Fiction

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...

Old Books and Faded Dream...

D. L. Norris (Outskirts Press)

| Reviewed by Lee Robbins

Old Books and Faded Dreams by D. L. Norris is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports you to the picturesque town of Tilden, Nebraska. The story follows Maggie Davis, a strong and hardworking widow living in a grand Victorian estate with her lively nine-year-old daughter Jenna. Maggie’s life revolves around her bed-and-breakfast, a hub of community and conversation, with an eclectic cast of guests. Her business provides a venue for socializing, gossip, and at times, heated discussions. Maggie’s life is about to be upended when a...

Scoundrels & Cocktails

Joe Newell (Self published / Marsteles Enterprises)

| Reviewed by Lee Robbins

Reid Franco is a rough-around-the-edges private investigator with a heart of gold. Once a baseball player and stuntman, now a reluctant hero with personal demons, Reid’s business is helping people solve their problems—though he struggles to fix his own. Reckless, stubborn, and a bit of a drinker, he dives headfirst into dangerous cases, from dismantling sex trafficking rings to confronting gangs. The narrative features intriguing episodes that are delivered with wit and humor, beginning with Reid stuck in traffic, pondering the idea of adding “...

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