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Recommend this book:
The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee
Talya Tate Boerner
2016 Gold Medal
332 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
“Daddy was in a bad mood…He was predictable. Just like my life so far.”
But Gracie’s life was far from predictable. Growing up in the cotton fields of Arkansas, Gracie saw her life as one of heinous misfortune. The victim of the meanest girl at Savage Crossing Elementary School and the daughter of a controlling, mean, alcoholic father, Gracie did her best to keep quiet when life’s injustices fell into her lap. But there were times when it was all just too much. It was during those times when Gracie’s adventurous spirit led her to explore the mysteries of the abandoned grey house down the road or to eavesdrop on her mother’s party-line phone calls. This was how she discovered the seriousness of her father’s medical problems and fueled her Nancy Drew tendencies. Her only outlet was the invitational time at church when she held her weekly “talk” with Brother Brown.
The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee is one of the best books I have read in a long, long while. Integrating themes of substance abuse, lessons in morality, and timeless fears of coming of age, author Talya Tate Boerner has excelled in the brilliance of bringing characters to life in her debut novel. The storytelling rarity of multiple story lines is effortlessly successful in this vividly told tale. Boerner utilizes all of the senses to weave a story filled with human emotion so palpable that the reader is forced to step away from the pages in order to digest the full impact of her words. I enthusiastically applaud this story and the future of this author.
“Daddy was in a bad mood…He was predictable. Just like my life so far.”
But Gracie’s life was far from predictable. Growing up in the cotton fields of Arkansas, Gracie saw her life as one of heinous misfortune. The victim of the meanest girl at Savage Crossing Elementary School and the daughter of a controlling, mean, alcoholic father, Gracie did her best to keep quiet when life’s injustices fell into her lap. But there were times when it was all just too much. It was during those times when Gracie’s adventurous spirit led her to explore the mysteries of the abandoned grey house down the road or to eavesdrop on her mother’s party-line phone calls. This was how she discovered the seriousness of her father’s medical problems and fueled her Nancy Drew tendencies. Her only outlet was the invitational time at church when she held her weekly “talk” with Brother Brown.
The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee is one of the best books I have read in a long, long while. Integrating themes of substance abuse, lessons in morality, and timeless fears of coming of age, author Talya Tate Boerner has excelled in the brilliance of bringing characters to life in her debut novel. The storytelling rarity of multiple story lines is effortlessly successful in this vividly told tale. Boerner utilizes all of the senses to weave a story filled with human emotion so palpable that the reader is forced to step away from the pages in order to digest the full impact of her words. I enthusiastically applaud this story and the future of this author.
Recommend this book:
The Thundering
Megan Davidson
2016 Finalist
292 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
In an absolutely wonderful new work by author Megan Davidson, The Thundering, readers will find themselves following the stories of psychologist Cathy Morgen and her teenaged patient, Joseph. Taking place in Portland, Oregon in 1961, the story gives us some very realistic and heartbreaking insights into the atmosphere of mental health facilities of the era. When Cathy first meets Joseph, after receiving a distressed call from the director of the Summerhaven Mental Hospital asking for her help, she finds an absolutely shattered young man. Bucking, neighing and kicking, just like a mustang in the midst of a panic, Joseph's actions appear more horse than human. Using all of her skills, she makes it her mission to find out what has happened in Joseph's life to make him the way he is. At the same time, this journey is one of redemption for her as she tries to recover from the loss of another young patient.
I loved this book. Loved. It. I don't know what I else I could say to adequately describe how fantastic author Megan Davidson's new work is. Her character development skills are second to none. She has written characters, especially Joseph and Cathy, that the reader will truly come to care about and will think about long after the book is finished. If that isn't the hallmark of a great author, I am not sure what is. This book is absolutely un-put-down-able. I read it from start to finish in one sitting. I simply had to know what happened next. The Thundering would appeal to any reader who loves a generally great work of fiction, but especially those who love a book that will have their heart pounding. I highly recommend The Thundering and am very much looking forward to reading whatever author Megan Davidson has in store for her readers next!
In an absolutely wonderful new work by author Megan Davidson, The Thundering, readers will find themselves following the stories of psychologist Cathy Morgen and her teenaged patient, Joseph. Taking place in Portland, Oregon in 1961, the story gives us some very realistic and heartbreaking insights into the atmosphere of mental health facilities of the era. When Cathy first meets Joseph, after receiving a distressed call from the director of the Summerhaven Mental Hospital asking for her help, she finds an absolutely shattered young man. Bucking, neighing and kicking, just like a mustang in the midst of a panic, Joseph's actions appear more horse than human. Using all of her skills, she makes it her mission to find out what has happened in Joseph's life to make him the way he is. At the same time, this journey is one of redemption for her as she tries to recover from the loss of another young patient.
I loved this book. Loved. It. I don't know what I else I could say to adequately describe how fantastic author Megan Davidson's new work is. Her character development skills are second to none. She has written characters, especially Joseph and Cathy, that the reader will truly come to care about and will think about long after the book is finished. If that isn't the hallmark of a great author, I am not sure what is. This book is absolutely un-put-down-able. I read it from start to finish in one sitting. I simply had to know what happened next. The Thundering would appeal to any reader who loves a generally great work of fiction, but especially those who love a book that will have their heart pounding. I highly recommend The Thundering and am very much looking forward to reading whatever author Megan Davidson has in store for her readers next!
Recommend this book:
Freedom Within The Heart
The Complete Graphic Novel
Mark Mahon
2016 Silver Medal
100 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite
Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon is the story of the Viking invasion of Ireland, and how the Irish clans dealt with that rather unpleasant visit. Mahoun and his brother Brian Boru are the centre of the story, and of course Brian is the hero of the title. And he is indeed a historical figure of Irish history. So this comic is not only entertaining but also a good way to get people interested in that part of history. It's a different kind of historical fiction, and of course has a bit of folklore mixed in.
Apparently, the story behind Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon will be turned into a movie, and I can imagine how this would work quite well. It all starts with the childhood of the two brothers who witness how their parents are brutally murdered by the invading Vikings. That experience leads to them growing into men that will play a vital role in the fight against the invaders. The story is full of action and a fair amount of violence, but it also does not lack moments of emotion and drama and some fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading page after page, and it taught me something about Irish history that I did not know. I am sure that this kind of format would also be quite valuable to older students for history classes (as traditional history books can be so off-putting).
Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon is the story of the Viking invasion of Ireland, and how the Irish clans dealt with that rather unpleasant visit. Mahoun and his brother Brian Boru are the centre of the story, and of course Brian is the hero of the title. And he is indeed a historical figure of Irish history. So this comic is not only entertaining but also a good way to get people interested in that part of history. It's a different kind of historical fiction, and of course has a bit of folklore mixed in.
Apparently, the story behind Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon will be turned into a movie, and I can imagine how this would work quite well. It all starts with the childhood of the two brothers who witness how their parents are brutally murdered by the invading Vikings. That experience leads to them growing into men that will play a vital role in the fight against the invaders. The story is full of action and a fair amount of violence, but it also does not lack moments of emotion and drama and some fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading page after page, and it taught me something about Irish history that I did not know. I am sure that this kind of format would also be quite valuable to older students for history classes (as traditional history books can be so off-putting).
Recommend this book:
The Great Successor
Kim Jong Un: A Political Cartoon, An Epic Comic of the Dark Kingdom and the Passing of Power to a Third Kim
Tae Keung Ha
2016 Bronze Medal
174 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
“I hope this book makes at least a small contribution to accurately publicizing the true nature of the young successor, of whom little is known.” Ha Tae Keung.
The Great Successor - Kim Jong Un: A Political Cartoon is a comic book detailing the succession to power of the present North Korea leader, written by Ha Tae Keung, president of Open Radio for North Korea, which broadcasts educational, cultural and personal message programming into North Korea. This book is illustrated by artist Choi Byeong Seon, a researcher at the Global Artists Association and a director of the Korea Cartoonists Association.
Perhaps this is the most serious and thought-provoking comic book that I’ve ever read. Reading or listening to any news about the self-isolated North Korea is sporadic at best. This book gives us insight into the North Korea dictator’s past, present, and the sentiments towards him and his ruling. Readers will also learn about Jong Un’s half older brother, Kim Jong Nam, who was once widely considered to be the next leader of North Korea. Jong Nam’s capitalist nature and his desire for reformation of the country, however, were opposed by his father. His much-publicized botched attempt to secretly enter Japan using a fake passport and visit Tokyo Disneyland in 2001 was his ultimate downfall with his father and North Korea’s elite.
The illustrated feelings of the North and South Koreans regarding the succession give us a rare and informative glimpse into this particular event. All in all, this is a great read and ultimately, the North Koreans are hoping for a better future. Hopefully that day will come soon.
“I hope this book makes at least a small contribution to accurately publicizing the true nature of the young successor, of whom little is known.” Ha Tae Keung.
The Great Successor - Kim Jong Un: A Political Cartoon is a comic book detailing the succession to power of the present North Korea leader, written by Ha Tae Keung, president of Open Radio for North Korea, which broadcasts educational, cultural and personal message programming into North Korea. This book is illustrated by artist Choi Byeong Seon, a researcher at the Global Artists Association and a director of the Korea Cartoonists Association.
Perhaps this is the most serious and thought-provoking comic book that I’ve ever read. Reading or listening to any news about the self-isolated North Korea is sporadic at best. This book gives us insight into the North Korea dictator’s past, present, and the sentiments towards him and his ruling. Readers will also learn about Jong Un’s half older brother, Kim Jong Nam, who was once widely considered to be the next leader of North Korea. Jong Nam’s capitalist nature and his desire for reformation of the country, however, were opposed by his father. His much-publicized botched attempt to secretly enter Japan using a fake passport and visit Tokyo Disneyland in 2001 was his ultimate downfall with his father and North Korea’s elite.
The illustrated feelings of the North and South Koreans regarding the succession give us a rare and informative glimpse into this particular event. All in all, this is a great read and ultimately, the North Koreans are hoping for a better future. Hopefully that day will come soon.
Recommend this book:
The Girl from Berlin
Standartenführer's Wife
Ellie Midwood
2016 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife is an historical novel written by Ellie Midwood. When she was growing up, Annalise Meissner was not interested in going to school with the other children her age. She’d much rather practice her pirouettes and dance in the square, but somehow, Gryselda, the family’s housekeeper, knew her preferences and made sure she was safely back in school. Annalise was really much more comfortable with adults than children her own age, and she loved being with the grownups in her life. Her perfect world had some strange aspects to it, however, such as the talk her father had with her and her brother, Norbert, when she was nine years old. The Meissners were not really the Aryans she had always believed them to be, but rather they were originally from Poland and were Ashkenazi Jews. Her father’s grandparents had seen troubles coming and had changed the family’s name and converted to Protestantism to protect the family and their assets. Still, as Annalise was growing up in the comfort of the family’s upper middle class lifestyle, the treatment of the Jews in the increasingly intolerant conditions in Germany during the 1930s was troubling, especially considering her beloved family doctor, his son who would become her dance partner, and the other Jewish people she cared so much about were in deadly peril while her life continued unchanged.
Ellie Midwood’s historical novel, The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife, is a fast-paced and utterly enthralling novel that chronicles the years leading up to World War II through the eyes of a young ballerina, Annalise Meissner. This novel is meticulously researched, and Annalise’s story is so compelling that I became totally engrossed in her life and experiences. Midwood is a master at blending fact and fiction in such a way that I was often tempted to revisit my history books to see which characters were historical personages and which were not. Her writing is seamless and inspired, and I soon forgot that an author was actually the creative force behind Annalise’s words. I was quite pleased to discover that Midwood plans a sequel to this story, Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress. The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife is highly recommended.
The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife is an historical novel written by Ellie Midwood. When she was growing up, Annalise Meissner was not interested in going to school with the other children her age. She’d much rather practice her pirouettes and dance in the square, but somehow, Gryselda, the family’s housekeeper, knew her preferences and made sure she was safely back in school. Annalise was really much more comfortable with adults than children her own age, and she loved being with the grownups in her life. Her perfect world had some strange aspects to it, however, such as the talk her father had with her and her brother, Norbert, when she was nine years old. The Meissners were not really the Aryans she had always believed them to be, but rather they were originally from Poland and were Ashkenazi Jews. Her father’s grandparents had seen troubles coming and had changed the family’s name and converted to Protestantism to protect the family and their assets. Still, as Annalise was growing up in the comfort of the family’s upper middle class lifestyle, the treatment of the Jews in the increasingly intolerant conditions in Germany during the 1930s was troubling, especially considering her beloved family doctor, his son who would become her dance partner, and the other Jewish people she cared so much about were in deadly peril while her life continued unchanged.
Ellie Midwood’s historical novel, The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife, is a fast-paced and utterly enthralling novel that chronicles the years leading up to World War II through the eyes of a young ballerina, Annalise Meissner. This novel is meticulously researched, and Annalise’s story is so compelling that I became totally engrossed in her life and experiences. Midwood is a master at blending fact and fiction in such a way that I was often tempted to revisit my history books to see which characters were historical personages and which were not. Her writing is seamless and inspired, and I soon forgot that an author was actually the creative force behind Annalise’s words. I was quite pleased to discover that Midwood plans a sequel to this story, Gruppenfuhrer’s Mistress. The Girl from Berlin: Standartenführer's Wife is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Errant Flock
Jana Petken
2016 Silver Medal
408 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Chris Fischer for Readers' Favorite
Wow! That's the first word that popped into my mind after I finished reading The Errant Flock, the newest book by author Jana Petken. In an absolute thrill ride of a piece of grand historical fiction, the story follows four unique men in Spain in 1491. David Sanz, a young Converso knight, the Duke of Sagrat, Luis Perato, the Lord Treasurer, Sergio Garcia and the Inquisitor, Gaspar De Amo who are attempting to survive the Inquisition. Young David, a convert from Judaism to Catholicism, has been stripped of his knighthood after being forced to do something against his very nature by Luis and Sergio, and was subsequently blackmailed. His family members were tortured, killed and imprisoned, and his parents forced to flee Spain. Jewish people in general were being forced to give up their belongings and tortured for the "crime" of being Jewish. Times are dark, and darker times appear to be on the horizon for these four men, and survival, for any of them, no matter what side they come down on, seems uncertain at best.
The Errant Flock was a fantastic book. Absolutely fantastic. I am a fan of historical fiction in general, but this book stands out even among my very favorites. Author Jana Petken is an extremely talented author who has done an amazing job at describing scenes so clearly that the reader will absolutely feel in the moment, even if the moment occurred more that 500 years ago. Her character development skills are second to none, and the four principals of the story truly seem like real people. Jana Petken has quite obviously done her research into the Inquisition, and this comes through quite plainly throughout the book. Any reader who enjoys historical fiction, action or just a good book will love The Errant Flock. In fact, the only piece of advice I have for any potential reader is to be sure that you have time set aside to read this book, because you absolutely will not want to set it down once you start it, it's just that good. This is the first book that I've read by Author Jana Petken, but it certainly won't be the last, and I hope that she is hard at work on her next novel right now!
Wow! That's the first word that popped into my mind after I finished reading The Errant Flock, the newest book by author Jana Petken. In an absolute thrill ride of a piece of grand historical fiction, the story follows four unique men in Spain in 1491. David Sanz, a young Converso knight, the Duke of Sagrat, Luis Perato, the Lord Treasurer, Sergio Garcia and the Inquisitor, Gaspar De Amo who are attempting to survive the Inquisition. Young David, a convert from Judaism to Catholicism, has been stripped of his knighthood after being forced to do something against his very nature by Luis and Sergio, and was subsequently blackmailed. His family members were tortured, killed and imprisoned, and his parents forced to flee Spain. Jewish people in general were being forced to give up their belongings and tortured for the "crime" of being Jewish. Times are dark, and darker times appear to be on the horizon for these four men, and survival, for any of them, no matter what side they come down on, seems uncertain at best.
The Errant Flock was a fantastic book. Absolutely fantastic. I am a fan of historical fiction in general, but this book stands out even among my very favorites. Author Jana Petken is an extremely talented author who has done an amazing job at describing scenes so clearly that the reader will absolutely feel in the moment, even if the moment occurred more that 500 years ago. Her character development skills are second to none, and the four principals of the story truly seem like real people. Jana Petken has quite obviously done her research into the Inquisition, and this comes through quite plainly throughout the book. Any reader who enjoys historical fiction, action or just a good book will love The Errant Flock. In fact, the only piece of advice I have for any potential reader is to be sure that you have time set aside to read this book, because you absolutely will not want to set it down once you start it, it's just that good. This is the first book that I've read by Author Jana Petken, but it certainly won't be the last, and I hope that she is hard at work on her next novel right now!
Recommend this book:
The Island of Worthy Boys
A Novel
Connie Hertzberg Mayo
2016 Bronze Medal
368 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Cee-Jay Aurinko for Readers' Favorite
Set in 1889, The Island of Worthy Boys is an historical novel by Connie Hertzberg Mayo. A Protestant boy named Charles befriends a Catholic boy named Aidan. Together they form more than a simple business partnership as little thieves in the streets of Boston; it's an unassailable bond that borders on the brink of brotherhood. One night, while scouting a drunken man, their lives change forever. With the weight of murder on their shoulders, and a witness to make things worse, the boys seek the help of a prostitute named Bess. With Bess’s help, the boys set sail for Thompson Island’s Farm School for Indigent Boys. Charles and Aidan must now, in very different but equally difficult ways, battle who they are in order to remain undiscovered on the island.
The book started off with the boys on their way to Thompson Island, where the initial sense I got from the “brothers” Charles and Aidan was that not everything was as it seemed. Divided into three parts, the middle of which depicts the boys' time at the Farm School, the book has more than enough to offer in a developmental sense. The entire plot is not a one-way rocket, but rather a thrilling roller-coaster ride filled with many sub-plots to keep the reader entertained from beginning to end. From a boy's struggle to make it in the world without a mother to the question of what it truly means to be a brother's keeper, this is one read I absolutely recommend to young minds everywhere. Words simply cannot describe how captivating this book is.
Set in 1889, The Island of Worthy Boys is an historical novel by Connie Hertzberg Mayo. A Protestant boy named Charles befriends a Catholic boy named Aidan. Together they form more than a simple business partnership as little thieves in the streets of Boston; it's an unassailable bond that borders on the brink of brotherhood. One night, while scouting a drunken man, their lives change forever. With the weight of murder on their shoulders, and a witness to make things worse, the boys seek the help of a prostitute named Bess. With Bess’s help, the boys set sail for Thompson Island’s Farm School for Indigent Boys. Charles and Aidan must now, in very different but equally difficult ways, battle who they are in order to remain undiscovered on the island.
The book started off with the boys on their way to Thompson Island, where the initial sense I got from the “brothers” Charles and Aidan was that not everything was as it seemed. Divided into three parts, the middle of which depicts the boys' time at the Farm School, the book has more than enough to offer in a developmental sense. The entire plot is not a one-way rocket, but rather a thrilling roller-coaster ride filled with many sub-plots to keep the reader entertained from beginning to end. From a boy's struggle to make it in the world without a mother to the question of what it truly means to be a brother's keeper, this is one read I absolutely recommend to young minds everywhere. Words simply cannot describe how captivating this book is.
Recommend this book:
The Austrian
A War Criminal's Story
Ellie Midwood
2016 Honorable Mention
374 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite
The Austrian: A War Criminal’s Story by Ellie Midwood opens with a short prologue entitled “Nuremberg prison, October 1946.” Ernst Kaltenbrunner, a former leader of the Austrian SS, has been tried by the International Military Tribunal and sentenced to hang. He is preparing to meet his death, ten minutes ahead, with dignity. The chapters that follow recount the events that led to his trial and the verdict. The author has based this novel not only on actual historical events, but has fictionalised many of the main characters who lived and fought for the Third Reich, such as Ernst Kalterbrunner himself, Martin Bormann, Adolph Hitler’s private secretary, and Heinrich Muller, the Chief of the Gestapo.
Ellie Midwood’s historical novel, The Austrian: A War Criminal’s Story, has a prologue that features the last ten minutes of Ernst Kalterbrunner’s life. It seemed an unlikely start to the story, but the drama had me gripped instantly. The secret lies in the sixteen chapters being sub-divided into sections, each with the place and date stated. This makes it incredibly easy to follow a book written almost entirely in flashbacks. Some of them are set in the years immediately prior to WW2; others recount Ernst’s earliest childhood memories, including the departure of his father to fight in WW1. Still more show him growing to adulthood and his love life, his first interest being a girl with golden hair who is actually a Jewess. Well-written and researched, the whole book is vivid and intriguing. I recommend it to anyone, whether or not they have a special interest in war stories.
The Austrian: A War Criminal’s Story by Ellie Midwood opens with a short prologue entitled “Nuremberg prison, October 1946.” Ernst Kaltenbrunner, a former leader of the Austrian SS, has been tried by the International Military Tribunal and sentenced to hang. He is preparing to meet his death, ten minutes ahead, with dignity. The chapters that follow recount the events that led to his trial and the verdict. The author has based this novel not only on actual historical events, but has fictionalised many of the main characters who lived and fought for the Third Reich, such as Ernst Kalterbrunner himself, Martin Bormann, Adolph Hitler’s private secretary, and Heinrich Muller, the Chief of the Gestapo.
Ellie Midwood’s historical novel, The Austrian: A War Criminal’s Story, has a prologue that features the last ten minutes of Ernst Kalterbrunner’s life. It seemed an unlikely start to the story, but the drama had me gripped instantly. The secret lies in the sixteen chapters being sub-divided into sections, each with the place and date stated. This makes it incredibly easy to follow a book written almost entirely in flashbacks. Some of them are set in the years immediately prior to WW2; others recount Ernst’s earliest childhood memories, including the departure of his father to fight in WW1. Still more show him growing to adulthood and his love life, his first interest being a girl with golden hair who is actually a Jewess. Well-written and researched, the whole book is vivid and intriguing. I recommend it to anyone, whether or not they have a special interest in war stories.
Recommend this book:
The Renegade Queen
Rebellious Times Book 1
Eva Flynn
2016 Finalist
332 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Ica Iova for Readers' Favorite
Growing up, Victoria Woodhull — the sixth of ten children — knew nothing but abuse at the hands of her father, poverty, and all sorts of dysfunctional family ties. Her first marriage proves even worse than the family she was born into. In spite of being abused, she becomes very vocal about her opinions where women’s rights are concerned. She becomes an advocate of free love, by which she means the freedom to marry, divorce, and bear children without government interference. Then she meets handsome Civil War General James Blood, whose support encourages Victoria to fight for women’s rights. Named after the English monarch, Victoria lives in an era where women belonged in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant, but her determination earns her a nomination for President of the United States in 1872 before women could even vote. But when Victoria adopts James’s radical ideas, she finds herself facing prejudice and prosecution. Eventually, her perseverance forces her and James to choose between their newly discovered love and their duties to their country.
Set against the backdrop of early America, Renegade Queen by Eva Flynn is one of the best historical novels I’ve had the pleasure to read in years, a page turner of strong characters who stand up for what they think is right, in spite of the costs. Eva Flynn has done her research. She skillfully textures history with engaging dialogue. She doesn't shy away from controversy. Engaging, realistic, historically accurate, it captivates the reader and makes the story memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surprised to find out that there was a woman running for president back when women did not have the right to vote.
Growing up, Victoria Woodhull — the sixth of ten children — knew nothing but abuse at the hands of her father, poverty, and all sorts of dysfunctional family ties. Her first marriage proves even worse than the family she was born into. In spite of being abused, she becomes very vocal about her opinions where women’s rights are concerned. She becomes an advocate of free love, by which she means the freedom to marry, divorce, and bear children without government interference. Then she meets handsome Civil War General James Blood, whose support encourages Victoria to fight for women’s rights. Named after the English monarch, Victoria lives in an era where women belonged in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant, but her determination earns her a nomination for President of the United States in 1872 before women could even vote. But when Victoria adopts James’s radical ideas, she finds herself facing prejudice and prosecution. Eventually, her perseverance forces her and James to choose between their newly discovered love and their duties to their country.
Set against the backdrop of early America, Renegade Queen by Eva Flynn is one of the best historical novels I’ve had the pleasure to read in years, a page turner of strong characters who stand up for what they think is right, in spite of the costs. Eva Flynn has done her research. She skillfully textures history with engaging dialogue. She doesn't shy away from controversy. Engaging, realistic, historically accurate, it captivates the reader and makes the story memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was surprised to find out that there was a woman running for president back when women did not have the right to vote.
Recommend this book:
The Eaton
John K. Addis
2016 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Horror
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
The Eaton by John K. Addis tells the story of Sam Spicer, who purchases the long-abandoned Michigan Central Railroad Depot in Eaton Rapids with the dream of opening a hot new martini bar. But he and his friends discover an abandoned underground hotel directly beneath the property, and they try to find out what happened to the original guests. Unfortunately, a terrifying secret from the past awaits them. Sam and his friends might never escape the abandoned underground world.
The narrative’s back and forth transition between the present day and the past is well executed, showing Addis’ strength as a writer. His characters are compelling and clearly drawn. The plot is fast-paced, but has enough room to let readers know all the necessary details about what happened in the old Victorian hotel. The story does remind me of Stephen King’s works, but I personally felt Addis excelled more in characterization and storyline structure.
The ending is solid; it has a gripping finish like some of the best horror novels that I’ve read before. Needless to say, I enjoyed The Eaton. It’s an out and out thrilling horror and an absolute page-turner – it had me wanting “just another chapter.” But it is, I think, also a little more than that. Addis explores a number of very contemporary and relatable concerns here regarding the relationship between the characters as well as their past. This is a great read and I guarantee horror fans are about to be as hooked in as I was.
The Eaton by John K. Addis tells the story of Sam Spicer, who purchases the long-abandoned Michigan Central Railroad Depot in Eaton Rapids with the dream of opening a hot new martini bar. But he and his friends discover an abandoned underground hotel directly beneath the property, and they try to find out what happened to the original guests. Unfortunately, a terrifying secret from the past awaits them. Sam and his friends might never escape the abandoned underground world.
The narrative’s back and forth transition between the present day and the past is well executed, showing Addis’ strength as a writer. His characters are compelling and clearly drawn. The plot is fast-paced, but has enough room to let readers know all the necessary details about what happened in the old Victorian hotel. The story does remind me of Stephen King’s works, but I personally felt Addis excelled more in characterization and storyline structure.
The ending is solid; it has a gripping finish like some of the best horror novels that I’ve read before. Needless to say, I enjoyed The Eaton. It’s an out and out thrilling horror and an absolute page-turner – it had me wanting “just another chapter.” But it is, I think, also a little more than that. Addis explores a number of very contemporary and relatable concerns here regarding the relationship between the characters as well as their past. This is a great read and I guarantee horror fans are about to be as hooked in as I was.
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