Fiction

Deep Fried

Mark Doyon (Wampus Multimedia)

| Reviewed by Yna Erdrich

In Mark Doyon's novel Deep Fried, Arjun Chatterjee, an Americanized millennial food-truck chef crafting multiethnic recipes in a parking lot outside the nation’s capital, pursues a young woman working in a Kafkaesque office nearby while navigating a world of oversized dreams and shaky prospects. He faces the ups and downs of creativity, love, and entrepreneurship in this tale of resilience and the quest for fulfillment, brimming with humor. Readers are treated to a richly layered exploration of human relationships, ambition, and cultural inters...

A Spiral of Moments

Robert Beech (PentaBeech LLC)

| Reviewed by Joanne Higbee

A Spiral of Moments by Robert Beech is set primarily against the backdrop of the small, idyllic Marcosta Island, Florida, weaving through the lives of its inhabitants as they contend with the repercussions of the past and the looming impact of present decisions. In early 1997, Marcosta Island faces an existential threat from billionaire developer Derek Nielsen. The narrative opens with a Hollywood press conference announcing Anna Nyholm’s debut as a film director for a project based on the story of Lieutenant Simon Bronson, a World War II hero...

The Ambition

Yvonne Blackwood (Friesen Press)

| Reviewed by Louise Garten

In the dynamic setting of 1990s Toronto, brothers John and Carmine Cippione strive to elevate their father's humble HVAC business by partnering with a formidable development company, chasing the dreams of wealth and success. However, when an evil industry adversary threatens their family's legacy with ruinous schemes, they find themselves entangled in a dangerous web of deceit, adultery, and murder. As their world unravels, the brothers must navigate these treacherous waters to salvage their father's name and secure their future amidst fierce a...

Discovering Treasure

Crystal Mary Lindsey (Amazon)

| Reviewed by Meg McKinnon

Discovering Treasure is the first installment in Crystal Mary Lindsey's Vision Valley series. This heartwarming and inspirational story follows the journey of a young woman named Treasure. She flees her chaotic life of fame as a successful model to find peace and purpose in the picturesque Vision Valley in Australia. In the dazzling world of 1920s Paris, Treasure Gilroy seems to have everything—except the love she truly needs. When a mysterious bond with Ella Dittmar compels her to leave it all behind, Treasure journeys to the breathtaking Aust...

Mit Out Sound

Rick Lenz (Chromodroid Press)

| Reviewed by Rachel Groover

Rick Lenz explores ambition, identity, and the shadows of Hollywood in his spectacular novel, Mit Out Sound. The story follows Emily Bennett, a young woman with prosopagnosia—a condition that impairs her ability to recognize faces. Growing up in Beverly Hills, she nurtures strong aspirations in the film industry —her identity is often conflated with those she cannot acknowledge or understand fully. The plot takes readers to the late 20th century, highlighting Emily's ambition to resurrect a lost film starring John Wayne and James Dean, titled “...

No Halo Required

Travis Casey (Travis Casey)

| Reviewed by Jeff Klune

Travis Casey’s No Halo Required plunges readers into the murky waters of morality, race, and personal choices, condensed in a gripping narrative centered around the complex lives of its characters, primarily Isaiah Hightower, an African American vice principal, and his illicit relationship with Alicia Saunders, a young stripper. The story immediately immerses readers in the duality of Isaiah’s life—a respected community leader by day, indulging in questionable pleasures by night. But when his double life is about to unravel, Isaiah must do ever...

The Road To Second Chance

Toni M. Andrews (Paper House)

| Reviewed by Matthew Novak

Toni M. Andrews’ The Road to Second Chance is a clever exploration of grief, grit, and the quest for closure set against the backdrop of 1962 small-town West Virginia and the suburbs of Washington, D.C. The narrative follows Laney Mae Martin, whose idyllic early childhood is shattered by the tragic loss of her father, Gil. The emotional turmoil unleashed by his death—a life-altering car crash that takes both his life and that of another woman—catalyzes a haunting journey of self-discovery. Can she ever come to terms with the loss, and how does...

12 New Christmas Stories

Terry Broxson et al. (Atmosphere Press)

| Reviewed by Jayne Anne Rooney

12 New Christmas Stories is an anthology comprising holiday-themed tales that examine the family, hope, generosity, and the magic of the holiday season. The collection combines the talents of Lee Allen Hill, Diane Kenel-Truelove, Terry Broxson, Ann Mullen-Martin, and Jay Squires, each contributing their unique narrative style and creative imagination. This anthology reflects the authors' compelling storytelling ability, intertwining poignant moments with heartwarming humor to evoke the spirit and traditions of Christmas. “Jesús and Donkey” by L...

Where the Heart Is, A Hom...

D.L. Norris (Outskirts Press)

| Reviewed by Jayne Anne Rooney

In Where the Heart Is, D.L. Norris delivers a profoundly moving tale that skillfully examines themes of family, loss, and the struggle for reconciliation against the picturesque backdrop of Nebraska. Following the death of Jenna Davis-Wilson’s father, she, along with her children, decides to return to her childhood home. This return sets in motion a series of revelations that could destroy her family, including a dark family secret hidden in the attic and disturbing connections to a widow. Jenna's husband, Marcus, a highly regarded obstetrician...

Milestoneville Drama Seri...

Golden November (Independently published)

| Reviewed by Sarah Harkness

Milestoneville Drama Series is the first book in a new series by Golden November. It delivers thrilling drama that examines the intersection of several lives and characters within the vibrant and tumultuous setting of Milestoneville. This drama deftly explores themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of success, all while maintaining a grounded sense of humor and camaraderie among its cast. The drama features intriguing characters like Jimbo (JBT) and Good (G), whose camaraderie is marked by their shared exp...

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