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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 Karen Chrappa Were it not for a coca leaf reading in Peru, Beyond Fear, would never... (read more) Author Spotlight Marcia Peck I was lucky enough to be able to take my time to write my debut novel, Water Music: A Cape Cod Story. ... (read more)

Recent Book Reviews

 

Focus Review

The All-Girl, No Man Little Darlin's by Mary Albanese Oxshott Press "I had come to realize many things about the Darlin's. We were all strong-minded souls.... We put up with hardships and danger, and let nothing get in our way." Growing up in a contentious family, twelve-year-old Anabel feels invisible and isolated from her parents and younger brother. Little does she know that her life is about to change when she meets her father's mother, Macedonia "Maisy" Kline, for the first time. Relegated to a nursing home by her son, with whom she shares an antagonistic relationship, Grandma Maisy is sassy, opinionated, and sharp, much like Anabel herself. As Grandma Maisy says, "You want to make up your own mind. Some people get itchy when girls think for themselves." Recognizing a kindred spirit, Maisy opens up to Ana during her recurring visits and tells her full life story for the first time. ... (read more)

• 6 Feet Apart by Linda M. Penn
• Alchemy of Blood, The by Richard LaBrie
• Art of Deception by Geoffrey Bott - RECOMMENDED
• August Rain by Marlo Holly - RECOMMENDED
• Ava's Connection by Janet R. Perroni
• Be Whoo You Are by Kathleen Welton
• Brothers by M. E. Taylor - RECOMMENDED
• Bullies, Parasites and Slaves: Replacing Exploitation with Mutual Care by George Byron Koch - RECOMMENDED
• Catching Babies by Ita Gold, M.D.
• Channeling Eve by Linda Kay Simmons - RECOMMENDED
• Charley's New Friend by Wendy B. Wenger, MA - RECOMMENDED
• Charting the Supernatural Judgements of Planet Earth by Jerimiah Asher
• Decoding the Marketplace by Alan Louis, PhD - RECOMMENDED
• Duck It! by C.O.B. - RECOMMENDED
• Ellie the Elephant by Dian Cooper - RECOMMENDED
• Essence Merging by Colleen Quinn, PhD
• Ezra's Day Off by Hope Hershey and Lori Hershey Ed.D - RECOMMENDED
• For Relativists Twelve and/or Teenaged by Dorian Redus
• Fourth Brother, The by Kristine Ross
• Fridgy by Blaine C. Readler - RECOMMENDED
• Good Pliosaur, The by Spencer Patterson
• Happy Birthday to US! by Sherry Ellis - RECOMMENDED
• How Ruby, the Feral Cat, Found Her Courage by Debra Oliveras
• I Found My Piece by Rashmi Kumar Shah
• In Search of Easter by Terrie Sizemore and James Richard Highsmith
• Inside Impeachment—Diary of a Congressman by Clifford B. Stearns - RECOMMENDED
• Introduction to Science and the Scientific Method by John L. Campbell - RECOMMENDED
• Johnny and The Beast by Walter J Hill - RECOMMENDED
• Konnect Better by Mo Lidsky, PhD, with Bob Gould - RECOMMENDED
• Left Hand of the Biblical Gods, The by Carlton Morris - RECOMMENDED
• Life I Learned With, The by Sal Mallimo
• Lord Project, The by John M. Masciale
• Lord's Everlasting Temple, The by Thomas Szeto - RECOMMENDED
• Maiden Tomb by Cynthia Sally Haggard
• Man's World Versus God's World by Jon Jorgenson
• Mighty Oak, The by Weining C. Chang
• Mother Gertie by Terrie Sizemore
• Nearly Dead and the Newly Bred, The by Ava A. - RECOMMENDED
• New Dream Machine Daily Devotional by Rosy Christensen
• Petrov's Escape by Wm. Hovey Smith - RECOMMENDED
• Putting the Pictures in Picture Books by Terrie Sizemore
• Saga of Generations by Adele Sinoway-Barnett
• Second Chance, A by Asher Frend - RECOMMENDED
• Seek and You Shall Find by Jeffrey G. Hamman - RECOMMENDED
• Shilpa's Blue Crayon by Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane - RECOMMENDED
• Short Essays for Inquiring Minds by Ronald Gruner - RECOMMENDED
• Smarty the Brain Stories by Brian S. Hamilton
• Street Time by G.J. Prager
• Sun Tzu: The Art of War for Health & Longevity by Y. Tony Yang
• Take Me to School by Serena Casey
• Truth about the Tribulation, The by Jim Lewis
• Warrior & the Dragon, The by Rusty Reece - RECOMMENDED
• Who Trains, Wins by Matthew Black
• Zeus' Great Adventure by Dr. Eve Weber, Ph.D.

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Featured Book Reviews

 

Great Bible Learning

Highlight Review Seek and You Shall Find: Exploring Scripture Through Crossword Puzzles by Jeffrey G. Hamman WestBow Press book review by Kellie Haulotte "As an infant, I was baptized and thus given the Spirit of the Lord." 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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Heartfelt

Amanda Ten Eycke, from New York City, travels to Europe with her Aunt Bea and her cousin Becky, following the death of Amanda's Uncle, Benjamin, who was Bea's husband. To help cope with her mourning, Aunt Bea has decided to take the trip with her daughter, and Amanda joins them to keep Becky company. Their first destination in Europe is Paris at the beginning of the year. They then settle in London, and Becky excitedly encourages Amanda to crash an audition at a theatre there, believing in Amanda's talent. Becky and Amanda attend the audition, where they have the opportunity to meet new people and build new relationships. Unfortunately, World War I breaks out. As time passes, Amanda is faced with the harsh realities of the war. ... (read more)

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A Stand Out

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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The Future Today

The United States is in disarray. The government has little control and uses its waning power and influence to fleece any group it can: a true kleptocracy. Latinos have been sorted into a collection of barrios around the United States, where they were going to be sorted for deportation. Instead, they were just left there. However, the barrios set up their own governments and militias. Most goods and commodities are brought and sold through the barrios, and life within them is much better than life on the outside. Martin, a gringo, is a cop in the barrios. His main job is to help lost people, give directions to the public bathrooms, and stay out of the way of the local Latino militia—the Greenhats. However, when Martin's decency gets the best of him, and he saves some Latino girls from violent smugglers, he becomes much more involved. ... (read more)

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Living Community

Highlight Review Bullies, Parasites and Slaves: Replacing Exploitation with Mutual Care by George Byron Koch Byron Arts Publishing book review by Michael Radon "In a lifeboat large enough for everyone, throwing others overboard and hoarding provisions does not prove your worthiness to be captain." 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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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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Life Strategy

Highlight Review Sun Tzu: The Art of War for Health & Longevity: The Warrior's Way to Wellness by Y. Tony Yang Tuttle book review by Mark Heisey "The art of health, like the art of war, is not a prescription but a process—a way of thinking strategically about the most precious territory you'll ever defend: your body." 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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Experience History

School is out for the summer, and fifteen-year-old friends Alex, Kali, and Roman decide to visit their community's city hall, where they hear a protest is planned. The three are a little surprised at the intensity of the protesters and their claims about constitutional rights. This prompts the three to learn more about the Constitution. The next morning, they begin their search at the public library. While searching through some of the more remote stacks, a book called The Living Constitution falls off a shelf and thumps to the floor. As they begin flipping its pages, a hologram of Ben Franklin materializes before them. He transports them through time to Philadelphia in 1787 as the Constitution is being drafted. ... (read more)

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Stormy Lives

Highlight Review A Second Chance by Asher Frend book review by Mari Carlson "I realized he didn’t like me. He liked the control he had over me." 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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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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Entertaining & Thoughtful

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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Culture Richness

These entertaining essays were originally published on Gruner's Substack account. They feature an impressive range of subjects, with expert and easy flow from historical to current (and back again) topics. These are as diverse, for instance, as the SARS virus to the development of the interstate highway system and how the latter, as well as the polio vaccine, were made politically acceptable by a presidential administration that knew that the words "socialism" and "communism" were "hot button" issues to many in mainstream America. With a touch of Ken Burns and more than a touch of sardonic wit, the author examines the issues, large and small, that comprise the US. ... (read more)

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Culture Testament

In these prosaic poems, the author shares stories and recollections of a unique childhood, filled with memories of Swedish immigrant parents and unforgettable childhood journeys to Sweden. These recollections are balanced with insights into the joys and pitfalls of growing up in an America that is so different from today. Nonetheless, this book is not only a poetic journey through the author's life, but also many unique poetic forms. It also includes many family photos and artistic photos. Therefore, it is a visual journey that explores life's intersections where the visual arts and the written word meet. Most of all, this book offers its audience a steady mantra: "soul food / essential ingredients / love, family, friends." ... (read more)

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A Vivid Yield

Keuneke's work transcends the traditional cookbook structure, entering a realm of culture and cuisine that provides a comprehensive experience that will likely be relished by all audiences. A delectable fusion of health and wellness, memoir, and recipes, the work offers an unrivaled sensory experience, complete with timely health advice, origin stories galore, and recipes delivered with such authenticity and simplicity that they create a homely feel throughout. The same awe the author experiences while standing with her mother atop the highest ridge on Salt Island is imbued within the presentation of every recipe and every travel destination.... (read more)

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Scripture Messages

Author Szeto here explores the implications of the Holy Bible's scripture, constituting an alert concerning the impending apocalyptic era that humankind must understand and prepare for with spiritual dedication. His treatise centers on the building and subsequent destruction of two temples—and the probability of the construction of a third—in the land of Israel. ... (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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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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Self & Identity

In this riveting novel, a bedridden woman named Eve takes the book's audience on an eerie, mind-bending journey through her tumultuous marriage. As Eve lies dying, her three privileged children argue about their family's wealth and how their father's absence throughout their parents' marriage destroyed their lives. Meanwhile, Eve's husband, Tobias, recalls his numerous affairs throughout the five decades of their marriage. Strange events and mysterious interactions lead Tobias to believe that the strangeness he always intuited about Eve might be something beyond human comprehension. While Tobias faces financial ruin, Eve clings to her life, determined to pursue her own justice for herself and her children and to ensure that her husband's wrongdoings are revealed. ... (read more)

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Thoughtful & Inspiring

Author Louis mentions very little in this volume about the specific activities and products of the House of Louis, his family's successful twelve-generation business, so this is not a business memoir nor a personal memoir. Instead, the author has created a very specific "map" of how businesses may practice the Christian values, or codes, that he attributes to his family's success. The modesty of the volume is then expressed many times in various ways: "This book aims to decode the mechanics of the marketplace, to present positive codes, and to enrich it with the redemptive harmony of divine grace for a fruitful business journey." While Christian vocabulary may be daunting for some business owners and entrepreneurs, the message of compassion and ethical behavior is translatable and highly adaptable to universal practice. ... (read more)

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Enthralling

In this fast-paced World War II-era romance, a woman named Ava finds herself bound by patriotic duty, romantic desire, and the overwhelming consequences of her past. As America finds itself deeply embroiled in the war, Ava's family life descends into chaos. Her estranged daughter, Mary, resurfaces, filing legal action against Ava after discovering the truth about her estranged father. Ava, an employee at a weapons factory, has unique access to some of America's most vital wartime weapons, and when a man from her past resurfaces, his presence compromises not only Ava's life but also her professional life—and her family's future. Meanwhile, when Ava's beloved son, Trevor, goes missing in the war, her life is transformed further, and her personal strength and resilience are tested. This novel is a fictional testament to the inner strength many women of the World War II generation summoned as they navigated seemingly insurmountable personal, professional, and even political odds. ... (read more)

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Empathetic

Author Lewis raises pertinent questions and offers scriptural explanations concerning the era of the Tribulation, when chaos will pervade and only God's most faithful will be saved. His research reveals that earthly history began six thousand years ago, with each thousand-year segment representing one day in God's plan. Now, Lewis states, humankind has reached the seventh day, and the Tribulation is looming: war, terror, and chaos will dominate, while true believers can still obtain forgiveness of sins and entry into Heaven. ... (read more)

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The Bible Speaks

Author Masciale has devised and here presents a remarkable, systematic exploration of biblical writings, using techniques he has deliberately developed and refined. He took on this self-assigned challenge while completing a class in seminary. Researching the required information prompted him to broaden his efforts, using computer capabilities to identify and quantify terms and concepts found in the Holy Bible. References to several Bible versions, including the English Standard, Holman Christian Standard, New American Standard, New International, King James, and Revised Standard, are diligently noted in the array of data. ... (read more)

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Interracial

Shilpa is a Black woman with blue eyes. She creates artwork and sells it. Living in Little Village, she enjoys a close relationship with her neighbors, especially two sisters named Anna and Ariel. Another neighbor, Ms. Romano, is someone Shilpa is quite fond of. However, she does not have a good feeling about Ms. Romano's nephew, Blake. In her dreams, Shilpa is married to a white man named Jacob, which surprises her because she typically prefers Black men. In these dreams, they have two beautiful daughters together. Shilpa has a friend named Winnie. It is later revealed that Winnie's boyfriend is Blake, Ms. Romano's nephew, who is physically abusive towards her. With the support of Shilpa and another friend named Chaz, Winnie reports Blake to the police, only to discover that he is wanted for killing his mother. ... (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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Pandemic

This unique book for children examines the myriad ways the COVID-19 pandemic changed one family's life practically overnight. As the world plunged into isolation, remote work, and the unknown, Nina and Andrew, two twins with busy social and family lives, strive to understand what is happening around them. They navigate sudden changes to their parents' work schedules, disruptions to their education, and social protocols such as masking. Moreover, they witness changes in the adult world: both their parents are stressed and overworked, while other families endure layoffs and financial hardship. The twins' experience underscores how the pandemic's sudden changes undeniably reshaped everyone. The narrrative also shows that, when one faces adversity, sometimes it is one's bonds with one's family that give an individual the strength to survive whatever may come. ... (read more)

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In Service

Author Morris intelligently explores the precepts, history, and specific terminologies found in the Holy Bible, uncovering fresh meaning beyond the realm of customary religious consideration. As he rationally asserts, modern religions, both Christian and Jewish, have, over time, developed a template in which the opinions and individual beliefs of their pastors, rabbis, and other leaders can and often do overshadow the true meanings expressed in earthly history and humankind's relationship with gods and God. An early example concerns the Levite who, with his concubine, visits the tribe of Benjamin, which has been all but destroyed by Israelite armies. At the insistence of his host, the Levite gives his concubine over to a group of men who ravish, rape, and destroy her. Later Israelite armies will force their enemies to provide women for their needs, thus seemingly approving of the denigration of females, imparting early on in biblical writings that the needs of humankind may be converted into God-permitted rights. Another striking example of this thesis is seen in the vast scriptural works of Paul, whose individual viewpoint is accepted as spiritual, eternal truth. Morris thus opines that "There are times when the Christian religion should be called the religion of Paul." ... (read more)

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Building Self-Esteem

Charley was trying to think of an activity since he did not have school that day. He decided to climb the hill in his backyard. On his way, Charley saw a huge snake coiled around a low branch, and he was startled. The snake was also surprised to see him. To Charley's amazement, the snake began to talk. His name was Arthur. Charley could hardly believe that he was conversing with a snake. Although he usually did not like being near snakes, he found Arthur friendly. They took the time to get to know each other, discussing their lives and families. They also touched on the important topic of building high self-esteem. ... (read more)

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Self-Discovery

Writer Hill offers a remarkable tale of a young man's determination as it links him to the past and subtly predicts his future. Since early childhood, Johnny has walked past and observed the activities at Mr. Pete's garage, just a short distance from his home. As he matures, he starts visiting the shop, chatting with Mr. Pete, and then volunteering to help out, and is assigned basic cleaning chores. Once people start noticing how much better the rooms look, Mr. Pete begins to observe Johnny's work more closely, especially noting that several times a day, he sneaks away and seems to be exploring an old building on the grounds where a certain car has been hidden away for many years. Mr. Pete senses that this connection of boy and car has deep implications. ... (read more)

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Sorrowful & Uplifting

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 caused concern for Russian parents as they dreaded the day their child would be called into service for the Motherland. Ankarov holds this same worry for his son, Petrov, who, despite being an occasional agitator, is known for his dexterity. When the Russian Federation comes for Petrov, a confrontation ensues, ending in bloodshed. Petrov escapes with the intent of getting to Ukraine and out from under the foot of the authoritarian Putin government. His perilous journey consists of a near-fatal tangle with a brown bear, a financial transaction with a murderous gangster, and meeting his long-lost twin brother, whose identity he claims, so that he can join the Russian Army. Petrov doesn't plan to remain on the Russian side for long, as he seeks to defect to the Ukrainians at the opportune moment. ... (read more)

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Discipline

Matthew Black studied psychology and criminal law after becoming a martial artist, but the joy he takes in the practice eclipses all other enthusiasms. In this book, he shares the wisdom he acquired whilst training. Drawing upon sources as disparate as Friedrich Nietzsche, the Buddha, Sitting Bull, and Chuck Norris, he seeks to construct a holistic model for living that incorporates both physical and spiritual disciplines. Black's teachings, which he states are rooted in ancient traditions, have the potential to reach lonely, disaffected young men who find themselves adrift in a society governed by profit and technology. "If there is one certainty to this life," Black writes, "it is that a fight is coming your way, and soon." He spends the next two hundred pages explaining how best to prepare for that fight. ... (read more)

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Meditation for Children

This children's book with delightful pictures focuses on a family with one child. The parents tell the child they need to talk as they're moving because Mommy has a new job. The child has many questions about this move and about going to a new school, and visits familiar places in the neighborhood before they move. The new home looks "strange," and they move from an area with trees to one with many buildings. ... (read more)

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Between Earth & Heaven

Author Asher combines his deep understanding of the Holy Bible's messages with rational interpretations exploring many of the mysteries therein, concluding that the predicted "end times" are approaching. He makes a thoughtful foray into biblical wording combined with scientific and historical fact, noting, for example, that the book of Genesis states that before the introduction of humanity, the earth was in total darkness. God did not support such darkness, so alterations were necessary. This teaching is underpinned by scriptural proofs.... (read more)

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Devotional

This 365-day self-help devotional typically consists of four to six sentences of guidance per day. It covers a variety of topics, including balancing life, relaxation, planning and making goals, motivation, questioning things, letting go of mistakes, and desires. It also explores empowerment, being in nature, regrets, sorrow, hope, organization, fun, creativity, kindness, picturing oneself at age five, and letting go of suffering. But the most important aspects that the book focuses on include love and happiness, what they are, and how to achieve them. This devotional also includes writing exercises, such as writing ten reasons you are a good person. In another devotion, it lists action steps for help and, for fun, also suggests singing three songs. It also focuses on doing affirmations. ... (read more)

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Skillful

Holly delivers an engaging mystery that blends family secrets with the real challenges of being thirteen. When Marnie Price loses her grandfather, a World War II code breaker, she discovers he left behind puzzling messages that lead her into dangerous territory involving Operation August Rain. ... (read more)

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Narrative Spark

Former US Representative Clifford B. Stearns, a Florida Republican, fortuitously kept a daily diary during the 1998 impeachment of former President William Jefferson Clinton. In Clinton's controversial case, articles of impeachment addressed lying under oath about his inappropriate sexual contact with a White House intern and obstruction of justice after attempts to influence witnesses and conceal evidence. Organized into five semi-monthly parts, beginning in mid-August 1998 and ending on Christmas Eve, 1998, the book translates Stearns' gut-level diary responses into an articulate rendering of the sobering and difficult process of determining whether the behavior of America's chief executive warrants investigation and articles of impeachment delivered to the US Senate. ... (read more)

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Peace of Mind

Jorgenson's book raises some thought-provoking questions and topics for discussion. For example, what happens when the modern secular message received in newscasts and online discussions bumps up against and contradicts biblical teachings and wisdom? What unforeseen problems appear on a daily basis for which there is already timeless advice for handling oneself and any issues as they arise? By comparing the everyday world to the teachings of Christianity, one sees how the lessons of the Old and New Testaments can guide one's thinking and reduce stress and anxiety through simple, direct connections. While society and politics will continue to debate whether to separate or integrate these two worlds, for believers and followers of God, the distinction between them has never truly existed.... (read more)

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Life, Giving Life

Many aspire to be rich and successful doctors who save patients' lives in a rewarding and admirable career. But the reality is far different, as is evident from reading Ita Gold's memoir—an honest portrayal of her grueling commitment, dedication, and perseverance to becoming such a doctor. Now a “tattooed grandmother,” Gold reflects on her storied life as she navigates the complexities of the medical profession alongside motherhood and being a woman. ... (read more)

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Love Can Heal

David and Ava had been paired by their respective families. David deeply loved Ava and would do anything for her. However, the wedding vows they took never accounted for the burden of Ava's family, a group of vindictive and duplicitous people intent on sabotaging their daughter's happiness. While David and Ava lived with Ava's parents, Ava was expected to cater to her mother and father's every whim and was subjected to their verbal abuse. A new home offered the couple repose, yet unexplained events plagued the couple, and they discovered that Ava's parents had put a curse on their new abode. David would come to understand that Ava had experienced a life of mistreatment from her family and that they would need to steel themselves to fight back against the onslaughts from Ava's parents. ... (read more)

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The Life

Casey's book chronicles her career in education. She begins by introducing the reader to the teachers she had as a student and how they impacted her. After her time at college, she discusses her first lessons as a part-time teacher and her early years as a beginning teacher. She discusses the lessons, both positive and negative, she learned from students and established teachers as she developed her own instructional style. ... (read more)

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Master-Slave

Lucius Marcius Phillipianus, son of Consul Quintus Marcius Phillipianus, had recently arrived in the province of Britannia with his wife, Aelia Paula, and their children: ten-year-old Marcia, seven-year-old Gaius, and five-year-old Marcilla-Gaia, along with their personal slaves. Gaius chose a slave named Verluccus, whom his father disapproved of because he believed Verluccus was too old for his son. Unfortunately, Verluccus escaped. Nine years later, Marcus Marcius Phillipianus, Lucius' brother, captured Verluccus and returned him to his owner. Verluccus attempted to kill Gaius, so Gaius' family wanted the slave dead. However, Gaius felt a strong connection to Verluccus and refused to allow that to happen. Gaius' goal was to make Verluccus obedient and tame throughout their journey. If he failed, he would reluctantly have to give the slave to his father, who would do as he pleased with him. ... (read more)

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Magic & Shapeshifting

Erlender is a necromancer in pursuit of elusive prey, a former army man named Jason Archer. Erlender is a brute who will blaze a trail of destruction in corralling him. Jason is a capable and efficient individual who carries out his tasks well. Iudgual, aka Grandmother, bears this in mind when she asks Jason to deliver an artifact for her. He sets out for Smoky Springs to exchange a package. His payment will allow him to harness his power: conjuring fire. During his travels, Jason meets a she-wolf named Akela, a chance encounter that leads him to discover he possesses a second skin that allows him to transform into a dragon named Xavier. The journey to Smoky Springs allows Jason to explore and access more of his core magic, which he may well need when he comes up against Erlender, who is two steps behind. ... (read more)

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The Good Samaritan

Brett is a plesiosaur who is very proud of his long neck and looks down it at others, especially pliosaurs with their short, stubby necks. In fact, he figures creatures like that don't even have names. When Brett attempts to bake some cookies using the cooking vents on the ocean's floor, he is attacked by three bandits and left bleeding with a large rock dropped on his neck, trapping him. Two different plesiosaurs pass him but make excuses for not helping him. When Kyle the pliosaur passes by, he sees Brett's precarious situation. Kyle drops his food, rescues Brett, takes him to the doctopus, and even pays for Brett's medical care. Kyle's kindness shows Brett how terrible he has been to others, and he decides to invite Kyle to eat with him. ... (read more)

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Rapid Pace

Allison Mackenzie is the captain of the Ticonderoga, a spacecraft built for exploration but primarily used by the United Planet Earth organization as a show of force to control global powers. While on what should have been a short and routine trip taking the ship away from Earth, Ticonderoga experiences a strange set of nearly catastrophic mishaps. Mackenzie also learns that her parents' house on Earth has burned down, and one of them didn't escape. ... (read more)

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Fun & Vibrant

In this colorful, wild adventure for young audiences, Ellie the Elephant meets Blessing the Giraffe, Bull the Blue Wildebeest, and Jackson the Hippopotamus. Blessing and his friends decide to take care of Ellie after they learn she is lost. However, Blessing, Bull, and Jackson have never seen an elephant, so they take Ellie to Mr. and Mrs. Rhino, knowing that the couple will know what to do with Ellie. What they learn is that Mrs. Rhino is Ellie's mama, and Ellie learns a valuable lesson about self-acceptance and being beautiful in one's own way, even if one is not like everybody else. Blessing and his curious friends also learn a priceless lesson about love and about how someone's individuality shouldn't be a reason to exclude them. ... (read more)

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Be Safe

In this book, youngsters meet Smarty and Moody. After Smarty sees Moody have a terrible accident, Smarty decides to help Moody learn safe practices so that Moody can protect himself. This leads the two brains to become best brain buddies. As their relationship grows, Smarty helps Moody develop good seat belt habits. He also encourages Moody to think about others and teaches him a valuable lesson about protecting babies by using a baby gate to block the stairs. As the two brains continue adventuring, they go skiing, and Smarty and Moody recognize the importance of wearing helmets during outdoor activities. By the book's end, Smarty and Moody share their safety tips and habits with others, including their families, and they make a pact to continue their adventures. ... (read more)

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Vivid Imagery

Living in underground lodging in 1960, the Brunes were a family of eight with another on the way. Fred and Flo Brune's oldest children, Mary and Judy, were teenage girls who did their best to entertain their four-year-old sister, Krissy, with books and paper dolls. But Krissy was highly energetic and willfully precocious. She much preferred traipsing through the woods with her older brothers, Mike, Rich, and Tommy. Despite their best intentions and earnest promises to be good, stay out of trouble, and take care of their younger sister, the Brune boys frequently found themselves embroiled in misguided mischief such as digging an army trench in the yard, ransacking their father's garage, and loading his wheelbarrow tire full of nails to construct an army jeep. No matter the adventure, Krissy tagged along with Mike, Rich, and Tommy as their pint-sized but determined fourth brother. ... (read more)

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Adorable

Zeus is a tiny terrier that lives on a beach in Florida. A family rescues him—Mia and Max—and they are moving because of Max being in the Navy. That's where the book centers around a nervous Zesus. He loves where he lives and is nervous about the move. He has so many questions about the move, such as whether it will be fun and if he will miss his friends. This is something that military families can relate to: trying to quell their child's fears. Mia teaches Zeus about "Pawsitive Thinking" to help with his fears. It helps him, and the little pup turns challenges into laughter. ... (read more)

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Sweet Story

Based on a true story, this children's book is about a mother cat and her four kittens who lived in a restaurant parking lot, where they played and hid from people and cars that scared them because they were feral. Kathy worked at the restaurant and fed them at night. In the winter, she tried to find homes for them, but she struggled to catch the quick kitten. When she did, no one wanted to adopt her. ... (read more)

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In the Garden

Ezra, the earthworm, plows tunnels under the garden every day as part of his job. The tunnels he creates allow water to drain and provide space for plant roots to grow. One morning, he pokes his head above the ground and overhears a group of chatty insects excitedly discussing their adventures in the garden. Intrigued, Ezra decides to push himself up and out of the soil. He thinks it will not cause any harm to take a day off to explore. During his day of exploration, Ezra meets several new friends, learns about each insect's role in helping plants grow in the garden, and comes to realize that his own role is the most important of all. ... (read more)

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Uplift Now

Author Chang sets forth the conditions and considerations required for experiencing life as satisfying, socially sensitive, and self-directed. Her dynamic thesis begins with the portrayal of many humans as simply reacting to life's exigencies rather than exploring possibilities to ameliorate their situation and manage their personal growth. In an ideal society, everyone will understand and cooperate within her/his innate status, but this requires that each one truly grasps the importance and intent of that status. Chang stresses that to "go with the flow," one must identify and immerse oneself in it. Authentic self-acceptance will arise from serious exploration of one's deepest wishes and abilities. Therefore, Chang advises readers to "search into your heart and look for feelings that are genuinely your own." ... (read more)

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