Fiction

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...

Lookin' for Love: A Novel

Susen Edwards (She Writes Press)

| Reviewed by George Buehlman

Susen Edwards’ Lookin' for Love delivers a deeply moving tale that spans decades. It chronicles the tumultuous life of Ava Novak, a character shaped by a painful childhood, multiple tumultuous relationships, and the search for self-worth and stability amidst chaos. The novel's depth lies in its rich character development, intricate conflicts, plot twists, and a setting that evolves alongside Ava's journey. It is 1963, and nineteen-year-old Ava is trapped in a cycle of violence and despair after marrying an alcoholic and being cast aside by...

The Pond of Reflection

Catherine Ann Russell (Basketful Relief Project)

| Reviewed by John Grossman

Catherine Ann Russell’s The Pond of Reflection is the first installment in The Pearls of Wisdom Series. This tale beautifully intertwines a coming-of-age narrative with profound lessons drawn from biblical wisdom. The story follows a young mouse named Journee, the daughter of a kind and wise king, who embarks on a quest to discover her identity. At the heart of the book is the compelling message that emphasizes the reflection of one's heart in one's life—a theme that resonates deeply throughout the narrative. The plot unfolds in the Mirror...

Billy Tapper Zillionaire

Gary Finnan (Wellness Writers Press (October 17, 2023))

| Reviewed by George Buehlman

In Billy Tapper Zillionaire, Gary Finnan crafts a vivid portrayal of post-World War II Britain through the eyes of young Billy McTaggart, a tapper in a bustling railyard. With a backdrop juxtaposing the clattering of steam engines with the dawning of the space age, the novel immerses readers in a world where history intertwines with personal growth and societal change. Billy, small in stature but rich in intellect, struggles with the challenges of adolescence, from bullying to burgeoning romance. His relationship with Meg, a fiercely ambitious...

Footsteps in the Dark

Carlo Armenise (Author's Tranquility Press)

| Reviewed by John Grossman

Footsteps in the Dark: Stories of the Bizarre and Unusual by Carlo Armenise delivers an intriguing collection of horror stories. While these are not your run-of-the-mill horror tales, they examine the darker parts of human nature, presenting sophisticated and genuinely flawed characters. In “A Conversation with Death,” Jeremy, still reeling from the murder of his wife, joins forces with FBI veteran Flannigan to chase a serial killer who stabs his victims, both male and female, twenty to thirty times with a hunting knife. Can Jeremy find the kil...

Dancing With Dragons

Jenni Ogden (Sea Dragon Press)

| Reviewed by Jeff Klune

In Western Australia's Coral Coast, a young girl's life is forever changed when she discovers a magical secret beneath the waves. After a devastating tragedy, Gaia, a talented ballet dancer with a promising future, is torn from her family and her dreams. Two years later, she returns to the abandoned property, determined to survive off the land. As she navigates the harsh realities of isolation, she finds solace in the wild animals and a deep bond with Mary and Eddie, an Aboriginal couple who work on the neighboring property. But when Jarrah, Ma...

Miracle at Angels Bend

R. Christian Bohlen (Carpenter's Son Publishing)

| Reviewed by John Grossman

R. Christian Bohlen's Miracle at Angels Bend is a profound and compassionate exploration of faith, healing, and personal transformation framed within the struggles of several characters in a small town. With an engaging and thoughtful narrative style, Bohlen weaves together various lives, each character struggling with unique challenges, dilemmas, and hopes for redemption through faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The book introduces readers to characters like Josh, Hannah, Dave, and Larina, who represent a spectrum of contempor...

Dear Book Lover!

Welcome to The Book Commentary, home of the Best Books in over 200 categories. Thousands of books are published every month and we pick the best for you. We only recommend and publish reviews for books with ratings of 4-5 Stars. Join our growing community of thousands of readers, booksellers, and librarians and discover books that delight and shape readers like you!