Editorial Reviews

A spiritually-driven journey through heartbreak, loss, miraculous joy, and personal salvation, Through the Looking Glass by G. Sylvester is a touching and well-penned novel. A highly successful fertility specialist, Kristen cannot bear children of her own, in a story that is fraught with drama, as Kristen’s unheard prayers are a dramatic current beneath the prose, while her outer triumphs and trials as an independent professional make for inspiring reading. Though there are some moments that are overly sentimental, the relationships and revelations that define this book are rich, authentic, and strong in expressions of faith, for an emotional and affecting […]

An intimate story of perseverance, hope, and the unexpected obstacles that can derail even the most innocent lives, When Forever Breaks by D.A. Callahan is a heartwrenching and emotionally charged read. A contested adoption and the reappearance of a nightmare from young Oliver’s past threaten to unravel the fragile peace he has finally found, in a novel that is painfully relatable, no matter one’s experience. While some of the narration tells, rather than shows, the dialogue captures the raw desperation of a family in crisis, and Callahan demonstrates her skill as an author in drawing the reader into their dramatic […]

A sharply penned drama of growing up, guilt, and the frightening legacy of one’s ancestry, Uncle Jed by Frank C. Senia is an emotionally charged look into the secrets we bury, and the sacrifices required to unearth them. Excited by the prospect of spending a summer away from the city and her unapproachable parents, young Tomi has no idea what adventures, revelations, and wisdom await with her eccentric Uncle Jed. Their regular reminiscing over old memories leads to dark family tragedies being revealed, shedding light on painful truths in Tomi’s own life, and connecting the pair in ways neither could […]

Lessons from a Late Bloomer: Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl by Jackie Ewing is a wholly engrossing collection of autobiographical stories ranging from the sweet and melancholic to the lighthearted and downright comical. Adventurous and everchanging, Jackie has worked many jobs, married twice, lived in several countries, and now has collected her most significant memories around ten life lessons, providing something of a self-help text among the entertaining anecdotes. Although the book could do with a little trimming for repetition, Ewing’s memoir is a relatable read for her willingness to lay herself bare, mixed with an inspiring passion for the […]

Concise yet lyrical, Nathan Nicolau’s Vantage Points is a collection of flash fiction pieces that draw from the beauty and hardship of being human. From farmers beholding the ravages of a drought to the female figures in a Giacometti painting, Nicolau dives into the little joys and the sufferings of everyday life with quick and skillful strokes. Although some pieces seem like prose poetry, or verse that has been put into one paragraph, most of the pieces are impressively self-contained with endings that resonate as much as longer works, for a thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating collection that has much to […]

Manning a Raptor by AA Freda is a deft mixture of drama and high-stakes political thriller, centering on the tumultuous lives of Sam and James. Despite being in the midst of a massive business venture, and adding a new member of the family, the Coppi couple is foolishly hoping for a relaxing next chapter. However, their ambitions mean getting in bed with the American military, slick politicians, and dirty money from guerrilla fighters in Chile, which threatens to put them squarely in dangerous crosshairs. While this globe-trotting thriller peeks into the lives of the wealthy and the towering halls of […]

A sprawling 19th century drama with a flair for the romantic, The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi is a lavish tale of tragedy, salvation, passion, and the endless puzzles of courtship. Pedro Daun haunts his winemaking estate like a shadow of his former self, within sight of his heartbreak, yet the soul of a warrior still burns within him. Anne may be the sister of his bitter rival, but the fire of their unexpected connection is undeniable, despite the dire consequences of their pairing. Capturing the tone, detail, and societal pomp of a Victorian classic, this titillating read is […]

Addressing one of the most pressing and least-discussed crises facing young Americans, The ISSA Manuscript: An American Public Policy Statement by Scott A. Ginn confidently proposes an alternative to current Social Security policy that will ensure its longevity and sustainability for future generations. The text is relatively short, but quite dense, targeted specifically at those who are familiar with the system, or legislators who could potentially adopt these proposals. Comprehensive in its scope and impressive in its foresight, the argument for such a necessary shift in policy is presented logically and intuitively, and the professional/technical tone rarely slips, presenting a […]