Editorial Reviews

A welcome revelation for parents, guardians, teachers, and people at large, Raising Future Leaders: How to Turn Tiny Tyrants into Titans by Nam Nguyen is a wholly original and accessible compendium of leadership advice. Far more than a standard parenting manual, this book focuses on how to actively provide children with the foundations for success throughout their lives. From key concepts of adaptability, resilience, curiosity, goal-setting, and self-reliance to lessons on habit-building, sleep patterns, social skills, financial responsibility, critical thinking, and kindness, this comprehensive guide is empowering, while sensitive to the fact that children are indeed young and perhaps less […]

Logic clashes with legend in Guardians of the Ley Lines by Greg Maxfield, a thoughtful and entertaining supernatural thriller that challenges both ancient beliefs and the arrogance of modernity. A data-driven researcher is determined to disprove the existence of ley lines in the spiritual nexus of Redstone, Arizona, but the inexplicable phenomena he finds there transcend indigenous folklore or cozy local delusions. Quick-moving and relentlessly probing about the clash of science and spirit, this novel delivers a clever condemnation of contemporary society and a stern reminder for all to respect the lifeblood of the Earth.

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A charming array of colorful characters makes Easter at the Three Coins Inn by Kimberly Sullivan a captivating second installment of her richly picturesque Three Coins series. A beleaguered Midwest journalist, a couple in crisis, a mourning restauranteur and more fill the rooms of this well-kept Italian inn, leading to tension, romance, and surprising pathways of healing. Though the narrative focus shifts away from Emma and Annarita, their friendship and support underpin this pastoral getaway tale, immersing readers in sun-drenched drama and the relatable relief of an unpredictable and unforgettable holiday, which feels like taking a holiday in itself with […]

An immersive and emotional work of historical fiction about the immigrant experience in early 20th-century America, What Once Was Promised by Louis Trubiano is a brilliant multigenerational saga told over four decades. From his tiny village in Abruzzo, Italy, Domenic Bassini lands in Boston, a city heaving with both opportunity and unrest. Dominic, Joseph, and Ermino take very different paths as they try to succeed in the country, and Dominic must navigate his friendships amongst the political and social dangers of the city. Well-researched and beautifully written, Trubiano brings both character and setting to vivid life, unveiling both the promise […]

An immersive historical reflection on seeking your purpose and finding your courage, Crossing the Blue Ridge: A Tale of King’s Mountain by L.E. Denton is a coming-of-age novel that celebrates brotherhood and patriotism, set against the growing sparks of the American Revolution. Caleb leaves a painful childhood behind to make his fortune in the unknown wilderness, but unlikely companions and the drumbeat of war pull him into a seminal moment of overlooked history. Consistent in its colloquial and authentic tone, this deeply researched narrative is engaging from page one, with compelling characters who are each believable in their emotions, moral […]

An inspiring YA novel about mental health, family, and friendship, Bridges of Resilience: A Teenage Journey of Friendship, Courage, and Discovery by Suanne Lewis is a message-laden novel written with delicate and sensitive prose. Nina is about to start her first year in high school when she receives the sudden news of her parents’ separation, making her the target of bullies, compounding her angst and despondency. By joining the peer support group at school, however, she finds a way to overcome her troubles and learn to help herself and others. Authored by a psychologist, the novel has the feel of […]

A brooding crimefighter and a teenage vigilante find their purposes entwined after a suspicious death in From Legend by Ian Lewis, a gritty urban mystery in a reimagined fantasy world. The method of the murder suggests a more sinister enemy than suicide – a merciless force of evil long thought vanquished, but perhaps instead has been waiting, scheming, and rebuilding its vicious power. Richly dripping in lyrical language and the ominous aura of a gothic horror, this first book in The Reeve series is a masterclass in world-building and mood-setting, elevated further by a thrilling but deeply haunted hero, and […]

An amusing and astute companion for anyone walking down the aisle, The Little Black Book of Marriage Wisdom: Quotes on Weddings, Divorce, & Happily Ever After by Mike Kowis, Esq. is a neatly curated collection of quotable advice. Offering classic takes on maintaining wedded bliss, clever quips for celebratory toasts, and sage one-liners for grooms and brides alike, this book draws on the wisdom of everyone from Groucho Marx and Mae West to Maya Angelou and Bruce Lee. Certain to alleviate the stress and spark a smile about the big day, this trove of clever witticisms reminds readers of the […]