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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 and nonfiction book reviews. Learn why our publication is different than most others, or read author and publisher testimonials about the USR.

Recent Reviews Focus Review Featured Reviews Author Spotlight US Review Blog   Author Spotlight Thomas Szeto My writings includes biblical storytelling, revelation, and teachings, and ... (read more) Author Spotlight Alison Bellringer My main focus as an author is to create engaging chapter books for children who are ... (read more)

Recent Book Reviews

 

Focus Review

Statures of No Limitations by Judith Fournie Helms The Wild Rose Press "We were all in the presence of unconditional love." Three female lawyers give up their comfortable, though stifling, jobs at prestigious firms to start their own law firm in hopes of being recognized and respected as professionals despite prejudices against their various appearances. One lawyer is an achondroplastic dwarf. Another is obese, and the third is so drop-dead gorgeous she is often assumed to be a Barbie. ... (read more)

• Amen, Amen by Lee Canning
• Archangel, The by Bobby Lopez - RECOMMENDED
• As Iron Sharpens Iron by Joseph T. Lee
• Belonging to the World by Barry Hoffner - RECOMMENDED
• Book of Genres, The by Renee Stewart
• Carrie Peoples' Reading System by Carrie E. Peoples - RECOMMENDED
• Chronicles of Chad Ryker, The by R. E. Chard - RECOMMENDED
• Climb Greater Heights by Tony Jeton Selimi
• Crossfire by Heidi Herman - RECOMMENDED
• Dear Future by Ronee Hulk - RECOMMENDED
• Empower Patients by Deane Waldman, MD MBA and Vance Ginn PhD
• Fair and the Castle, The by D.W. Socha - RECOMMENDED
• F-Words by Donna Reed
• Fear of Dreams by Victoria Lee
• Final Eclipse by Matthew Huddleston - RECOMMENDED
• Get Out of the Darkness by Aaron Parry
• Hope on the Border by Gil Gillenwater - RECOMMENDED
• Inheritance by Charlie Scheidt with Kat Rohrer - RECOMMENDED
• Inside Religion by Jane Doe
• JAD by James Richard Hansen - RECOMMENDED
• Jesus, Open the Eyes of My Heart by Marsha Gauthier
• Kingdom of the Sprayhound Kids by Al Tobin
• Land of Blood and Bullets, The by J. J. Zerr
• Leashes, Love, and Lies by Marianne Middelveen - RECOMMENDED
• Letters From Jesus by Regina Marie Blaylock
• Line 'Em Up! by Oscar Avery - RECOMMENDED
• Little Sermons That I Have Seen by Virgil R. Lee
• Looking Back by Robert Janicki - RECOMMENDED
• Magic and Secrets of the Spiritual Realm, The by Moana Leanne Kirikino
• Memory Gene by John Glass
• Mephisto Swamp Mystery, The by Dorian Rockwood - RECOMMENDED
• Moderately Motivated Man's Guide to Time Management, The by Rick Resnick - RECOMMENDED
• Of Wind and Wolves by J.M. Elliott - RECOMMENDED
• Older Women Don't Giggle by K. Charles Oelfke 2nd - RECOMMENDED
• On My Honor by Marc R Tecosky - RECOMMENDED
• Once A King, Now A Prince by Ira Blacker
• One Year in Africa by Hans van den Houten - RECOMMENDED
• Parents of Starseeds by Moana Leanne Kirikino
• Passionate Prince, The by Pastor David Balsley - RECOMMENDED
• Passions of Johann Gutenberg, The by Michael Brown
• Pavement Beneath, The by Sharon Christensen
• Persona by William J. Cook
• Polar Hole Light in Europe's Clouds by Ruth Leedy Carr
• Quest, The by Stephen Paul Tolmie - RECOMMENDED
• Remembering with Moana by Moana Leanne Kirikino - RECOMMENDED
• Revelations of Grimm Lohr by William Potter - RECOMMENDED
• Rise Beyond Limits by Michael Britt
• Serpents Due by C. L. Roberts
• Smell of Seaweed, The by Raymond Cooper - RECOMMENDED
• Soul Journeys by Grace Jenkins
• Soul Licensed: Tips and Tales by David Tuttle
• State of Georgia versus Clevon Jamel Jenkins by Robert Michael Kelly, Esq. - RECOMMENDED
• Stream, The by Thomas Fargnoli - RECOMMENDED
• Swallowed By Time by Darrell G. Coley
• Three Faces of The Devil by Marly Bergerud
• Timeless Script From a 1st Century Doctor, A by Rick Farmer - RECOMMENDED
• Triggered by Bertha Beltran
• True Meaning of Christmas, The by Thomas Christopher Grimm
• Two Lands by Rick L. Brown
• Uncovering Amy by Amelia South and Bryan Redfield - RECOMMENDED
• Well Dressed Olive, The by John M. Noldan
• When Silence Screams by Yuki Asano
• When Universities Are Destroyed by Jack Kushner - RECOMMENDED
• Woman of Gold, A by Robert W. Killick, PhD

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Featured Book Reviews

 

Harsh Environs

Highlight Review Politics, Gangs, and Vodou: Haiti's Struggle for Democracy and Human Rights by Yvon Milien book review by Michael Radon "How does a people born of the world's first successful slave revolt, deeply rooted in the ideals of liberty, find themselves, again and again, betrayed?" Milien's book goes beyond the headlines and the foreign, passive perspective on Haiti, offering a deep examination of the island nation's history, present, and future. The author explores the development and stifling of the Haitian national identity from its roots as a settlement of the Taíno people to its French and Spanish colonization, the slave revolt that led to its many firsts, the dictatorial years under the rule of Duvaliers and the Tonton Macoute, a return to democracy, and its path forward to liberation. The text describes not just the crucial moments of modern Haitian history but also its people, their culture and values, and how the direction of their nation is reflected (or rejected) in the hearts and minds of its citizens. ... (read more)

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Betrayals

Marian and Jason have been married for over twenty years and have two adult children, Olivia and Mark. Marian discovers that Jason cheated on her during a business trip to Sydney, a realization triggered by hearing the laughter of another woman on a phone call. Feeling deeply betrayed, Marian still decides to take a trip with Jason to Paris in the hope of saving their marriage. They have visited the city several times before. While working on their relationship, Marian is confronted with painful memories, including the loss of their unborn child many years ago. During this time in Paris, she is also organizing a vernissage with her art colleague and friend, Stephanie. As Marian navigates her marital issues, she finds herself juggling both personal struggles and professional responsibilities. ... (read more)

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Entertaining & Thoughtful

Highlight Review Statures of No Limitations by Judith Fournie Helms The Wild Rose Press book review by Toby Berry "We were all in the presence of unconditional love." Three female lawyers give up their comfortable, though stifling, jobs at prestigious firms to start their own law firm in hopes of being recognized and respected as professionals despite prejudices against their various appearances. One lawyer is an achondroplastic dwarf. Another is obese, and the third is so drop-dead gorgeous she is often assumed to be a Barbie. ... (read more)

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Spiritual Journey

This book is an in-depth exploration of one of the best-known sections of the Bible—the Book of Ecclesiastes, specifically Chapter 3, verses 1-12. Its chapters challenge individuals to consider not only how they interpret this set of scriptures, but also how they apply them. It also asks them to consider how they perceive, utilize, and approach their faith. These chapters also provide insight into how to cope with life's difficult circumstances, particularly the negativity one may encounter from others. Other chapters provide personal narratives about incidents that may test one's faith. The author shares how her faith guided her through both difficult and easy circumstances. Other chapters remind readers that they must take care of their spirits as well as their bodies and minds. ... (read more)

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Realism & Life

Highlight Review The Passions of Johann Gutenberg: The Man Who Changed History by Michael Brown book review by Mark Heisey "The invention that terrified popes and kings—and the love one man sacrificed to create it." Johann Gutenberg is a skilled artisan in Germany in the 1400s. He is a gem cutter, engraver, and smelter, among other things. His talent helps him stand out, and he is soon approached by a friar who wants him to embellish a book with some silver adornments and stamp a long Latin phrase on the cover. Gutenberg becomes engrossed in the work and begins to form ideas in his head for improving the stamping method. These ideas will eventually lead him to dream up a new idea: a movable-type printing press. Books are currently made only by painstaking hand copying, mostly by religious orders. A single book can take a year, and the price is exorbitant. The machine Gutenberg envisions would allow the common man much more education and power. It can completely change the world and the course of history. In order to pursue his dream, Gutenberg must give up his job and constantly borrow and worry over money. Also, he meets a young woman named Ennelin, and the two begin a passionate relationship. He plans to marry her, but when his finances crumble, he insists on breaking the engagement, convinced she deserves better than to be tied to a man constantly in fear of debtor's prison. Through years of hardship and trial and error, Gutenberg eventually realizes his dream. However, old debts and misfortune are not finished with him. ... (read more)

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Drugs & Violence

FBI trainer Angie Carpenter is drugged and abducted by hired goons on behalf of a clandestine network. Taken to a private island, she's tortured and killed. Under interrogation, she betrays the name of former soldier and freelance agent Dale Lipinski, who now assists the FBI in a private capacity. Dale is targeted for assassination. A missile destroys a car he was assumed to be driving. In reality, the car was carrying his lover, Lei. Employing all the intelligence resources at his disposal, Dale embarks on a quest for revenge with global scope. To this end, he enlists the services of several talented individuals: Ari Isakov, a Mossad agent; Kurt Sanger, a friend who specializes in abductions; Toy Namo, a Seattle-based undercover female investigator; and a woman named Katla whose love for him burns hot. Dale's journey places him in the crosshairs of Pentago, a secretive Chicago-based espionage organization, and Skryty, a consortium of terrorists and spies who aren't afraid to get their hands bloody. ... (read more)

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Urgency

Highlight Review Dear Future: You Can Keep the Change by Ronee Hulk book review by Michael Radon "The question of ethics is not one that remains fixed, it will shift as AI's capabilities impede on the larger landscape of our lives." The proliferation of artificial intelligence is everywhere. Nearly every commercial break, every website a person visits, and every app they use will include some discussion of artificial intelligence, how it is used, and the benefits it offers an individual. While AI has long been a goal of many in the field of computing and a mainstay in science fiction, the cultural saturation point seems to have passed us completely by and is now ever-present. But what does this mean for the average person? What can they do with it, how can it help them, and what does it mean for their careers, livelihoods, and sense of purpose in life? Who holds the leash on this technological movement, and how can we expect those who profit most from it to govern its use and adoption properly? ... (read more)

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Resonant Sorcery

This collection of poetry is arranged in four parts loosely based on the stages of transformation from alchemy. They have an intrinsically modern feel and address themes such as psychology, modern technology, and the desire for connection. There are poems about the relationships between lovers as well as parents and children, discussions on society, observations from nature, a playful verse about verse, and several looks into the life of the mind. One thread that runs through most of the work is the tension between wanting better connections with others and the desire for isolation from the world. Most of the poems are confessional in tone, but the persona isn't always considered to be that of the poet. ... (read more)

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Social Pressures

Highlight Review Kingdom of the Sprayhound Kids by Al Tobin Archway Publishing book review by Michael Radon "Next year, we will get a new class of all-American rejects and reprobates. I look forward to it." Todos Los Santos Middle School is a chaotic Arizona educational institution where students spend more time filming online challenge videos and fighting each other than learning anything. George Shelf is a seasoned, grizzled security monitor doing his best to help these kids stay out of trouble and stop from attacking each other, within the confines of being a modern-day mediator for pre-teens. Every day is both an adventure and a nightmare filled with pranks, violence, immorality, immaturity, and the occasional heartwarming moment. George, known as Mr. George to the children, is often tasked with intervening or supporting them, although he has the experience to know when to step back and protect himself from the chaos or an angry parent. ... (read more)

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Life Strategy

Yang, who holds graduate degrees in both health and law from prestigious universities, remembers being a boy in Taipei and studying The Art of War under his father's direction. Decades later, he realizes that classical work provides a framework for a better approach to health care. In an era dominated by reactive medicine and fragmented, isolated opinions based on individual symptoms or illnesses, Yang uses the classic text to present a more integrated, holistic approach to one's own health journey. He uses research and case examples to illustrate how the current practice often focuses on one or two markers or details rather than seeing the multitude of interconnected systems that need to communicate and work harmoniously for maximum health. He also discusses the importance of being the source of intelligence gathering for one's own health and facilitating interactions among the various health specialists providing care. Yang points out that only the individual has 24/7 access to their body and can likely notice changes and patterns before they occur in health screenings. He urges the need for a proactive and deliberate approach to the wellness of the individual based more on the overall composite of the varied health, environmental, psychological, genetic, and nutritional pictures rather than standard averages and isolated results. ... (read more)

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Living Community

Inequality persists in many forms in our society today, but dominating the headlines, the domestic and foreign policy debates, and even the household dinner table for virtually everyone is income inequality. This book examines how current systems allow the rich to get richer and prevent upward mobility for everyone except those with no one above them to profit from their work and station. Identifying everyone as belonging to one of three groups—bullies, parasites, or slaves—the author shows the number of ways people who are simply trying to sustain themselves or to provide a better future for their children are undercut by a myriad of institutions and figures designed to chip away at their gains and keep them in whatever position they were raised in. ... (read more)

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Stormy Lives

Best friends Mikaila and Chara love each other like sisters or soulmates, sharing family struggles, high school drama, and premonitions about each other that bind them. But they argue over Asa, the bullied boy who has been infatuated with Mikaila since she befriended him in elementary school. A chess player, Asa strategizes to win Mikaila away from her boyfriend by hitting on Chara, then humiliating her. ... (read more)

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Vivid Portrait

McVeigh's sequel to Sense and Sensibility picks up three years after Austen's ending, following Marianne Brandon as a young widow trying to find her place in London society, while her sister Margaret is accused of stealing lace from a shop. The story unfolds through Marianne's journals, Margaret's diary entries, and third-person narration, giving readers multiple viewpoints on the same events. This structure keeps the story dynamic and lets readers see how Marianne's personal struggles ripple through her family and friends. Margaret's voice stands out with a perfect mix of teenage drama and self-awareness as she pens her own Gothic novel from her cell in Spitalfields. ... (read more)

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Great Bible Learning

Hamman's latest work explores the Bible through a popular word hobby—crosswords. The modern version of crosswords was created in December 1913 by New York World editor Arthur Wynne. He created it right before World War I, and when war eventually broke out, the crossword was used to help people cope with the bleak news. This mirrors exactly what Hamman has created—a fun and engaging collection of puzzles that also uplifts through the use of scriptures from the books of the Bible. His first series covers the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, along with the Acts of the Apostles. ... (read more)

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Sadness & Strength

When a car accident kills Suzanne Summerfield's husband and parents, she wakes from a coma to find her world empty. Along with the heavy weight of survivor's guilt comes the discovery that her life may not be what she thought it was. While struggling with loss, Suzanne finds something that changes everything. Cleaning out her parents' attic, she discovers adoption papers and medical records from Bolivia. Many are covered up. Most are in Spanish. With Marilee's determination and the help of their friend Polly, the search for answers begins. It starts with dusty boxes and old family memories, then stretches across continents as Suzanne travels to Bolivia to uncover the truth. ... (read more)

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Thorough

Author Itotko successfully arrays multiple investigations and the questions arising from them, which are centered on the Holy Bible. The text effectively demonstrates the differences between the literal words of scripture and the ways that, over time, many readers and religionists have misinterpreted them. The author states that his thesis is not directed at any particular denomination but rather presents the wording of the Holy Bible (King James Version), challenging readers to perceive the differences between that text and the falsehoods often assigned to it. ... (read more)

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Song of Solomon

Author Balsley has created a dynamic exploration of the Song of Solomon, also known as the Songs of Songs, a fascinating yet often misunderstood text from the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. At the outset of this bold undertaking, the author states that many scholars question the basic intention and authorship of the Song, Therefore, he offers meticulously derived evidence that Solomon, Israeli leader and paragon of wisdom, was indeed its creator. And, while some consider the Song's sensual imagery to be a deficit compared with other biblical books, and others see it as an allegory for the love of Yahweh for Israel, Balsley persistently stresses its core theme: a depiction of successful, monogamous mating, which importantly demonstrates, among other strengths, the equal roles a loving couple may play. This is especially impressive as it was written in a time and culture where women were considered quite inferior to men. ... (read more)

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Bold & Brave

In this poignant, honest memoir, the author details his time in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He openly acknowledges how very few from his unit returned home. Throughout the book, the author also shares photographs from his time in the military. These photographs further humanize the author's experiences. The author's recollections are highly detailed, and the book's audience can enter the landscapes and missions that have left him with innumerable questions since his time in Vietnam. Most admirably, the author's remembrances are honest and vulnerable, especially about the grief that war inflicts on soldiers and former soldiers. Survival—during the war and afterward—centers every story, and numerous reflections depict the unbreakable brotherhood the Vietnam War forged among the men who served in the military during one of America's (and the world's) most tumultuous periods. ... (read more)

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An Unusual Life

In Blacker's memoir, he ends with "If I only knew then what I know now," (as an eighty-something). But between the "once upon a time" and the "if only," his autobiography is chock-full of interesting details and glimpses into his dysfunctional family life, followed by his adult life in the music industry. The autobiography is really two tales. One describes his dysfunctional family with a violent and demanding father, a situation with which many readers may relate. But then, what he does with his life thereafter, and how it affects his future, is fascinating. ... (read more)

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Passion

Author Oelfke here posits a fascinating theme, underpinned by personal experience, bringing the concepts explored to shimmering light as he presents the myriad of possibilities inherent in a woman's progression through life to the later stage of becoming a femme d'un certain âge ("woman of a certain age"). Because that discreetly phrased term can be and is often misunderstood, seen as conveying negativity, Oelfke has devised an exploration of the "FCA" via credible, positive pathways, many derived directly from his own adventures and observations. He opens this engrossing discussion by examining conventional emotional, physical, and sexual roles of men and women, suggesting that typically, women are expected to stay home, raise children, and fulfill their husbands' sexual desires. Men, by contrast, adhere to an average span of twenty years of fathering and faithfulness, and then may begin to step outside marital boundaries when possible, often connecting with FCAs who, battling the barriers of aging, may have a long, sometimes-repressed need for passionate attention. ... (read more)

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Counting Positive

Everyone dreams of having more resources, greater means to make their big ideas into realities, or just more security and flexibility with their finances and investments. But what separates those who thrive in those environments from the average person who knows what they want but has no idea how to go out and get it? With this book, anyone can learn to follow step-by-step guidance that will help them become successful, confident leaders in business. Based on the author's own experiences, the information shared in this book is practical and accessible; no venture capital investors or hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings are required. Instead, readers are treated to honest, down-to-earth lessons about taking back control of their finances and resetting their career narrative. ... (read more)

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Armth, Charm &Whimsey

Author Killick presents a loving tribute to his wife, Judy, who, as the narrative unfolds, is revealed as generous, hard-working, intelligent, fun-loving, and a devout Christian whose activities would center on charitable offerings and freely presented religious-themed entertainment. As a child, she learned to play piano and sing soprano, and, with her brother, was always expected to entertain any family guests. Her zest for tap and ballroom dancing would bring her further into the limelight. After a deeply moving "born again" Christian experience, Judy would arrange Bible study groups, even as she served as part of the directors' group for the couple's notably successful chemical company. ... (read more)

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Self-Worth

Lin Yue is a brilliant and driven young woman who, after graduating from Columbia, quickly rises through the ranks of Kingsly, Price, and Company (KPC) to become a senior financial analyst. When she is placed on a new team, her new boss abuses her quiet, non-complaining persona by having her work long hours to complete projects. Lin is fast becoming burned out from the heavy workload, but she doesn't speak up for herself. Her situation at work becomes intolerable when rumors start spreading about her and the boss. Noticing a change in her demeanor, her concerned father brings her home to recuperate. When Lin discovers a quaint bookstore and its unassuming, musician owner, she finds a haven where she can be herself. Her journey to health and happiness is not a solitary one, but it teaches her to embrace her own strength. ... (read more)

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Life & Love Abroad

More than a travel memoir, this volume is a heartfelt tribute to the family of man, to the "extreme" travelers who courageously aspire to visit every country in the world, and to the legacy of the author's healing journey through the fog of personal loss and grief. Barry Hoffner, a former investment banker, and his wife, Jackie, a social media manager for an animal aid organization, enjoyed a life peppered with international living and travel, both solo and as a couple/family. A tragic accident in Botswana in 2017 prematurely claimed Jackie's life early one morning when she was scheduled to rendezvous with Hoffner in Kenya. Nearly crushed by losing the love of his life, whom he colorfully fell in love with on a visit to the Taj Mahal, Hoffner chose instead to channel his profound grief in honor of his lively, remarkable spouse, inspiring an evocative personal transformation. ... (read more)

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Dynamic

Educator Peoples here presents cogent instructions for parents of pre-school children, intended to offer adults a broader understanding of the many ways that children absorb knowledge. The teaching is also designed to aid the children themselves, as they will encounter the structured methodologies typically utilized in the school systems that they will later experience as they mature. Peoples' book is composed of simple yet strong directives for parents, accompanied by explanations of the necessity of adapting the human-scale methods she sets forth. ... (read more)

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True Self

Kirikino remembers what it took to free herself to speak out and stop pleasing others. First, she remembers a job she had to quit because she grew tired of following the rules, keeping the peace, and speaking only when she was spoken to, while her soul was screaming. She felt like the system, which was supposed to protect children, failed them. She could not take it anymore, so she quit. Later on, she became a mother, and it made her realize she no longer needed to chase people's approval or try to fit into parenting models. Motherhood was the beginning of her awakening that made her stronger. Throughout this journey, Kirikino invites others to see how she broke free. ... (read more)

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Polar Shift

One of the most common ways to send a message undetected is to put it in plain sight, buried just slightly under a thin layer of subtext or cryptography. In this book, the author outlines the various ways that science writers and prominent twentieth-century thinkers, Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan, have used code and, particularly, anagrams to convey hidden messages about information that has been obfuscated from people. Using the phenomenon of light found at the poles of both Earth and Mars as seen in space-based photographs, as well as an explanation and decoding of these messages, Carr shows an agreement between herself and these authors about the hollow nature of the planets, as well as the catastrophic consequences of a polar shift. ... (read more)

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Healing

Are there signs and signals out there from other lives or beyond death? Is there a much wider world than we can sense with our five senses or discover through traditional science? In this book, the author combines a background in teaching Reiki with a curious, open mind and walks readers through a number of ways in which there are hidden messages and spiritual surprises in store every single day. From psychic readings to astrocartography, a variety of schools of thought and ways to discover deeper connections and guidance are presented, alongside personal anecdotes from the author's experience experimenting with each. ... (read more)

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A New Trilogy Begins

Anaiti's father knows he needs help to fend off the warriors from Agathyrsi. He decides the best chance for his kingdom to survive is to offer his daughter to the Scythian king to build an alliance and gain their protection. Anaiti would rather spend her time out on the plains with her horses, but she feels the pull of duty and agrees with her father's decision. When they meet the Scythian king and his three sons, Anaiti is surprised by just how old the king is. Still, she will do what she must for her family and kingdom. ... (read more)

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Savoring Moments

Blurring the fine lines between reality and fiction, this book takes its audience on a contemplative, meditative journey through fragile landscapes and significant memories. It houses remembrances of ball-playing boys, barefoot summers, a father's gentleness despite his rough exterior, and the moments that ultimately shape one's lifetime. In these pages, hard work and even harder play help develop character and a unique personal outlook on love, life, and the world. This book is written in a manner that also blends the spiritual world with the real one. In its own quiet way, it reminds individuals that the paths they take can lead anywhere, but most likely they will always lead to one special place: home. ... (read more)

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Security

Many Christians point to struggles and personal difficulties as opportunities from God to learn and grow, citing the old adage that "everything happens for a reason." While it's common to look back and reflect on those moments for important self-discovery, the author of this book shares a collection of poems she created in dark, challenging times to help herself keep moving forward, hoping it might help others do the same. Poems about being shunned and ostracized, or unrequited love, are balanced by observations on the wonders of creation and the security found in walking with the Lord. This dual perspective highlights the weight of life at its hardest points with the enlightenment and relief found in true, deeply held spirituality. ... (read more)

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Well-Researched

While much has been written to bridge the two millennia since the time of Jesus and the modern day, much of the focus has been on interpreting scripture to suit the modern age. In this examination of the Advent season and the Gospel According to Luke, Dr. Farmer suggests the opposite: that the author's contemporary perspective is critical to understanding the text's enduring importance today. Through research, humor, poetry, and historical correlation, the lessons of Luke reach a wider audience, befitting the apostle's original target audience. Framing Luke's account in the modern emphasis on fairness, justice, empathy, and appreciation for diversity, this book offers a passionate yet compassionate argument for the truth of the events in Jesus' life story, designed to answer great questions and ease dark, dangerous feelings of isolation or sadness. ... (read more)

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The Nitty Gritty

Author Parry deftly constructs a sagacious metaphor for the limitations of earthly life and the possibilities of relief as revealed by the light of God. His observations are based on Christian truths as found in holy scripture, stating at the outset that Christianity is not about simply going to church, but requires giving one's life to God through Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be "the light of the world." Darkness, Parry asserts, is a satanic state of separation from, and total lack of, the blessings that will always be available to those who make the commitment to sincere acceptance of God and his son. ... (read more)

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Lively

Author Lee spent years composing short, sweet spiritual messages designed for a congregation that would appreciate Christian-based wisdom, combining religious precepts with human scale and often pleasingly amusing events. His efforts began when, as the newly appointed pastor of a Methodist church in Georgia, he learned that weekly bulletins sent to churchgoers contained one blank page. He resolved to fill that page with his "little sermons," focusing on spiritual truths inherent in readily grasped situations, fostering commonality and comprehension among congregants. ... (read more)

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Evidence

Author Canning presents his comprehension of the messages of the Holy Bible through a portrait of the mission of Jesus Christ, whose conveyance of the word "amen" needs to be explained and shared. The author presents a central thesis: Jesus usually uses the word "amen" in scripture in advance of his timeless declarations. This assertion may surprise many readers, accustomed to saying that word as a conclusion and acknowledgement of religious presentations. In biblical text, "amen, amen" is sometimes shown in the pronouncements of Jesus as "verily, verily," or "truly, truly." The deeper significance of these words, Canning states, is that Jesus is the truth, and his followers must take this understanding to the heart of their faith and commitment. ... (read more)

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Inspirational

Along the border between the United States and Mexico, a number of twin cities straddle the border, of which Gillenwater states, "Here the Third World meets the First World in a clashing display of economic inequality." Indeed, the crisis at our southern border affects both the citizens of Mexico and the United States. Sources of help are scarce, immigration rules constantly change with no sustainable policy in sight, and the costs to human lives are enormous. In this untenable situation, there is, however, hope. Gillenwater outlines the work that began on a 1987 trip to deliver food to the needy in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Just after returning home to Scottsdale, the author established Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation, Inc., a volunteer-based organization that provides emergency services, housing, and assistance to migrants. Since its inception, Rancho Feliz has helped tens of thousands on both sides of the border. ... (read more)

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Praise God

This devotional book begins with a short feature on the author's beginnings and feeling lost, then focuses on the devotional aspect, ending with the author's reflection on how far she has come in her relationship with God and Jesus. The body of the book examines who we are in Christ by looking at Jesus' birth, the Holy Family, and his disciples. It focuses on redemption, forgiveness, hope, love, mercy, and the power of faith. ... (read more)

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Ordinary Life Exigencies

Author Jenkins presents an enthralling, vibrantly illustrated exploration of inner worlds, etheric realms of consciousness, and insight. Having encountered many differing views of the concept of God, she recognizes "there is something greater than ourselves," that readers may welcome as they approach life's twists and turns. She cites "energy givers," such as sunshine and meditation, and "energy takers," like fear and overthinking. There is an explication of the seven chakras positioned in one's spine, represented by colors and symbols, offering guideposts to positive pathways. ... (read more)

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The Sacred

This short, channeled book of sixteen chapters explores the spiritual realm as related to our human selves through the truths of the seen and the unseen. The text examines ways to bring about what the soul already knows by lifting the veil. This veil is thinning, and the soul is remembering who and what we really are. Examining ourselves as energy, learning our soul codes of signs and symbols, and being ready to listen to these, and walking the path of awakening with our guides and guardians, such as ancestors, angels, and spirit guides, all combine to help us along the path of growing into our humanness. We are multidimensional beings who have come here through making sacred agreements about the roles we’ll play, who we’ll meet, our gifts, and our healing needs. We are, as noted above, the bridge between the divine and the divine human. ... (read more)

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Thrilling

Everyone has nightmares, but in this work, readers learn that nightmares have caused much harm to the protagonist, Rachael. What makes this even more chilling is that it's a fictionalized account of what the author actually went through due to nightmares. The book begins in the 1970s, when Rachael is just a child, and her dream is about a killer cowboy. Her mother takes her to the doctor, and he believes she will grow out of this, but that's not the case. ... (read more)

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A New Path

This is a gentle and uplifting guide for parents and caregivers of "starseeds"—children whose wisdom, honesty, and sensitivity are beyond their age. These are children who "may have been called difficult, wild, overly sensitive, or noncompliant." They may have been diagnosed with anxiety, ADHD, or emotional dysregulation. The author flips this narrative, noting that these children have a special mission to disrupt the status quo and bring the world into a new spiritual frequency. Kirikino helps readers reframe misconceptions they may have based on how the world views these children, offering a more compassionate lens for understanding what sets starseeds apart. She reminds parents and caregivers that their role is to support their children as they are, without trying to "fix" or change them, as they were already born wholly themselves and will remain loyal to who they are. She reminds parents that they are the protectors of their children's light and offers wisdom on how to guard and lead them without stifling them. ... (read more)

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Written in Time

When Stuart Jones finally gets his foot in the door of the journalism business, he's assigned an editorial position of a floundering, neglected religion section of the paper. He's able to rally his troops around a vision to promote the diverse communities in their metropolitan area by interviewing and discussing faith with leaders of the primary faiths about their beliefs and congregations. Stuart also strikes up a fast relationship with Jennifer, the editor-in-chief's daughter, and the two quickly discover their compatibility. But Stuart's past is just a step behind him, and his situation quickly becomes complicated, especially now that Jennifer is in the picture. What follows is an incredible journey of creating, losing, and discovering family, each in different and distinct ways, set against a backdrop of spirituality and faith in the many forms it takes. ... (read more)

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Cracking Adventure

The crew of the ship Station, helmed by Lee Michaels, is flung back in time to the Pacific theater during the Second World War. Several hundred miles off the coast of Hawaii, they discover the stranded survivors of a Japanese submarine's torpedo attack, one of them the great-great-grandfather of a man onboard the Station. The crew is faced with a moral dilemma: rescue the sailors and risk violating the laws of time, or allow them to perish in shark-infested waters. ... (read more)

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Social Issues

Lawyer Lucy Campbell is perturbed by a series of murders involving the local unhoused population. The first victim, Otis, is found "dead on the scene" at the central light rail station following an altercation. Though Otis appears to have been hit by a train, an autopsy suggests he had recently ingested chemical substances. When a second and then a third person are found dead in the same area, Lucy takes an interest in the welfare of the city's homeless, befriending a man named Eli who may possess secrets that could reveal the killer's identity. Meanwhile, Lucy witnesses a shooting in a railcar, and prosecutors seek the conviction of a man suspected of the killings. ... (read more)

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Adventure with a Hook

While on a dig site, Frank Bowman finds a small piece of pottery that changes the course of his life and his ideas on memory. Through careful research and several profoundly realistic dreams and visions, Frank soon learns that the piece is part of an incredibly old cup carried for luck by an ancient soldier. Soon, the lives of Frank, his wife, Vanessa, and his associates are in mortal danger. Secret societies and special forces members from several countries are all interested in him, making it difficult to decide whom to trust. Should he trust his university colleagues, his old, charismatic friend, or the beautiful woman for whom he shares a strong and immediate attraction? The one sure thing Frank knows is that he must see this quest to the end and find all the pieces of the mysterious cup to uncover its secrets and the genetic connection it has with him. ... (read more)

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Twisty Thriller

Heading to work one morning, Alicia is startled to see a woman's body lying lifelessly on a baseball field. She thinks it is surprising that no other motorists are stopping. She calls the police and waits for their arrival. The police search the field and speak to Alicia, but they find no signs of a body. Later, Alicia witnesses one of her friends in a terrible auto accident, but when the police arrive, there are no signs of an accident. Alicia becomes concerned that she might have another vision while her two boys are in the car and, with her husband's urging, decides to seek professional help. Although the visions continue to cause Alicia concern, they also lead her to a private investigator who helps her uncover several bodies. It becomes extremely difficult for Alicia to discern what is real. Are these visions a gift, or are they signs of a troubling mental disorder? ... (read more)

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Suburban Dysfunction

Phyllida Abercrombie is livid at the encroachment on her cherished garden and is unrestrained in exclaiming her anger at Maggie Clark. The year is 2021, and parts of the world are still opening to a world removed from many of the restrictions placed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak from the previous year. Despite Canada beginning to ease its constraints, some are still on edge and are letting their inner demons run roughshod. While Phyllida keeps her nose up at less affluent people like Maggie and David Clark, her moral high ground is nonexistent, as she's having an affair with her fitness instructor. While many of her neighbors congregate at the local dog park to exercise their pets and chit-chat, Phyllida is more inclined to threaten any dog or person who affronts her. Despite the easing of the COVID situation, things are about to boil over in Woodview Terraces. ... (read more)

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Mystery & Mysticism

Chad Ryker lives with his parents, Jonathan and Emily, and his younger siblings, Ben, Sadie, and Joachim. Chad is anxious about starting as a freshman at St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School, a prestigious Jesuit institution. However, he knows he won't be alone because his best friends, Leo and Kara, will be there with him. The first day of school has finally arrived, but Chad notices strange shadows around the school and suspects that something might be wrong. He begins to hear whispers and sees more shadows, leaving him unsure of what is real and what isn't. It feels as though he is losing his mind. Chad confides in his friends about his experiences, and they agree to help him uncover the mysteries surrounding the school. ... (read more)

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Beguiling

Neddy Suidek's life changed the day she saw the eyes of a calculating killer. She had just discovered her friend's murdered body and almost fell prey to her killer. Up until then, her day had begun with promise, as she had made the acquaintance of renowned Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and discussed the upcoming World's Fair in Chicago. Her dwindling opportunities, along with the risk of encountering the killer, lead her to travel to Chicago. Neddy is gambling that a reintroduction to Burnham will allow her to charm her way into a job. Little does Neddy know that she is sitting on the train with a killer, a man who relies on wit and disarming charm in seducing more than a few victims. Once in Chicago, she will gain the job of her dreams while a nightmare threatens to swallow her future. ... (read more)

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Extraterrestrial Manipulation

Author and physics professor Huddleston melds science fact and speculative sci-fi in this smartly rendered young-adult first-contact thriller. After a sudden blackout of the NASA Solar X satellite, followed by communication failures of other research probes monitoring the sun and conditions in outer space from a particular orbital point, scientists rush to analyze the final data to determine the cause. What they discover is more challenging—and literally chilling—than any problem ever faced by humanity in recorded history. ... (read more)

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Arriving

Sam, newly turned twenty, sets off on a journey that will forever alter the trajectory of his life. As Sam's new companion, Kale, describes it, "The journey is like a test. It separates the… deserving from the undeserving." At the starting point, each traveler is offered a choice: to begin their journey on a steep mountain trek or on flat, reliably safe ground. Influenced by others in the group, Sam travels on to the flat land and finds himself in a world where everything is designed for ease and entertainment. Initially swayed by the good life, a sense of unease pushes him to leave. He confronts evil incarnate before making his escape to the steep land. Moving on a parallel journey, Jill also finds herself fleeing the flat land, and the two join forces as they conquer mountains, face temptations, and join the disciples of Ari, the leader of the steep place. ... (read more)

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Well-Crafted Gems

This fictional memoir is alternately satirical, humorous, witty, bold, irreverent, offensive, sometimes undefinable, and even outrageous. Elias Deane Grimm Lohr, AKA Grimm Lohr, narrates the lengthy but absorbing biographical details of his grandfather's and father's lives before tackling his own. He begins with his British-German grandfather's service as a physician in World War I, then moves on to his father's service as an assistant to the official translator in Hitler's Third Reich. ... (read more)

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Experience & Wisdom

Success often represents something strived for rather than something attained. It serves as motivation across many walks of life and disciplines, but how do you turn that motivation into a sense of accomplishment and a tangible result rather than an endless chase? In this guidebook, the author shares his 12-Step Growth Accelerator Method™, which helps a person achieve meaningful accomplishment by taking a true inward look, determining what is most important and valuable, and then tailoring their vision and approach to their career in pursuit of that clarified vision. Readers will learn how to take a personal assessment of the gap between their current status and what they feel is missing, and then apply a direct, practical mindset to their existing structure to turn what would be a milestone into a mission accomplished. ... (read more)

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Endearing

Maddie is having trouble sleeping at night because she's so excited about Christmas. Little sister Harper coughs all night, and this makes it even harder. Mom calls the doctor about Harper's bad cough and breathing trouble and brings her to the emergency room. Maddie and her sister Natalie are good helpers, gathering Harper's clothes, books, and her favorite bunny. The girls are worried Santa might not come for Christmas if Harper and Mom are still in the hospital, but Granddad assures them it's okay because they've been good all year. The girls are saddened to learn from Dad that Harper must stay (with Mom) in the hospital overnight—even on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning, Maddie and Natalie may only open one present each until Mom comes home with their little sister. They have difficulty being patient, even as Dad explains they must wait, so the entire family can open gifts together. In the end, however, Maddie learns what Christmas is really about. ... (read more)

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Significance

In this f-word-filled book, the author asks the book's audience to reconsider the meanings and importances of words beginning with the letter F. The author includes personal insights and reflections that guide the audience through these reconsiderations. The book includes words like "family," "first," "from," and "faith" that people encounter every day. It also introduces individuals to other words, such as "fastidious" and "Fjällvandra," with which they may not be so familiar. The book concludes with a deep reflection about the queen of all swear words—the F-word—and the cultural contexts and nuances, as well as the different generational interpretations, of this linguistic shocker. ... (read more)

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Thoughts & Feelings

Hansen has created a book-length poem about his friendship with a woman named Joann. The book is also dedicated to her. The work is divided into parts, which are the various roles he sees himself in their relationship. These are Father, Mother, Brother, Child, Lover, and Friend. It's an interesting way for Hansen to reflect on how he sees himself in their relationship, as well as on his family members and how they affect his life. ... (read more)

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Reflections

Reading the Bible and praying are important, regular tasks for any Christian who seeks to set an example and follow the teachings of Jesus. But what about the community aspect? Why do so many practice their faith in groups—attending worship but also studying and discussing together? In this book, the author uses examples from modern life paired with crucial Bible verses to illustrate how people who profess to be active Christians can miss the mark, either by falling to temptation or by failing to support and nurture others in a Christlike way. Readers will discover dozens of new ways and opportunities to exercise their faith and not just study it but live it in a positive, consistent fashion. Whether used as a loving reminder or a daily mission to do good, these lessons and examples will help Christians reach their full potential. ... (read more)

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