husband's operations, handling the family's most perilous tasks with calculated precision. Set against a backdrop of smoky jazz clubs and shadowy dealings, the novel explores the intricate dance between love and loyalty, moral compromise and devotion, as Jan navigates her evolution from an innocent farm girl to a crucial player in a dangerous criminal enterprise.

Author Brittnay J. Sears demonstrates an exceptional talent for bringing the 1950s underworld to vivid life. It's an era I adore, so I was thrilled to see such atmospheric and authentic detail throughout the story. I was also completely immersed in her richly descriptive prose, which captures everything from the sultry atmosphere of jazz clubs to the tension-filled moments of criminal operations. The nuanced portrayal of Jan's transformation is remarkably authentic, showing both the psychological and emotional toll of her choices and the close narrative perspective offers brilliant speech and thought presentation as she makes these big decisions. What particularly captivated me was Sears' fresh perspective on organized crime through the lens of the women behind the scenes, offering a unique exploration of power, sacrifice, and the lengths one might go to protect those they love. Overall, The Left Hand is an unforgettable journey into the heart of 1950s crime that will keep readers spellbound until the final page, and I would definitely recommend it.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The Broken Wife by Kay Elem is Aileen’s story about her grief after her husband’s passing. Ten years earlier, Aileen’s husband, Tom, died of a heart attack while on a business trip, and his death was ruled as natural causes. With new technology, the Pinehill Valley Police Department received new evidence regarding Tom’s death, and the case was reopened. Detective Cooper was assigned this old case, and he accepted it with not much hope of finding the killer after all these years. Aileen offered to help Cooper with his investigation, and he agreed. The atmosphere was initially awkward and tense between Aileen and Cooper, but with the time they spent together, an attraction developed between them. During Cooper's investigation, Aileen found that Tom was not the perfect husband she had believed him to be all these years.

The Broken Wife by Kay Elem kept me on the edge of my seat. Tom and Aileen's past was detailed in one chapter, and then it changed to the present in the next. This way, it was easier to understand them and where they came from. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next, and I could not turn the pages fast enough. The characters were authentic and relatable. Aileen was a normal stay-at-home mom who gave her children all the attention they needed. The topics of betrayal, abuse, and grief were handled with great care. The story was engaging and beautifully written. I enjoyed reading this book and could not believe that I finished it in one sitting. The ending was unexpected and a big surprise.

Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite

Troy R. Legette's The Objective Scholar: Poetic Wordplay is a vibrant collection of poetry that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, love, societal challenges, and more. The poet's beautiful words are reflected and showcased in our everyday struggles. The inclusion of thematic sections like Moralistic Scope and Communal Sentiment blends personal reflections with broader social commentary. This isn't a typical poetry collection; it's a mix of everything. Moreover, it feels like an unfiltered journey through life's highs and lows, which is served in a poetic form. These poems run the entire alphabet of human experience; from A to Z, they capture all those everyday struggles regular people face.

The content is rich and varied, each exploring different facets of human experience. It is also a mixed bag of introspection and social critique. The structure is well-organized and feels intentional, with sections like Impartial Portrait tackling divorce and fatherhood with biting clarity. The funny elements are appreciable and sometimes not entirely satirical. The corporate world gets a special roasting in Qualified, where Legette's sarcasm is sharper than a boss's passive-aggressive email. The personal touch is where Troy R. Legette shines. These poems don't just talk about life; they are life. From love and loss to systemic injustice, he tackles the thoughts that ping-pong in our heads daily. What makes this collection stand out is its brutal relatability. Legette doesn't just cover everyday topics but digs into the mental clutter we all carry. Some poems sound inspirational, and some balance humor and harsh truth, which keeps you wondering about the nuances of life. The book's grounding with the rhythms of Black American life (e.g., Accountability, Inner City Kids) is also brilliantly showcased by blending personal grit with sharp social observation. Overall, The Objective Scholar: Poetic Wordplay is thought-provoking and inspirational and is a must-read for poetry lovers.

Reviewed by Inga Buccella for Readers' Favorite

The Lilacs I Once Knew by Roni Rosenthal is a collection of poems. In 1937, in Bucharest, Romania, Rosenthal's cousin Freda Stoleru married a scientist her parents disapproved of. Just weeks after they were married, her new husband disappeared. Friddie was accused of the crime. Was she a scapegoat? Was it because she was Jewish? Friddie was then thrown into a Romanian prison for nearly a decade. After that, she languished in a communist labor camp for four years. Separated by life periods, the over 100-poem collection begins with Friddie's journey as a young woman. Halfway through the poetry diary, the concepts become more intense. Friddie, seemingly feeling more depressed and desperate with each passing day, expresses thoughts and feelings about how her captors grew from innocent boys into the violent men she knows.

The Lilacs I Once Knew by Roni Rosenthal should be required reading. In my opinion, it is a classic collection and is still relevant today. Never having read anything so real, raw, personal, and powerful, I was overwhelmed. Therefore, I suggest savoring only a few poems at a time to get the pure essence of each one. Like Friddie herself, her poetry is a mix of both delicate grace and icy endurance. Although her circumstances were extreme, I found the nature themes threaded throughout the rhymes relatable. Friddie's poem "Mama's Lessons" is a favorite of mine. It is a memorial to her youth. She recounts memories of her nurturing mother and mentions the scent of lilacs, which the young poet sees as a symbol of hope. I admire Friddie, who was a brave warrior for putting into words her anger, fear, and eventually maybe even acceptance of her impending death. Friddie's life mattered. Such honest words are a testament to her innocence, proving not only that the "pen is mightier than the sword," but misguided vengeance is no match for a stellar human spirit like that of Friddie Stoleru.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Unleashing the Power Within by Lisa McCarthy is a collection of original poems that cover multiple themes, with each reading as a standalone, and all ranging greatly in length, tone, and tenor. The poem New Year, New Chapter uses a rhythmic, chant-like structure and an optimistic tone to encourage looking inward and goal setting, symbolizing transformation at the start of the new year. Embracing Life with Gratitude and Joy uses a smooth, flowing rhythm to harness the importance of living with gratitude and a positive attitude, even in hardship. A Helping Hand is structured with rhymed quatrains (ABAB) and a steady rhythm, leaning into the impact of kindness and compassion. My Promise of Heavenly Father uses a reflective style to convey reassurance, divine guidance, and strength during difficult times.

Unleashing the Power Within: A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Poetry by Lisa McCarthy is a beautiful poetry collection, and I went back multiple times to reread several pieces of McCarthy's work. It's so hard to pick a favorite, but I love March On, Brave Soul, which uses rhymed verse to deliver a powerful message of resilience, encouraging readers to embrace change and recognize their own strength. A steady rhythm and rhyme to create a sense of urgency and forward motion is one of the hardest things to capture on a page, but McCarthy does it easily. I also enjoyed The Butterfly's Lesson on Life, which is written in rhymed couplets and uses the symbolism of the butterfly’s metamorphosis to illustrate transformation and fleeting beauty. Here, McCarthy’s adept use of rhyme and meter elevates the impact of her words. Overall, this is a remarkable collation of work and one that lovers of poetry will agree is absolutely worth a read. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Nathaniel Terrell’s Before the World Moves On is a poetry collection that embraces ideas of legacy, love, self-discovery, faith, and transformation. Using varied poetic structures and styles, the collection contemplates personal and collective experiences. In Slow Burn, the poet looks at the impact of one’s actions and the uncertainties of remembrance through metaphor use. She Is serves as a celebration of a Black woman’s beauty and strength, using vivid imagery and rhythm. Discovery questions societal values and speaks on the isolation necessary for true self-awareness. Paradox juxtaposes failures with faith, employing biblical references to parallel internal conflict. Becoming chronicles a journey of redemption, leaning into growth through repetition and changing diction. Together, these poems and Terrell's others illustrate a real perspective on resilience, devotion, and personal evolution.

Before the World Moves On by Nathaniel Terrell is a wonderful collection that dives deep into a multitude of topics, all of which are just brilliant. Terrell's poetry style is sharp and feels personal, and each piece provides its own unique perspective and message. Among the many in this compilation, the standout for me is Jaded and its dark expedition of private guilt, societal corruption, and the battles within. The poem’s imagery of supervillains and hellhounds is a masterclass in a haunting, fatalistic atmosphere. Eulogy, another favorite, is a bold confrontation with death and the afterlife, rejecting conventional views and embracing a raw acceptance of whatever fate may come. The free-verse structure mirrors the unpredictable nature of existence, making this piece somber yet defiantly powerful. Overall, Terrell’s ability to tap straight into our emotions with stark, persuasive imagery makes this collection a must-read for poetry lovers. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Night of the Hawk by Lauren Martin is a collection of the author's original poetry, consisting primarily of free verse poems but also incorporating occasional sprinklings formatted in epistolary, list, and even one in the classical ode style. Each poem exhibits its own distinctive length, tone, and tenor and conveys a message unique to itself. ÒSun Wè Mímó invokes the Yoruba goddess for purification and forgiveness, leaning toward themes of renewal and abundance. Tuesdays looks into the aftermath of a significant loss, symbolized by a red leaf, conveying a mix of sorrow and difficulty in acceptance. Chattanooga expresses admiration for another artist, celebrating the shared love for creativity and the resonance found in mutual experiences. Throughout the collection, Martin offers diverse emotional landscapes and experiences, gifting readers with a variety of poetic forms and insights.

Lauren Martin gives us a masterclass on what it means to convey thematic richness and emotional depth in contemporary poetry in Night of the Hawk, displaying the versatility of both form and function. We get intimate glimpses into Martin's personal experiences and emotions, organically fostering authenticity and relatability. For example, Mother serves as a heartfelt tribute, celebrating a mother's resilience and imparting wisdom with sincerity. For me, I most appreciated the works that address social issues, such as feminism, environmentalism, and societal expectations. Yemoja Speaks to Scott Pruitt, which confronts environmental concerns using the voice of a deity to advocate for the protection of the oceans and marine life, was my favorite and the standout for me. Overall, Martin delivers a beautiful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking body of work that will delight those who take the time to absorb it. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Verses of the Broken: Echoes From A Fractured Mind by Nyx Thorn is an intense and deeply honest collection of poetry that doesn’t shy away from tough emotions. It dives straight into trauma, fear, and resilience, laying everything bare in a way that feels both deeply personal and strangely universal. Thorn’s words hit like a punch to the gut at times, bringing to light feelings most people try to bury. But even in the darkest moments, there’s a small but steady thread of hope, a reminder that healing, however slow or messy, is still possible. Each poem is like a reflection of a fractured mind, forcing you to sit with your own emotions and struggles and think about the balance of light and dark in your own life. The collection takes you through waves of despair and hope, making it impossible not to connect with at least some part of it. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just speak to you but one that makes you feel seen.

Nyx Thorn writes with such raw emotion that I found myself completely absorbed, even when the subject matter was heavy. The imagery is so vivid that certain lines stuck with me long after I’d finished reading. I had to go back to some poems again and again, each time noticing something new or feeling a different kind of impact. Thorn tackles mental health and self-discovery in a way that is real with no easy fixes, no sugarcoating, just an honest look at what it means to struggle and survive. There’s a balance between pain and hope that makes the whole collection genuine, never over-the-top but always deeply felt. What stood out to me was how Thorn turns personal pain into something artistic and meaningful, creating a space where readers can recognize themselves in the words. Even the darkest poems don’t feel like they’re about giving up; rather, they feel like proof of strength and pushing through. If you’ve ever felt lost, hurt, or just needed to know you weren’t alone, this collection is worth reading. Overall, Verses of the Broken is raw, emotional, and at times, a little heartbreaking, but above all, it’s a powerful reminder of our inner strength and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite

This beautifully illustrated children’s book by Melissa Robinson is about creating memories of the ones you love while you have the chance. It’s based on the author’s relationship with the real Grandma Marjorie and her African Grey Parrot, Misty. Grandma Marjorie has a magic timepiece, which acts as a gateway to adventure for her and her granddaughter, Mel. The imaginative possibilities are endless for a series and provide enough breadcrumbs for a child to continue inventing exciting quests long after the book is closed. The magic shrinks Grandma Marjorie and Mel so they can ride on Misty’s back and soar above their town. They land on the lighthouse where Grandma grew up and I love the emotional intelligence offered when her voice becomes scratchy. Even a young child can pick up on the inference of remembrance inducing a fullness of heart. When a seagull snatches Grandma Marjorie’s bag, she becomes a hero in defending herself, defying any idea of our elders being feeble. Notably, the things in her bag that are important to her aren’t money or jewelry but a map, a pet mouse, and a magnifying glass. Her bungee jump is then both brave and awesome. She’s a force to be reckoned with and a safe pair of hands for Mel to trust on future adventures.

I loved the detailed illustrations by Olga Sall, which make Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate a privilege to read. They include even the texture of Grandma’s lilac cardigan. Grandma Marjorie is not the usual caricature of the curly-haired, short-sighted pensioner in a twin set and pearls. She’s an engaging and realistic woman wearing trendy clothing and not troubled by a little chaos in her kitchen. She’s much more relatable and quite a lot like my children’s grandma, who bakes, wears jeans and runs marathons. The colors of the illustrations are next level, both gentle and appealing. My granddaughter is still small but loves books and we spent a long time examining each page. Her gaze darted everywhere as she soaked up all the sunny shades, crafted for maximum enjoyment. The colors and designs reminded me of Richard Scarry’s many successful children’s books, which I adored as a child. We enjoyed how almost every building is labeled on the aerial view of the town. We looked at everything on the pages and talked about each of the locations Grandma Marjorie flew over. The tiny animals included in her adventures are subtle but delightful. My granddaughter loved the mouse. The black and purple fonts were easy to read, and I liked how the purple emphasis matched Grandma’s favorite cardigan. It’s a stunning book with more hidden depths than one would expect. My granddaughter and I loved it. I would love for her to see me like Grandma Marjorie; quirky, uninhibited, fun, and especially safe.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

The Roll-Away Snowman is a children's picture book written by Junia Wonders with illustrations by Daniela Volpari. The story follows Marla Little, a young girl who builds a snowman. Just as she is about to dress him up, a mischievous wind sprite blows her snowman away. Determined to bring him back, Marla chases after him. The snowman rolls away from her home and heads toward the town stores, where he encounters various shopkeepers who offer festive items to help dress him up. Marla expresses her gratitude to each shopkeeper but continues her pursuit of her beloved snowman. When he finally comes to a stop, Marla catches up to him and is thrilled to see his new look, adorned with buttons, a hat, a scarf, a carrot nose, and stick arms. Filled with joy, she makes a wish that makes her winter dreams come true.

The Roll-Away Snowman is a delightful story that will warm your heart. It is the second book in Junia Wonders' The Roll-Away series and offers a whimsical tale about winter adventures. Young readers will learn how to decorate a snowman and the importance of teamwork. Marla is an endearing character who shows appreciation to everyone who helps transform her snowman, and her beautiful wish reflects her compassionate nature. The book also includes educational elements, featuring a glossary of different words, mainly focusing on occupations and the names of shops mentioned in the narrative. One of the highlights of this book is the vibrant illustrations that bring the story to life. They possess a magical quality that aligns perfectly with the enchanting ambiance of winter. The sparkling lights, the swirling wind filled with soft whispers, and the unique snowflakes floating in the air collectively create a captivating atmosphere that draws readers into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend adding it to your family's holiday reading list.