Romance

Guessing at Normal

Gail Ward Olmsted (Jericho Road)

| Reviewed by Louise Garten

In Guessing at Normal, Gail Ward Olmsted delivers a gripping romance that deftly explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complications of love against the backdrop of the tumultuous music industry. The novel follows the journey of Jill Griffin, a young woman seeking normalcy amid a chaotic life filled with dysfunctional family relationships and a burgeoning romance with James Sheridan, a struggling musician. Readers are introduced to a cast of characters who contribute richly to Jill's journey of self-discovery and the quest for authent...

Make a Wish, Anna

(JC Books Ltd)

| Reviewed by Yna Erdrich

Juliana Chan’s Make a Wish, Anna is a compelling exploration of ambition, love, and self-identity set against the backdrop of the high-pressure world of Hollywood. The narrative follows Anna, an unassuming makeup artist entangled in a tumultuous relationship with Chris Steward, a rising movie star. The novel opens with a poignant moment at Anna's birthday celebration, where she hesitates over her wish, foreshadowing her internal struggles throughout the story. Anna gave up on her wishes after losing her parents. When handsome movie st...

Southern Refuge: Cowboy's...

Eliza McJames (Self-published)

| Reviewed by Louise Garten

Southern Refuge: Cowboy's Song by Eliza McJames delivers a delightful narrative that intertwines themes of identity, freedom, and emotional healing through the lives of its main characters, Elle (Ellie Thompson) and Dawson Barkley. The story unfolds as Ellie, a pop star haunted by fame, escapes from her controlling life and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, while Dawson, a former Marine dealing with trauma, seeks purpose on his family's ranch. The plot centers around Ellie’s decision to flee her glamorous but suffocating life during...

The Long Journey to You

Vincent Traughber Meis (Spectrum Books)

| Reviewed by Brenda Baiocchi

In The Long Journey to You, Vincent Traughber Meis delivers a poignant narrative exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery through the lens of its protagonist, Nathan. The novel follows Nathan as he navigates life after the death of his partner, Anthony, given the weight of societal expectations and his internal struggles. The plot centers around Nathan's attempts to forge a connection with Mateo, a nurse caring for his ailing mother, against the backdrop of his lingering grief and bitter memories of the past.  The setti...

The Scarlet D

Kirsten Pursell (Kirsten Pursell)

| Reviewed by Brenda Baiocchi

In The Scarlet D by Kirsten Pursell, Scarlet embarks on a daring journey of self-reinvention after a thirty-year marriage crumbles. Seeking solace on Sullivan's Island, she joins a divorced women's book club, hoping to connect with like-minded souls. Amidst the stunning backdrop of South Carolina, her dormant desires come to life when she encounters the charming Ben, a younger man who challenges her boundaries. However, the confident Beau, a maturer suitor and a man more suited for her age, offers a glimpse of true connection. As past wounds re...

Edge of Destiny

Phil Brown (www.Blurb.com)

| Reviewed by Meg McKinnon

Phil Brown’s Edge of Destiny delivers a captivating tale woven from the threads of history, love, and the mysteries of time travel. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, the story follows high school seniors Theo Ferris and Claudia, who find themselves navigating the uncertain terrain of young love while facing the impending storm of global conflict. The story begins in Norfolk County, where the idyllic charm of rural life contrasts sharply with the horrors brewing across the Atlantic. Theo, a boy from the farm, dreams of enlisti...

The Side Project

Laurel Osterkamp (The Wild Rose Press)

| Reviewed by Franklin Bauer

Laurel Osterkamp's The Side Project delivers an engaging exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery against the backdrop of small-town intrigues. The story follows Rylee, a young aspiring writer dealing with her father's death and her romantic entanglements while striving to carve out a future in the fiction world. She dreams of moving to California, writing literary fiction, and pursuing her late father’s dreams. But then she unexpectedly runs into the man who rejected her ten years ago — Carson. Carson’s dream of the Ivy League i...

Switch V: The Pos-ass-ion...

Ardie Stallard (Pink Flamingo Media)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

Switch V: The PossASSion of Felicia Guthrie is the latest installment in Ardie Stallard's Switch series, which examines the complex dynamics of dominant-submissive relationships. This novel delves deeper into the lives of Felicia Guthrie, a submissive, and her husband, Joe, a dominant, as they navigate their roles and relationships with others. The story begins with Felicia and her best friend, Jessica, waiting for Joe to return from a business trip. Felicia Culbertson Guthrie is a mother and wife who loves her husband, Joe. That is why she goe...

Journey's Arcane

Eda Scott (Atmosphere Press)

| Reviewed by James Farlow

Journey’s Arcane by Eda Scott is an intriguing narrative blending mystery, romance, and a dash of supernatural lore. The story follows Nora Carter, a young woman escaping the toxic grip of her family with the mission of preserving a historical property in Journey, Manitoba. Her journey is laden with personal revelations, family confrontations, and unexpected romantic entanglements, especially with the enigmatic bartender Leon. The book opens with a beautifully detailed description of Nora's nostalgic drive to this quaint town, setting the...

The Fallen Man

Cat Treadgold (Cat Treadgold)

| Reviewed by Christian Fernandez

The Fallen Man by Cat Treadgold is a captivating conclusion to the Olympic Peninsula series. It features intriguing characters amidst the picturesque backdrop of Port Townsend. The narrative is filled with familial tensions, romantic entanglements, and personal growth, drawing readers into a world where secrets simmer beneath the surface and the ghosts of the past refuse to be ignored. Edward is a former priest who embraces new freedom and struggles with love and desire. He struggles internally as he navigates his post-clerical life, and his en...

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!