Fiction

The Legacy of Prairie Win...

Glenda K Clare (Independent)

| Reviewed by Elena Enger

The Legacy of Prairie Winds by Glenda K Clare is a saga that chronicles the life of Johann (John) Gehring, a young German immigrant who bravely journeys to America in search of a new life. At sixteen, Johann arrives in the Nebraska’s rugged prairies. He encounters tornadoes, prairie fires, and experiences the freezing winters. He learns to survive in the midst of the fiercest challenges. Adopting the name John, he finds love with Helena, and together they build a home and raise five children, including the spirited Berta. Helena teaches her chi...

King the Wonder Dog and O...

Eleanor Lerman (She Writes Press)

| Reviewed by John Grossman

King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories by Eleanor Lerman is a delightful collection of short stories that examine the quiet struggles and unexpected moments of ordinary lives. Laura is an aging woman seeking to adopt an older dog; Jeanne faces loneliness amid Macy’s bewilderment and her search for a lost pet. Cassandra struggles with her mental health in a hospital, and her husband provides care and unexpected responses in “Normal People.” “Old Dogs” follows Steven, a Jersey City maintenance worker, as he confronts aging and mortality while remi...

Beyond Zero

Asawer K (Independently Published)

| Reviewed by Rachel Groover

Beyond Zero by Asawer K. is a haunting tale that plunges you into the depths of trauma, mental health, and the indelible scars of depressive pain and struggle. The narrative centers mainly on Lily, a young woman struggling with invisible wounds. It intertwines her journey with mythic tales of girls like Serelai and Eline, who confront their own darkness in unique worlds. The book explores the complex layers of grief, silence, and grit, capturing the often-unnoticed struggles of those experiencing depression. Lily’s internal monologues unveil de...

The Karma Club

Harbinder Mathadu (Amazon)

| Reviewed by Rachel Groover

The Karma Club by Harbinder Mathadu is a gripping novel that features multiple subplots spanning India and the UK, centered on themes of guilt, redemption, and the cyclical nature of karma. The story begins with a vivid depiction of a rural Indian village where a tragic fire claims the lives of a family, leaving a young Raj haunted by guilt, believing himself responsible for their deaths. Years later, in London, Raj struggles with deep-seated trauma and loneliness, finding solace only in fleeting moments of connection, especially with Gabby, a...

New Again

Don Tassone (Toerner Press)

| Reviewed by Brenda Baiocchi

New Again by Don Tassone is a compelling collection of interconnected stories that explore themes of renewal, forgiveness, human connection, and purpose. The stories present an array of characters and settings, each exploring a unique human experience.   “New Eyes” is about Betsy Mitchell’s journey through her fears and mental health struggles to seeing life differently, thanks to her connection with family and conversations with her new Muslim neighbor, Shakila. Other stories present the lives of individuals facing loss, guilt, and r...

Knock Out

Jaden Noble (Friesen Press)

| Reviewed by Jeff Klune

Jaden Noble delivers a captivating tale in Knock Out, a perfect read for YA fans. The story introduces Zena, a young woman fighting to escape her traumatic past and protect her future. Her father has been a monster, and all she wants is never to have anything to do with him. She has struggled with homelessness and has hit the lowest point she could ever imagine before tumbling into the gym, where she doesn’t just find a place to train, but people she can call family. The gym gives her the space to train and to reclaim her identity, but when she...

Marie's Nutcracker

Margaret Marie Klenzing (Stewart Education Services)

| Reviewed by Joanne Higbee

Margaret Marie Klenzing’s debut is a heartwarming and compelling exploration of a young dancer’s journey through the world of ballet. You’ll discover the magic of ballet and the power of friendship in Marie’s Nutcracker, fully illustrated with nineteen original drawings by Rori Alexander. This captivating story follows seventeen-year-old Marie, a talented dancer, as she embarks on a journey to become a professional ballerina. Witness her struggle with insecurities, rivalries, and her feelings for handsome Peter, a professional dancer from New Y...

The Location Scout

Michael Jarvis (‎ Michael Jarvis)

| Reviewed by Elena Enger

The Location Scout by Michael Jarvis presents a witty and engaging exploration of the behind-the-scenes chaos of location scouting for film and advertising projects. The story is set against the backdrop of the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. Lucas Sloan is a seasoned but cynical location scout who, after experiencing setbacks in his previous mission, accepts a new project to scout for the perfect movie location in the sugar industry in the Dominican Republic. This one doesn’t come easy, and he must navigate a strange terrain, meeting with...

The Last Ghost: An Unexpe...

D.E. Ring (Grinder)

| Reviewed by James Farlow

The Last Ghost: An Unexpected Occurrence by D.E. Ring is an enthralling tale that follows Joshua Stewart, a gifted and ambitious young man navigating the complexities of wealth, family, and personal identity. The story follows his childhood on the Toronto Bluffs, the tragic death of his parents in Thailand, his education at prestigious schools, and his daring ventures into business and finance, where he is passionate about technology and innovation. As Joshua matures, he carefully maneuvers through a world of inheritance, trust funds, and entre...

A Mixed Bag

Agnes McIntyre (FriesenPress)

| Reviewed by Matthew Novak

A Mixed Bag by Agnes McIntyre is a delightful offering for fans of short stories, featuring sixteen tales. This book presents characters who are intriguing and find themselves in resonant situations. In “The Gift,” the author explores the beauty of simple gestures and their profound emotional impact. “Double Whammy” explores the dynamics between luck and grit, and “Some Such Something” delves into the eccentricities of life and the experience of confronting reality. In other stories, a woman in her seventies visits her past and discovers the po...

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