John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A thoughtful and meditative collection, Bridges: To There – Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit by Gary W. Burns is filled with poetry that is both accessible and uplifting. From reflecting on ancient philosophy to reinforcing the powerful depths of love and our capacity for it, Burns’ poems read like stirring mantras – sometimes just a few lines or words long – but they stick with a reader like subtle prayers. Though some of these brief verses could be expanded to be more impactful, or perhaps combined into longer pieces, this collection is nourishing and inspirational for readers who […]

For anyone who publishes a book and actually wants people to read it, Business Basics for Authors by Hank Quense is a must-read. While the marketing, taxes, profit margins, and business ownership aspects of writing are usually pain points for authors, this book attempts to simplify and streamline the process as much as possible. With a conversational, easily accessible tone and an intuitive flow to the material being presented, this book is comprehensive without being intimidating. There are some redundancies in the text, and occasional informal moments that slightly diminish the author’s expert authority, but as a whole, this quick […]

A novelist with nothing left to live for takes a raunchy and reflective trip down memory lane in The Music of Women by Vincent Panettiere. While the unfiltered mind of a sex-addled protagonist who “loves women too much” may cause some to raise an eyebrow, this novel takes a rough-cut look at gender relations and modern intimacy. Complete with a good amount of linguistic acrobatics and a refreshingly authentic voice, this confessional novel explores memory and sentiment, attempting to bridge the gap between lust, love, and the natural cycles of life. All told, Panettiere delivers a savagely honest inner monologue […]

Author Steve Amoia presents his comprehensive and brutally honest story in My Journey With OCD, tackling the ins and outs of this surprisingly common condition, yet one that remains stigmatized and poorly understood in many circles. Most powerfully, this account examines some of the obstacles – personal, psychological, emotional, and sexual – that keep people from seeking help. Some of the prose could be tightened up or slimmed down with a careful edit, as there are important points that are overshadowed in repetition or circuitous language. However, Amoia lays out the science in a clear and accessible way, supporting […]

The Pastor Stephen Grant universe grows a bit wider and more fascinating with Ray Keating’s latest short story release, What’s Lost? (The Pastor Stephen Grant Series Book 15). Told in the first-person style Keating has recently adopted, this gripping tale of deception, retribution, and redemption careens from New York and France to Vietnam in a journal entry plotline filled with espionage, action, and a good deal of enticing mystery. While this story – and many other Pastor Grant adventures – can feel like a rushed cross between Clive Cussler, “National Treasure,” and James Bond, Keating’s original twists and singular […]