John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A riveting and genre-bending presentation of historical fact, I Was A VIP on 11/22/63 by Dr. Diane Holloway Cheney is a one-of-a-kind dive into the mind of a notorious assassin. While most may know the story of that deadly day in Dallas, this in-depth peek into the origins and mindset of Lee Harvey Oswald is revelatory in a way that any amateur lover of history will appreciate. The countless hours of research, structuring, and editorial work that went into this remarkably formatted book are obvious. Cheney is a masterful storyteller that pulls readers into the past with visceral prose, an […]

Author Victoria Clayton, a year after losing her parents, embarks on a painful drive-about to regain some semblance of herself in Grief in the Van: An Adult Orphan, A Cat and A Tiny Home-On-Wheels. In the spirit of Steinbeck, Clayton takes readers on a journey of self-reflection, discovery, and recovery – a love letter to the land, to adventure, and to the healing power of solitude. Throughout the narrative are raw accounts of personal grief in all its unpredictability and severity – authentically told and affecting. This deeply nostalgic and visceral memoir reveals a challenging path toward progress, and […]

A prophetic and breathless drama, Change by NG Nelson is a creative explosion of visionary fiction kicking off a new sci-fi saga. There is non-stop energy bouncing between these intertwined narratives, immersing readers in a semi-dystopian future where loyalty has a price tag and technology is inseparable from existence. Driven by compelling characters and a sprawling, era-spanning plot, with conspiracy and betrayal around every turn, this is a truly relentless story. An experienced editor could manage some of the linguistic madness, and find a better balance between internal monologue, narration, and dialogue, but the pace is electric from start to […]

A colorful and info-packed guide to some of the best eating in South Florida, Keys Eats: Signature Recipes and Noteworthy Restaurants from the Florida Keys & Key West by Pamela Childs is far more than an average dining guide. Boasting profiles of local chefs, the backstories of legendary eateries, and unique recipes for signature dishes, this genre-defying read is a must-have if you’re a resident of the Keys, a food lover who loves to travel, or someone who wants to try Florida delicacies from their own kitchen. Reminiscent of Joy Williams’ personal guide to Florida, this book is a delectable […]