Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

In The Warmest Winter by Greatest Poet Alive, a well-known doctor, Dr. Miles Livingston, is the prime suspect in the murders of his wife and his two girls. They were killed in their own home in a brutal murder. Miles asks his attorney friend James Gordon to represent him in court, even though he is not a criminal lawyer. As Miles is his friend, Gordon agrees. But as soon as he delves into the case, he finds out that everything is not as it seems. There are secrets that can destroy the life of his friend.

Miles is not being one hundred percent truthful with Gordon and Gordon cannot help him if he is not co-operating. As Gordon investigates deeper into the murder, a new tale is revealed and he is confused. Along with that, his own domestic life is disturbed. He is trying to find answers for his own life and marriage. Can he save his friend when his own life is so problematic? Is his friend Miles really the culprit or is someone framing him for the murders?

The Warmest Winter was a great, thrilling thriller. If I remember correctly, James Gordon is a fantastic poet. Turns out he is also a talented thriller/mystery writer. This novel is a compelling mystery with an attorney who is ready to dig in deeper and get his hands dirty. He does not shy away and I really like such characters. I love a story when I cannot guess who the killer is. I really enjoyed the novel and loved this story. I gave it a 5 star rating because it held my attention and made me read it until the very end. Great job!

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Lantern in the Mist, Book One by Liliana Shelbrook is one of the best books I have read in an incredibly long time. I was pulled in and felt the joy and the sadness, and cried and laughed along with Kathleen from page one until the very last words. Kathleen Colby is a young woman living in the difficult times of 1899, having full responsibility for the care of Josie, her paralyzed sister. Kathleen has little knowledge of the real world, but lives through the romance of her books. Kathleen and Josie start in Alaska and the trek takes them to New York City before it is over. When Kathleen’s mother dies and she is forced to be on her own, it becomes a long and painful journey for the sisters. Kathleen makes some bad choices and picks some bad men and is forced to flee several times, always carrying Josie in her arms with their few meager belongings and an old horse named Joe. She finally vows to let no man ever get close to her again, but when Sam rescues her from several dangerous situations, the sisters are forced to have him accompany them on their travels as they finally reach New York City.

I cannot say enough good things about Lantern in the Mist. It was impossible to put it down and leave Kathleen, Josie and Sam behind even for a little while. My chores were left undone until I finished the book and I am anxiously awaiting the next one. Liliana Shelbrook has easily jumped to the top of my favorite authors list. Lantern in the Mist has it all; life in the old west, romance, heartache, happiness, a good plot, strong characters, a very likeable heroine and hero, and so much more. Lantern in the Mist is a Ten Star Winner. Lantern in the Mist is a must-read for everyone. Thank you, Liliana Shelbrook, for a few hours of total enjoyment.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

In Renaissance of the Heart by Lori M. Jones, Amanda Lewis is in for the surprise of her life. She and her husband were happily married for the past fifteen years. They had it all and they had it good. But when her husband confessed to being gay, her life shattered into a million pieces. His being gay had nothing to do with it, but him keeping it from her for fifteen years took its toll on her. After a painful and teary divorce, she is resolved on getting her life back on track and keeping things as normal as possible for her teenage daughter. Little did she know that life had better things in store for her!

Just when she thought that her life could not be more boring and tedious, she meets Bradley. He is young, smart, handsome, and a famous NFL quarterback. The road ahead is not that easy, but she has to do a lot of soul searching before she can move forward and build a life for her and her daughter. Bradley is keen, but it is Amanda who has to forgive her past and be ready to live her future.

Renaissance of the Heart is such a beautiful story. Lori M. Jones has done a tremendous job with this moving story of a woman trying to find her place in the world after a heartbreaking revelation. Bradley is such an amazing guy. He is down to earth and very understanding. Amanda is a warrior, she deserves happiness and more. Plus, she does not need any man or someone else to help her figure out her life. She is smart enough to do that on her own. I loved that about her. I loved this story.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Who would have thought that a dog would enjoy eating lemons? In spite of the mouth-puckering sensation, would any dog actually want to go back for more? Who would have thought that a dog would make missiles out of rolled socks, throwing them into the bathroom to garner the much desired attention of his owner? This was Barkley and he was much more. Barkley is a black lab that entered author L.B. Johnson's life at a time when relationships, family and friends, job choices and career moves were all a complicating puzzle. But there was nothing puzzling about this adorable black lab. He was difficult, he had his challenges, he had a sensitive stomach (although he would devour anything and everything in sight, only to release it in an unsavory manner in an unwelcome location shortly after). But Barkley was, pure and simple, pure love. He was that shining light that revealed himself at the end of his life: "I will remember him, standing there in the light with the reconciled luminosity of angels in stained glass, their form, a four-legged one, lacking wings, but not their saving Grace."

L.B. Johnson has written a compassionate and heart-warming story - The Book of Barkley - about more than just a dog. Anyone who has ever owned a pet will understand the compelling bond that develops between the pet and its owner. It's a bond that opens up thoughts and memories and expands the owner's human perspective of the world and the life that he/she has lived and is living. This is a story about that bond, the relationship that opens up the heart and reveals an understanding, a comprehension of the overall meaning of life. Well done!

Reviewed by Roy T. James for Readers' Favorite

The Perpetual Paycheck by Lori B. Rassas begins by identifying the fact that ‘in the workplace, there are only short term commitments - an absence of mutual obligation between employer and the employee.’ Introducing the topic with a short discussion on paychecks and the necessity that one has to fend for oneself, Lori jumps to Secret #1: Cash is the king. Because of the transient nature of today’s workplace, one cannot hope to see it exist for a long time, let alone being a permanent part of it. Lori thereafter discusses Secret #2: Remembering who the Boss is. Other secrets follow, Turning troubles into triumphs where focus is on advantages, Expanding one's hunting grounds which talks about a more rational job search, and ending with How to develop and use the benefits of networking, which examines the potential of modern ‘communities.’

The Perpetual Paycheck by Lori B. Rassas is a book made for the present. Because of the fast pace of technological changes, society overall is facing certain shifts everywhere, one of the most notable areas being our workplace. This book has the potential to greatly increase one's self-confidence, an invaluable asset in leading a happy life in such an environment of transience. I wish I had read this book many years earlier which would have prepared me better in dealing with all the unsettling changes I faced. The book follows a simple and easy style of narration. Replete with humor, cartoons and anecdotes, this book is a light read conveying, however, more important ideas.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

The Ramblings of an Old Man: A Composite of Articles, Short Stories and Recipes by Chef Cal Kraft is a composite of memories in the form of letters, stories and recipes centering on the life of Chef Cal Kraft who lives in Danbury Forest. Initially, Chef Kraft wrote and had these stories published in the community newspaper, but after much coaxing from friends and family, Chef Kraft decided to compile these memories into a book. The stories will resonate with you as if you were chatting at a coffee house, on a porch, or in the home of a friend, reflecting about old times. With each letter, Chef Kraft offers a background story as to why he wrote the letter and then accompanies it with one of his favorite recipes to set the mood. Occasionally his cat, Miss Kitty, provides a guest appearance and offers her input.

I am in love with The Ramblings of an Old Man: A Composite of Articles, Short Stories and Recipes by Chef Cal Kraft. It reminds me of watching my dad and his friends on the porch, talking about the past. As I was reading The Ramblings of an Old Man, just like hearing my dad’s stories, I found myself laughing so much that I couldn’t contain myself. One of the stories that resonated with me was “Don’t Worry, Cal, I Have Snow Tires!” - such a fun and engaging story. To accompany this story, Chef Kraft presented a Polish dish recipe, Haluski. We all have stories that at times we begin to reflect on, so jump start these memories today with your copy of The Ramblings of an Old Man: A Composite of Articles, Short Stories and Recipes by Chef Cal Kraft.

Reviewed by Teodora Totorean for Readers' Favorite

Blood on the Stage, 480 B.C. to 1600 A.D.: Milestone Plays of Murder, Mystery and Mayhem, An Annotated Repertoire by Amnon Kabatchnik is an overview of the most important theatrical works on the theme stated in the title, from Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus to Hamlet by William Shakespeare. The book starts with an introduction, where the author presents the plays together with a short synopsis for each, and it continues with a chapter dedicated to each theatrical work presented in chronological order. The author provides for each play: a plot synopsis, when and where the play was seen on the stage, author’s biography, critics’ opinions, awards and notes. Some of the plays from the book are: Antigone by Sophocles, Medea by Euripides, Phaedra by Seneca, and The Tragedy of King Richard the Third by William Shakespeare, to name just a few.

Blood on the Stage, 480 B.C. to 1600 A.D. by Amnon Kabatchnik is a fascinating book for those interested in theatre in general, and for those interested in theatrical works about murder, mystery and mayhem in particular. The book is easy to read and understand, and you don’t have to have previous knowledge of the plays presented in the book. If this is the case, you may want to read the original play or go and see the play after reading each entry. The book is rather complex, demonstrating profound knowledge of the field and extensive research skills. I enjoyed reading this book, as not only did it refresh my knowledge of some of the plays I had read a long time ago, but I also learnt about theatrical works and playwrights which now I want to read and/or view.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

The 7-Step Guide to Authorpreneurship (Plan. Write. Publish!) by Rochelle Carter is a book you should not miss if you are a serious writer who would like to turn into a successful, popular writer who can make a living with his or her passion. However, this book will also show you that a lot of work is needed from your side - success as a writer, or rather authorpreneur, does not come from idly waiting for your publisher to do all the work. Rochelle Carter supplies all the information you could need if you would like your book to turn into a success story. There are seven steps (the title gives that away) and each of them is a step you need to take as a writer.

What I found very helpful about The 7-Step Guide to Authorpreneurship (Plan. Write. Publish!) by Rochelle Carter was that she tells you what you need to do and HOW you can do it. I always found the prospect of having to publish a book one day (not just having, also wanting to, of course) very intimidating. I think this might also have been one of the reasons why I never really worked hard on finishing the book. I was too worried about not knowing what to do once the book is finished. After reading this book, I actually am not that worried anymore. Yes, it won't be easy - but at least I have clear ideas about how things work now. I found that I am far more positive about my novel. If you have a book you would like to publish or are writing a book and do not know much about publishing and marketing a book to the right audience, then this is a very good read for you. You will learn a lot.

Reviewed by Roy T. James for Readers' Favorite

The Lawyer as Leader: How to Plant People and Grow Justice by Dr. Artika R. Tyner presents ‘growth of justice,’ using the Banyan tree as a metaphor. As the tree grows, new branches extend its support system. A leader should inspire people to make dreams a reality by connecting with others sharing similar passions. Lawyers are better placed to facilitate changes through public policy advocacy. Those lawyers, instead of advocates, can be called policy entrepreneurs; well known examples being Nelson Mandela or Mohandas Gandhi. Challenges facing the marginalized sections are too many and result in a justice gap between these sections and others, as well as a gap in access to resources. There is a need for leaders to take a stand and lawyers are in a good position to do so as they are better disposed to appreciate the cause, as well as being more exposed to the tools necessary to advance their cause.

With extensive references to past dissertations and notes, Dr. Artika makes a solid case for lawyers to be adjudged as the most competent to handle this facet of socio-legal responsibility. As the author mentions towards the end of the book, “... these policy reform campaigns represent the transformative power of planting people, growing justice. Through the exercise of leadership and lifting of their voices, community members in partnership with lawyers have leveraged their collective power to lead change.”

Reviewed by Stefan Vucak for Readers' Favorite

The Beltway Beast opens with a depressing summary of the American political system that is subject to corporate lobbyists and focus by Congressmen to get reelected rather than serve the interests of the people and the country. It is an interesting approach as it reinforces the perception that all politicians are basically untrustworthy. Once elected, Congressmen toe their party line and enjoy the perks of the office, life in Congress funded by vested interest groups who control government policy. Attempts were made to set up independent parties, but all failed due to lack of broad Congressional support. To fix the numerous economic and foreign policy issues outlined in the book, Munir Moon advocates creation of a new political party, whose charter is: ‘The People’s Party of America’s (PPA) vision for America is to be a nation of entrepreneurs and innovators who are free from bureaucracy and centralized power. It is a party that is fiscally and socially responsible. It espouses personal responsibility and decentralized government as its core theme.’

I found The Beltway Beast and Munir Moon’s wealth of statistical information to back up his dissertation a fascinating read that in many respects will confirm the people’s view of the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness inherent in the current U.S. political and domestic systems. Although notionally reasonable, the proposed ‘solutions’ to address a plethora of domestic and foreign policy problems outlined in each chapter tend to get dogmatic as the solutions are based on a premise that Congress is filled with reasonable representatives and the population in general actually cares what is going on and wants to participate in the political decision-making process. Sadly, the reality is altogether different as Munir Moon himself acknowledges. The People’s Party of America’s manifesto is to establish itself and win electoral support to implement its remedial policies; a laudable objective. However, to succeed, the PPA would need to obtain absolute control of Congress and state legislature mechanisms. The party’s program is an idealist’s view that ignores reality and has no prospect of being realized - unless the party manages to obtain total political power. The obvious danger with such a vision, should it be even partially realized, could easily lead to dictatorial rule.

Some readers of The Beltway Beast will not find this book palatable and its proposed solutions Utopian, but they will find it thoughtful and worthy of consideration when choosing their state or federal candidates. To solve the national problems outlined in the book, American people will need to become involved in the political process and make their voices heard. The alternative is to maintain an intransigent Congress where national interests are ignored in the pursuit of partisan obstinacy. However, overcoming vested corporate interests promulgated by the lobby army who control politicians on both sides of the aisle will be a daunting challenge that many feel should nevertheless be pursued.