John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Author Louisa Pateman bares her soul, and her relatable story of unlucky love in Single, Again, and Again, and Again… From the whimsical memories of early childhood romance to the painful reality of a thirty-something who feels doomed to loneliness, this book will strike a chord in anyone who has had a heartbreak, especially if it hasn’t fully healed. Readers trace Pateman’s ever-changing life plan throughout this vulnerable and savagely honest narrative, watching her mindset and philosophy shift in fascinating ways. While this is only one person’s story and strategy for finding self-satisfaction and purpose, there is also universal insight […]

Capturing the root, growth and revelations of romance during a tumultuous time in history, Uri Full of Light by author Holly Sortland is a vivid cultural snapshot and a delicate exploration of personal evolution. Hannah and Uri dominate the storyline of this decade-spanning tale, which includes the awkwardness of youth, challenges to faith and family tradition, compassionate friendship and the pain of both real and vicarious loss. The language is authentic, the detailed scope of the characters’ lives is immersive, and the dialogue is both emotional and believable. While some expositional sections drag in terms of pacing, this remarkable story […]

Simple in delivery and profound in depth, Moments: This to the Next is a soothing collection of thoughtful poetry from Gary W. Burns. Addressing universal and abstract concepts, as well as cerebral truths and meditative peace, many of these poems read like koans or haikus – brief, but intended to be consumed slowly and with great consideration. Many of the messages are classic wisdom restated in a poetic tongue, but there are also unique observations buried in these off-beat verses that hit home. Though some readers may want more complexity, Burns reflects on unifying themes with a subtle touch, making […]