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The US Review of Books connects authors with professional book reviewers and places their book reviews in front of subscribers to our free monthly newsletter of fiction book reviews and nonfiction book reviews. Learn why our publication is different than most others, or read author and publisher testimonials about the USR.

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Recent Book Reviews

 

Focus Review

Night of the Hawk by Lauren Martin She Writes Press "I have spent an abundance of time trying to understand why intelligence in women is so frightening to men." This diverse collection of lyric poetry opens with an introduction to key terms from the Yorùbá religion Ifá. Written in styles ranging from free verse to elegies, odes, prose form, and visual poetry, this volume explores a wide variety of topics with a recurring underlying theme of spiritual reverence. The powerful imagery in the poem “Lepidoptera” compares a dancing moth surrounded by other bugs to people seeking spiritual enlightenment: “traveling into the night in the dense bush…risking green mambas and killer ants.” The combination of visual design elements and written expression in “Dawn” lends a creative flair and challenges readers’ interpretation of the author’s artistic intent. ... (read more)

• All For DT by Barbara Hagen
• Angel of Hoheneck, The by Ivan Fredrikson - RECOMMENDED
• Angelic Folly, An by Peter Prizel - RECOMMENDED
• Anywhen by Beth Duke - RECOMMENDED
• Barn That Crowed, The by Anne Davey Koomans
• Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit—Book 1 by Dr. John H. Manigo
• Blind Love 001 by Benna Else
• Broken Mirror, The by William A. Stephens, Jr.
• Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles by Aishah Hight - RECOMMENDED
• Cari Moses 2 by Judith Tyler Hills - RECOMMENDED
• Chained Birds by Carla Conti - RECOMMENDED
• Color of Pain, The by Melisa E. Arnold
• Covid 19 and a Preacher’s Love Letters by Reverend Dr. Serenus T. Churn Sr.
• Different Colors by Robert Arthur Cosgrove - RECOMMENDED
• Dream Come True, A by Alex Ball
• Exasperated Clock, The by Debbie Hickman - RECOMMENDED
• Fathers of Invention by Andrew A. Pansini
• Focused by Cecilia Tetteh
• Four by Charles G. Irion - RECOMMENDED
• From Deep Within by Susan J Lewis, PhD, JD
• Fully Human/Fully Alive by Lyle Simpson
• Gentling Soul by El Alma - RECOMMENDED
• God's Love and Promises by Mary Jane Coy
• Grandparenting Journey, The by Mary Ellen Davis
• Guide for the Care Giver by Diana S. Davis
• Imperfect by Katy Motiey
• It's All About You by Cynthia Rapazzini, PhD - RECOMMENDED
• Journey Through The Solar System, 2nd Edition by Vadim Albukh
• Kate's War by Linda Stewart Henley - RECOMMENDED
• Kianola by Nathan Roth
• Last Ride of the Old Peacekeepers, The by Bill Matthews
• Mia’s Mouses by Joseph L. Licari - RECOMMENDED
• Midnight Memory Lane by Donna Anderson
• Nurse Dorothea presents Managing Impulsivity by Michael Dow, RN, MS, MHA, MSM
• Oak, Crow and Star by Sharon Lee Myers - RECOMMENDED
• Of Love and Angels by Christian Alexander Barkman - RECOMMENDED
• Old White Man Writing by Joshua Gidding
• Olivia by Alejandro Benavides Ph.D. - RECOMMENDED
• Plausible Deception by Dwain Lee - RECOMMENDED
• Requital by Monique Gliozzi - RECOMMENDED
• Remember Daniel by Dr Lucie Poirier
• Remember Our Love! by David Lee Druckenmiller
• Rockin’ Conies Adventure, The by Cynthia Y. Whited
• Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes, The by COL David J. Mason, U.S. Army, Retired
• Simon, Friends and the Unlikely Dream Helpers: Book Three by R. E. Brémaud
• Socioeconomic Development of a Nation and Individual Empowerment by Dr. Aboubacar Sidy Sow
• Soul's Compass, The by Nikki Cornfield
• Specimen by Lisa Towles - RECOMMENDED
• Spread Your Wings by Carol Ann Grant
• Talent Show by Denise Haynes
• Talitha Cumi: Near Death by Cecilia Tetteh and King Tetteh
• This Thing of Darkness by Lisa Dart - RECOMMENDED
• Thoughts on Marriage by Paul N. Munden
• Through the Eyes of a Child by Fred Robertshaw - RECOMMENDED
• Twist of Fate, A by Roberto de Haro - RECOMMENDED
• Unfinished Marriage, An by Cindy Bonner
• Untying the Karmic Knot by Dr. Diane Morrin
• Velvet Ghetto, The by Dustin Grinnell
• When Hard Lillies Cry by Manal Suleiman Shurafa - RECOMMENDED
• White Country, The by Boston Teran - RECOMMENDED

Read the US Review of Books Previous Edition

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Featured Book Reviews

 

Entertaining & Introspective

Highlight Review A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists by Radu Guiaşu FriesenPress book review by Mihir Shah "Experience life and take some chances. The will to live really comes through when you’re tested." At the heart of Guiaşu’s work is a free-spirited nature that is meshed with a penchant for humor en route to tackling pertinent topics. An academic through and through, the author has included works that span the spectrum of his educational journey from elementary school to his doctoral experiences and professorship. In each of the short stories, the signature humor is only complemented by the uncanny relatability that pervades the work, beginning with “A Good Day,” which is rooted in an exploration of the immense challenges that career academics have in finding a job after earning their doctoral degree. ... (read more)

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Aspire

Award-winning author Baltazzi has constructed an energizing treatise focused on the search for and acquisition of the experience of happiness, extracting it from what may sometimes seem like an impossibly complex morass of personal and societal restraints through her well-considered methodology. Based on her background as a noted television producer and director with the long-running and highly successful series Survivor, and drawing from perceptions of a multitude of realms—spiritual, social, and practical—she postulates eight core values needed for the process of attaining happiness: faith, love, health, gratitude, forgiveness, peace, detachment, and abundance. Each of these qualities, referred to collectively as “Happiness Essentials,” is explored using certain terms derived from the author’s background in cinematography. ... (read more)

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True Believers

Highlight Review Four by Charles G. Irion Irion Books book review by Amanda Hanson "Because I am the President, with a duty to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution, I am prepared to do whatever is required." Marc Devlon works for the Central Intelligence Agency's China Mission Center. He must travel to Hong Kong to meet one of his agents, Zhang Mei. Back in the United States, President Clark Jameson is having a hard time accepting his loss in the 2044 presidential election to President-elect John Major. Jameson sees Major as a demagogue and is struggling to come to terms with the fact that he will no longer be the commander-in-chief after Inauguration Day. Meanwhile, Devlon finally meets Mei, who reveals to him that China plans to attack America on Inauguration Day due to President-elect John Major's anti-China policies. Devlon and Mei must race against time to prevent the attack while being pursued by Chinese assassins. ... (read more)

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Rich Plot

British sensibilities and the romantic longings of English and Middle Eastern literature permeate this action-adventure mystery thriller as detectives Flinders Petrie and Thomas Pettigrew seek to find excitement in their lives once again. Penned by an American scholar and lawyer, the novel draws upon his life experiences that range from the California coast to various Middle Eastern nations. This title is the latest in a series that riffs upon Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective duo, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. In fact, detectives Petrie and Pettigrew also live in a flat on Baker Street in the pre-World War I era and aspire to compete with and emulate their two successful but beleaguered heroes while running a more modern international detective agency. ... (read more)

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Quick & Fun

Highlight Review Five Mile Charlie: Stamler the Rambler by Kimberly Adams Mascot Kids book review by Gretchen Hansen "Full and happy, Carly was determined to find out what was hidden in the old barn." Carly is an adorable little girl who lives on a charming farm. She has a faithful cadre of animal friends. They go on many action-packed adventures. Together, they explore their world and learn about what it means to be true friends. In this edition of the series, the story picks up after the trial with Farmer Bud. Carly has spied something fascinating covered with a tarp in the old barn. One morning, the curiosity becomes too great. She and Blue have to discover what it is. They reveal an old car that needs to be restored. His name is Stamler the Rambler, or Stamy. Now, with their new pal, they can begin new adventures. ... (read more)

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Passion

Juhani Murros made an unexpected discovery during his visits to art galleries when he worked for an organization in Ho Chi Minh City in 1990. A small still life in an unobtrusive gallery commanded the Finnish physician’s attention. “It was an unpretentious oil painting, yet its dark, mysterious colors and the emotional tension of its disciplined composition set it apart.” Thus began a long journey of discovering the art and life of Van Den, a frugal and kind Buddhist of mixed Chinese and Vietnamese ancestry who studied in Paris for less than two years during 1950-52, a volatile period during the first French Indochina War. ... (read more)

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Step Into a Career

Highlight Review Wanted -> My First Career, The Definitive Playbook for Landing Your First Job in a Fulfilling Career by Marlo Lyons Future Forward Publishing book review by Carol Anderson, D.Min., ACSW "Your major does not dictate your destiny." This thorough guidebook regarding getting and keeping a new job consists of seventeen chapters discussing topics such as being intentional about getting a job, assessing what is important, what type of work one wants to do, how to write a resume, one’s skills, how to write a cover letter, how to interview, and going through the hiring process. The author begins by giving a basic exploration of a person’s career journey, relates it to her own journey, and explores her own process. She focuses on the college experience, recommending that one get a degree in something one loves, focus on self-exploration, try various internships, develop connections with others, and have fun, as one’s major isn’t always that important. The rest of the text focuses on things such as learning the lingo, researching the job, formatting the resume, connecting through LinkedIn, interviewing, going through the hiring process, getting through the difficulties of the first ninety days, and how to professionally leave a job. ... (read more)

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Beautiful Bar Talk

Streitz dives into an impressive and expansive range of topics, tackling them head-on rather than tiptoeing around them as most normally do. In the process, audiences get to reflect on how they interact with their own lives and the stimuli they are constantly surrounded by. Above all else, however, it is the poet’s ability to use language, particularly metaphor, imagery, and satire, to create a remarkably relatable and universal connection with his readers. ... (read more)

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Heartrending

Highlight Review Remember Our Love!: A Family Journey of Forgiveness and Faith by David Lee Druckenmiller Michael Radon book review by Michael Radon "Hidden deep inside me were my memories of a life devastated. I wanted to move on. I tried to move on." A pastor’s will and resolve are tested when his family is torn apart by the intervention of an old flame of his wife’s, severing the bonds of over forty-five years of marriage and leaving everyone reeling for stability. Intertwined with this personal journey is a retelling and examination of the fall from the Garden of Eden as told in the book of Genesis. The parallels between the two point to the various ways in which people are tempted in everyday life and how sin and weakness drive people further from God’s grace and salvation. Intensely personal and creative accounts of what it can be like in the emotional throes of having your foundation removed give readers an understanding of what dark days can do to a person’s psyche and mental stability while maintaining a road for redemption and hope. ... (read more)

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Christmas Wonders

In this Dickens-esque novel inspired by Pittsburg philanthropist and department store owner Jacob M. Gusky, the protagonist discovers the joy of giving when asked to help a family in need by gifting a turkey at Thanksgiving. On this occasion, he donates 1,700 turkeys to the Association of the Improvement of the Poor and is transported back in time to a boyhood memory. As a Jewish child in a Christian orphanage, Jacob receives no gift from donors on Christmas morning. Fellow orphan Michael gives Jacob his own gift—a tin whistle. “Michael pushed the whistle back into Jacob’s hands. ‘I feel happier right this second that you have the whistle than when I had it to myself.’” Thus, a seed is planted in the astonished Jacob. As the years pass, his vow to never forget this act of kindness is pushed back into his mind. Now, the spirit of giving is reawakened in Jacob, and he is compelled to give every orphan in Pittsburg a gift for Christmas. However, with only a few weeks left before the holidays, it is an almost impossible feat. Nevertheless, Jacob is determined to make it happen. ... (read more)

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History Alive

Even before stories were written, they were passed along from generation to generation, standing the test of time. Story is central to Romanowski’s memoir, one that delves deep into her Italian roots, how they’ve intersected and fused with American life, and the indelible impact family has had on her own life—and she on theirs. Through prose and poetry, the author meticulously and gracefully guides readers through her family genealogy, zeroing in on one particular figure, her grandfather, who unquestionably has the most profound impact on her worldview. ... (read more)

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Jazzy & Gritty

This collection by Streitz is the first of four Bar Bibles of Poetry authored by him. In this volume, his attention falls on subjects ranging from bartenders to civil rights leaders, E.D. to selfies. Several poems deal with sex and love, from the lofty heights of romanticism to the street level of strippers and masturbation. He spends time on drunk writers hiding in their homes, dancers who should have been writers, beetles rolling balls of dung, and fathers who find themselves protective and uncomfortable. ... (read more)

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Everlasting Soul

Stories harbor the potential to stand the test of time, carrying over from generation to generation. In Harry’s work, themes of scripture are transposed onto a fictional canvas that gives audiences a unique vantage point of many biblical elements, with a particular emphasis on the end times. The Lord’s sacrifices for mankind, despite the darkest of sins committed unto him, are brought into the light through this narrative. More importantly, the work is about restoring peace, balance, and love, shattering the subverted agendas of humans who wear the guise of peacekeepers while only looking out for themselves. ... (read more)

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Daily Trials

While the book begins with the murder of Professor Johnny Wharton, the murder itself is almost superfluous to this brilliantly written novel of intrigue that is primarily set in the mid-1980s. It explores the lives of five women. Four of the women are connected to Wharton, while the fifth becomes an integral part of the book later in the story. These four women include the following: Wharton's wife, Liz, who is an accountant and who volunteers at a dog rescue; their estranged and troubled daughter, Jenny; his grad student Jane (with whom he’s having an affair); and his closeted lesbian coworker, Maddie, who he holds in disdain, and who is the lover of Roz, the fifth woman. The book takes readers through the lives of these women, from the joy and beauty of existence to the trials and tribulations of daily life. ... (read more)

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Elaborate Web

After graduating from high school, seventeen-year-old Thea Irene Kailani Riggs is enjoying a California summer of freedom before starting college in the fall. Her schedule consists of carefree mornings playing cribbage, tutoring calculus, and standing movie nights with her surfer bestie, Fergus Wilde. But a summons from her friend Lise Fenning brings an abrupt end to Thea’s leisurely post-graduation summer vacation. Suddenly, Thea is embroiled in a mystery involving multiple suspicious deaths, a disappearing corpse, and an adult internet game of intrigue that draws her further and further into a sinister world of danger. Uncovering clues while struggling with her sexuality, mixed-race heritage, and unresolved emotional baggage, Thea emerges as a strong, confident young woman secure in her power and ready to take on the evils of the world. ... (read more)

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Clear Philosophy

The free will debate has raged for over 2,000 years. Do individuals have control over their own actions and decisions, or are these actions and decisions predetermined by the gods, logic, nature or nurture, or many other forms of determinism? In this new work by Kral, he takes the reader on an intellectual journey that attempts to provide an alternative to the free will question. Upon initial inspection, the question, at its heart, seems to imply either a yes or no with explanations while excluding other answers. However, Kral manages to create a compelling third option, which posits that the question itself is flawed. He argues that “will” cannot be considered free or not free. His reasoning breaks down what the word means in the context of this question, and his results lead him to create an additional theory about the source of human behavior. which he has titled procirclism. ... (read more)

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Stand Out Narrative

In 1963, Cathleen returns to British Honduras to pick up her son, Alex. He has been living with Cathleen’s sister since Cathleen fled to England after his birth. Alex was conceived when Victor, her then-stepfather, raped her. Now, back home and with Victor having flown to parts unknown, Cathleen is ready to be seen and heard in her hometown. She has become a beautiful and seductive young woman and has decided that trading sexual favors for gifts and money is good business. However, she also knows that the real money and luxury come from marrying a white British soldier stationed on the island and moving in style to England. ... (read more)

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Avenger

Set against the backdrop of Vladimir Putin’s grab for power in Russia and a rash of global terrorist attacks in the late twentieth century, the novel delves into the complex world of covert counterterrorism. At the age of six, Maxym (Max) Mikhailovich Ivanov suffers an unbearable loss when his parents are killed and ten-year-old sister brutally raped and murdered by religious extremists. Escaping the cruel fate of his family, Max hides in a cupboard. He is rescued by the Russian army after being discovered by a Russian soldier, Leonid. The desire for revenge ignites in young Max after seeing the brutalized bodies of his family. Vowing to his rescuers to kill as many of these terrorists as possible, Max, at the young age of six, begins with those who murdered his family. Praised for his execution of the captured terrorists, Max is admired by the soldiers and given a home with Leonid. ... (read more)

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Family Secrets

Allegory, Eastern wisdom, and a gritty fictive reality converge in this rollicking, humorous, yet thought-provoking novel set in the seedier side of Southern California. Landon Briggs is aware of Buddhist philosophy, living as he does amongst a large Asian population, but the Iraq War vet is thoroughly distracted by his propensity for partying, gambling, and the petty crime that often lands him in some exceedingly compromising situations. Divorced, Landon’s wife has taken up with a con artist who also moves in Landon’s world, and his eldest son has perished from a heart condition at just fifteen. Landon struggles to maintain a relationship with his innocent but aware youngest son. The wisdom in the tale ultimately is dispensed not by highborn Tibetan tulkus or Chinese or Japanese sages but from the mouths of ordinary folk like Landon’s wife, his son, his father, his wacky, unreliable friends, and the notorious criminals he sometimes rubs elbows with. ... (read more)

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Compelling

Dan Randolph and Greg Zhu are a married gay couple thriving in Louisville, Kentucky. Dan, a dedicated Presbyterian minister, and Greg, an accomplished professional violin maker, are navigating the complexities of their lives together. Recently, Dan has felt that he may be inadvertently holding back Greg’s career since Greg has not won any awards since they became a couple. This realization has created some stress for Dan. Greg heads to Anaheim for a convention, and Dan soon joins him. While there, they reconnect with their long-time friend, Bill Sloan. During the visit, Bill discovers that his prized Jackson Stradivarius violin has vanished. Detective Jim Kavanaugh is brought in to lead the investigation and quickly learns that Greg was the last person in Bill's hotel room before the violin went missing. ... (read more)

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Worthy Struggles

On paper, Sarah and Adam have the perfect American dream marriage: college sweethearts, married and living with their two children in Sarah’s dream Queen Anne Victorian home. They celebrate holidays with their parents, are active members of the community, take great interest in their sons’ education, and work together to remodel their home. So when Adam comes home inebriated late one night, the last thing Sarah expects him to say is, “I just don’t feel like I love you…” This simple declaration, which Adam goes on to waver about, completely changes the trajectory of Sarah’s carefully planned life. In a way, Adam’s admission—and, as the reader comes to discover, his history of infidelity—actually opens Sarah up to realize how suffocated she feels in this marriage. She now has the chance to find true love of her own in a wholly unexpected circumstance. In the process, she discovers depths of strength and courage within herself that she never knew she had. ... (read more)

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Inside View

Grinnell’s collection of twenty-five poems is the perfect read for those who feel that they are being held hostage by Corporate America. Grinnell himself calls the collection a “hate letter to Corporate America.” He explains in his introduction that the poems explore “the complex emotions” he felt while working in a toxic environment, something almost every reader has probably felt before. His prose is reminiscent of the Beat Generation—poetry that rebels against the conventions of mainstream American life. ... (read more)

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Unique & Compelling

Kevin Sanders is in a difficult situation. He has been convicted of aiding and abetting an assault on an unarmed fellow inmate. However, Kevin felt he had no choice, as he believed that the other inmate would have killed him if he hadn't participated in the fight. Fortunately, the victim, Steven Tremblay, survived. Kevin is now awaiting his sentencing, and his lawyer, Scott, is working to reduce the sentence. Meanwhile, Kevin is concerned for his safety and is not being taken seriously by prison authorities. His fears come true when another inmate tries to harm him, leading to Kevin being placed in protective custody. Eventually, Kevin receives his sentencing, but Scott hopes to gather evidence for a retrial to support Kevin throughout this challenging journey. ... (read more)

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Epic Story

At the foundation of this epic historical novel, which is also the first book of a trilogy, is a captivating love story for the ages. As the story begins, twenty-two-year-old Quentin Norvell, an American of Cajun ancestry from Louisiana, is wounded during a dogfight with a German pilot. A Princeton student with family ties to France, “the Cajun” has recently transferred to the French Air Service from the Foreign Legion. As he socializes with his French relatives and companions, he is introduced to Nadine Desnoyers, a strikingly graceful but married Frenchwoman of aristocratic background who is also a distant cousin of his best friend, Etienne, a French pilot. ... (read more)

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Tender Story

In this sweet love story with a surprising twist, Nikki, a high-powered real estate agent and model, meets her match in Jami, a criminal attorney whose initial life dream of becoming a surgeon was cut short by a disease-causing progressive blindness. Their love grows organically. Although Nikki is ready for a relationship from the start, Jami is hesitant given his history of heartbreak and concerns over his developing blindness. Because of this, they keep their connection friendly at first. ... (read more)

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Right to Freedom

After escaping the plantation in an act of self-liberation, Parson Sykes makes his way thorough southeastern Virginia to reach a Union contraband camp. Sykes is determined that the best way to secure his freedom, fight against slavery, and become a respected and independent man is to join the Union’s forces and be an active participant in the fight against the Confederacy. Sykes and his brothers join the Union Army as part of the XXV Corps. Sykes must learn how to be a soldier and fight against the often-held belief that Black soldiers are meek and not cut out for fighting. He and other Black soldiers must face many challenges, like being offered inadequate equipment and given the worst assignments. Also, many Confederate soldiers don’t treat captured Black soldiers properly as POWs. Sykes does his best to meet the challenges with dignity and honor and to prove to everyone that he deserves the chance to fight against enslavement and to overcome its monstrous embodiment as equally as any other man. Sykes and the XXV Corps are part of the offensive that eventually takes the Confederate capital of Richmond and brings an end to the Civil War. ... (read more)

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Generations

Janek Dabrowski’s devotion to Armia Krajowa—the primary Polish resistance movement—does not go unnoticed by his superiors. Despite his prestige and promotion through the ranks, the darkness of self-hatred that surrounds his heart and his alcohol addiction lead him astray. A Jew, he fights for Poland during the war, but Poland's Russian Bolshevik liberators are as intolerant of Jews as the German fascists. He assumes a Russian identity, Yakov Nowak, and joins the Ministry of Public Security (MBP), the secret police group that purges all anti-communist sentiment from Poland. This includes the persecution of the soldiers of the Armia Krajowa. ... (read more)

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Family Complex

A man's personal revelations and observations about a wife whom he loved and a family whose metamorphoses were an education for him are at the center from which the group's "talent show"—within the family and in larger contexts—spin. The narrator's opening lines in the book reveal his difficulty in breaking through his personal reserve, or perhaps his self-protection, and yet he feels that he must tell the story. He does so eloquently. His ability to move and change with the characters connotes true literary skill. He sensibly admits to having different connections to each of his children since each is a different person from the others. Some examples are seen in the conventions of family life (church, school, etc.), Suzy's participation in baking cakes for functions, and many other activities that are seen to take time away from the family instead of bonding it by inclusion. ... (read more)

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Finding Softness

In this spirited glimpse into the resolve of the human experience, Shurafa delivers a raw and authentic account of battling not one but two cancer diagnoses and the toll that it takes not only on the physical well-being but also on the mental and emotional. The vulnerability with which her words grace the page endears her to readers, yet the deafening nature of facing such a stark and sobering reality in the prime of one’s life at merely thirty-five pales in comparison to the author’s tenacity to be present for her loved ones. ... (read more)

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Thought Exercise

To the individual, things like national and global affairs seem entirely out of the realm of influence and well beyond what can be personally changed, yet choices made on that scale have a profound impact on every individual. This book, establishing a law of triads and a series of seven positive and three negative states of being, relates how the same principles that govern a person’s success and well-being can also be applied to entire nations. By examining a person’s or a state’s intentions, resources, knowledge, conscience, activity, and power, one can determine the focus and ideal growth of any human or group. The conscience lies between intentions and knowledge. The power is made up of the knowledge and resources one has, and intentions and resources drive activity. ... (read more)

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True Strength

Poirier focuses on the life and character of Daniel, a prophet whose words and deeds are recorded in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. Babylon took over Daniel’s nation of Judah. Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar then placed conquered young men in key positions in order to spread propaganda, extolling his reign. Daniel was among those chosen but refused to act in ungodly ways. He and his close companions rejected the food offered by Nebuchadnezzar and instead ate a diet reflecting their belief system. Daniel revealed himself as stronger than those who had followed the King’s regimen, was promoted, and became a noted seer and prophet, able to explain to Nebuchadnezzar the meaning of his visions and dreams. His success incited jealousy among some of the ruler’s advisors, who plotted to have Danial condemned to the lion's den for continuing to pray to God rather than to idols. ... (read more)

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Warrior at Rest

Retired from the military, author Stephens takes on the daunting task of examining the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the often extreme difficulties of reintegrating with societal norms after spending time overseas in active war zones. While having garnered many achievements in his armed forces career, Stephens recalls his many struggles to overcome PTSD and become an example to his daughter. ... (read more)

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Unconvetionally Enjoyable

Half the fun of reading experimental fiction is figuring out what the author means. The other half is admiring the way she does it. Dart tackles the issue of words themselves—the “language-game” whereby reality is shaped by the words we use. Words seek to bridge the unbridgeable gap between what can be expressed in language and what can only be expressed in nonverbal ways. To help the reader understand, Dart sprinkles Wittgenstein's quotes throughout, using his philosophy as a protective bumper, a soft shield between her experience of a childhood tragedy and her memories of it. Like words, memory can be a tricky tool, and sometimes philosophy, psychoanalysis, and remembrances from other family members are needed to make sense of events and remove doubts. ... (read more)

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Devotion

Manigo has created this impressive guidebook for those seeking to understand the biblical phrase “poor in spirit.” In preparing readers for the three hundred and seventy-six pertinent proofs he offers, he introduces himself and his wife and co-evangelist Patricia, noting that she did the majority of typing to create this far-reaching faith manual. Manigo is deaf and, with his wife, works diligently on behalf of deaf and other handicapped persons to offer the encouragement and sustenance inherent in studying the Holy Bible. Manigo asserts that faith is more to be valued than good works and is found in the precious word of God as purveyed in holy scripture. He, therefore, stresses the importance of reading that scripture in its entirety and considering it a “daily newspaper.” ... (read more)

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Inspiring & Infectious

Mia is a joyful, intelligent, inquisitive young girl who loves to dance and learn new things. One day, while playing in her backyard, she encounters three cute little mice. Mia befriends them and names them Squeaky, Nibbles, and Speedy based on their unique personalities and habits. Mia and her new friends adore one another. They spend the day singing, dancing, and enjoying each other’s company. But Mia has difficulty remembering to refer to her new group of friends collectively as mice, not mouses. She seeks out the help of her smart teacher, Miss Jess, who gives Mia a thorough lesson in plural nouns. Always eager to learn, Mia is thrilled with this new information. She practices the rules of plural nouns while dancing and twirling. She then shares all that she has learned with giggling Squeaky, Nibbles, and Speedy. ... (read more)

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Imaginative

When the asteroid Polo grows weary of his monotonous life, he leaves his fellow asteroid friends behind to travel the solar system. Inspired by an encounter with a comet, Polo sets out on an adventure of exploration and meets the Sun, its orbiting planets, the planets’ moons, and a few dwarf planets. The Sun is isolated because his intense heat prevents proximity to other celestial bodies. Mercury thrives on competition, while Venus sees the beauty in everything. Earth’s water and atmosphere make her a unique planet capable of sustaining life. Saturn possesses a sense of humor that keeps Polo laughing but isn’t appreciated by all his moons. Courteous Jupiter is surrounded by over ninety moons with diverse personalities and varying degrees of amiability. Polo is determined to make new friends, but he soon realizes that not everyone deserves his friendship. For example, Mars is an aggressive bully orbited by traumatized moons, and Uranus is a bad-tempered planet surrounded by equally bad-tempered moons. Antisocial Neptune has no interest in making friends, and Pluto is disgruntled by his new classification as a dwarf planet. ... (read more)

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Emergence

This vivid and, at times, harrowing account of events tells about when Cecilia was brutally beaten, and her husband, King, rushed to her side, beginning a saga of pain, doubt, and overarching faith. As a nurse, Cecilia was told to assist a mentally ill patient who emanated a sense of danger as he approached her. Her fears were justified as the tall, powerful man began to beat her mercilessly. She managed to hide her bleeding head, screamed for help, and was finally rescued by fellow staff. Thus began a chronicle that lasted several years, depicted through her tortured memories and those of her dedicated spouse as they endured dread and doubt at her ever-changing physical and mental agonies. ... (read more)

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Inspiring

On the cusp of beginning a new church branch in New York, a sudden diagnosis of ALS changes one woman’s journey but not her destination in this poignant memoir and collection of sermons. Preparing to embark on a journey of faith with her husband, a prophecy of a challenge ahead turns true when the author receives the news that she has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. With her faculties weakening, leaving her unable to move or speak over time, her commitment to her faith keeps her going, and she continues to find ways to share her beliefs. The sermons that she wrote and delivered at first over the internet before simply providing them to her husband as pastor to share with the congregation are included, giving readers a glimpse at the incredible courage and determination exemplified by the author’s continued work in her church community. ... (read more)

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Indelible Footprint

Olivia lived with her family in a boxcar encampment outside Aurora, Illinois. The encampment consisted of many Mexican families that had left Mexico in the early 1900s. Olivia’s parents had fled as religious persecution was rampant, and the country was headed towards a civil war. As Olivia became acquainted with her neighbors, she learned that their new lives in the United States would bring opportunity but also discrimination. Olivia’s formative years would be spent in the enclave where she made friends while also learning about other cultures. Olivia possessed ambition, and when the opportunity arose to go to college and achieve her dreams, she didn’t hesitate. However, Olivia never forgot her life in the boxcar camp and sought to improve the lives of her students and other fellow Mexicans. ... (read more)

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Just a Guy

Author Robertshaw applies rational thought and emotive memories to the exploration of divine mysteries in this far-ranging treatise. While acknowledging that scripture and logic do not always lead to the answers one is seeking, the author asserts that the life of Jesus is proof that one can rise from humble origins to be the purveyor of a transformative message, one that still resonates even in these troubled times. ... (read more)

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Surprises

Readers get to step behind the badge in this collection of recollections and memories of a career in Tennessee law enforcement that spans over three decades. The author introduces real cases, real officers, and real thrills in this memoir that highlights the dangerous, rewarding, and challenging day-to-day experience of upholding the law. Beginning with the author’s job as a jailer and going all the way to his role as chief of detectives, each of his stories has the opportunity to be a cherished humorous bit of camaraderie or a traumatic and scarring memory. The decades-long span of time these memories are recalled from is complemented nicely by the various roles and positions held by Matthews in his career, creating a varied and dynamic range that stays fresh and interesting. ... (read more)

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Encouragement

Andy is a fifth grader anxiously anticipating his tenth birthday. He is entirely too excited about his swim party plans to focus on mundane matters such as Mrs. Thompson’s math class and lessons on long division. No, Andy’s thoughts are full of water slides, fun pool activities, and hanging with his friends. The promise of ice cream, cake, and pizza also makes for a tantalizing distraction. Andy’s birthday plans are all he can talk about in the weeks leading up to his epic party. But a note from a so-called secret admirer deflates Andy’s dreams of an awesome birthday, leaving him reluctant to discuss his party plans. When Andy’s mother discovers the note, she takes it to the school principal, who is determined to find the source of this act of cruelty. The principal, faculty, and student body of Andy’s elementary school band together to surprise Andy with a birthday celebration that exceeds his expectations and makes his dream of an epic party come true. ... (read more)

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Sunday School Addition

When the hillside coney colony became overcrowded, Papa and Mama Coney relocated their growing family to the far side of Prayer Mountain. They chose to build their new home on a firm rock bed with a charming lake view and an abundant supply of berries and clovers. A skillful builder, Papa Coney made short work of constructing a dwelling for himself, his wife, and their children—Bruddy and Sissy. As their parents worked diligently to prepare their new home, the children embarked on an adventure that included building a great, big, secret sand house. Exhausted by their efforts and hours of play, Bruddy and Sissy settled down for a nap in the cozy comfort of their sand house. But a rapidly building thunderstorm with torrential rains and hammering winds caused the secret sand house to collapse, leaving the siblings drenched and frightened. After the children were safely reunited with their parents, Papa Coney explained why conies always build their homes in and on rocks—for safety, protection, and stability.... (read more)

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A Prayer

In this poetry collection, readers discover poems about faith and politics. Jesus stands as the speaker’s focal point in many of the pieces. The book encourages readers to look to God for answers during difficult situations. Some poems even read as prayers and devotions. Eventually, the tone becomes political. These pieces encourage readers to think differently and challenge the status quo. Throughout the collection, the incorporation of photographs provides a visual representation of the poems. These photographs add even more personality to this book. As the work concludes, readers discover verses dedicated to nature, poetry, and everyday life. These particular poems encourage readers to find balance in the hectic, busy world, which frequently dictates each action and every thought an individual makes or has throughout the day. ... (read more)

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Gentle & Charming

This absolutely delightful children's book was written after a child asked the author why God had made people different colors. In the story, the child who asks that question is asked what he thinks the answer is. The child explains that God made the flowers different colors but kept each color separate until the fields were full of groups of fragrant blooms in orange, red, white, purple, etc. Happy with his creation and loving the flowers' beauty, God was presented with a bouquet of all the flowers in a multi-colored arrangement. Seeing how beautiful the arrangement was—even more so together than separate—God decided that he would make his people different colors, as well. ... (read more)

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Family Dynamics

Karen and Ben live together with their two daughters, Cari and Megan. Cari is the oldest, and Megan is the youngest. Karen and Ben experienced several miscarriages before finally being gifted with children. When Cari came into their lives, Karen felt truly blessed to have her. However, when her second daughter, Megan, came along, Karen was less enthusiastic about this newest addition to the family as the pregnancy was unplanned and unwanted. As a result, Karen does not show as much affection for Megan as for Cari. Ironically, Cari is not even biologically related to Karen and Ben; they found her as a baby and have kept that a secret ever since. Ben has been urging Karen to tell Cari the truth, but Karen keeps postponing the conversation for fear of jeopardizing her ideal relationship with her favorite daughter. ... (read more)

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Loving Portrait

A “gentling soul” is “a truly genuine and humble person who fully lives in his or her soul… within an impaired body,” someone with a neurogenetic disorder who has chosen to embody a physical space to bring a message to earth. This story is told from the perspective of one such soul named Asina. The reader is brought through her soul’s memory to a time when she met with an assembly of souls and the Divine Mother in heaven, and where she was given the decision to inhabit an earthly body in order to “infuse the earth with innocent goodness.” ... (read more)

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Biblical Truths

Author Coy purposefully explores well-known scenarios from the Holy Bible, giving each a new voice to especially appeal to young readers. Bedtime stories include the earliest portion of the Book of Genesis, in which God’s original humans, Adam and Eve, yield to temptation. Together, they disobey God’s command and are banished from the paradise of Eden. However, they acknowledge their sin and accept God’s continuing oversight. As with each of Coy’s well-told offerings, this segment ends with an exhortation to readers to feel comforted by God’s care. Other segments concern Cain and Abel, Noah’s faith and survival of the great flood, the unfair treatment of Joseph by his brothers, and Lot’s bold escape from Sodom and Gomorrah. ... (read more)

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Expat Life

A native of Wales, Cornfield catches the travel bug early via a school exchange trip to France. She continues to journey through life, countries, and careers, always the curious explorer seeking to manifest her dreams. Early jobs include a campsite courier in France, a British Air hostess, and a hotel receptionist. Then, coeliac (celiac) disease strikes, and she resolves to “never stop looking for the root cause of illness.” Unfortunately, it’s a bumpy process. ... (read more)

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