John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Author Dedrick Moone explores the hidden superpowers of a father – along with the inevitable fears, victories, and frightening moments – in Dear Daughter: A Love Story, his latest book celebrating unique and resilient families. Vibrantly detailing his journey as a father, and showcasing the endless love and energy he poured out to care for his beloved child, this colorful read is a testimony to growth and emotional strength. That said, the prose could be tightened and edited down in certain places – there are a handful of obvious editing errors, and some passages are overly wordy or informal. […]

Author Shermaine Perry-Knights puts her lived experience as a military kid to beautiful use in I Move A Lot and That’s Okay. Utilizing affirming and confident language about the positive elements of a transient lifestyle, the book will help particular young readers adjust to the implicit challenges of relocation. Addressing everything from cultural shifts and unwarranted fears to challenging goodbyes and the potential pleasures of change, this charming story subtly touches on a myriad of psychological and emotional obstacles for military kids. The digital illustrations are colorful and engaging, and the small formatting splashes of color keep the prose […]

Author Laura Strobel peels open her heart and reveals a path to healing in her memoir, Accountability: Facing the truth to discover self-empowerment, a searing look at domestic violence, the deeply flawed justice system in America, and the long-term impacts of trauma in its many forms. Straying from the traditional framework of healing grief in five stages, Strobel addresses the complex issues of incarceration, both during and after, as well as the inalterable changes it can cause in one’s self-identity and relationships. Penned with raw emotional honesty, this is both a memoir and a guide for mindfulness, and would […]

Author Marie-Claire Ross delivers a master class in leadership, trust-building, and communication with her latest book Trusted to Thrive: How leaders create connected and accountable teams. The three overarching steps/sections may seem intuitive, but Ross’ focus on creating a safe environment where experimentation, trust, and connection are encouraged, rather than conformity and competition, stands out as a unique focal point of her approach. Peppered with accessible and creative analogies, as well as practical steps that leaders and team members can employ for greater success, this book is easy to read, but simultaneously dives deep on critical points. Cleanly edited […]

Author JoDee Neathery dissects the bonds and wounds of the unforgettable Mackie family in A Kind of Hush. While a tragic accident at Zoar Valley Gorge nearly tears the Mackie family apart, the investigation into what happened on that fateful day may reveal even more dark and divisive truths. Exploring the long road of pain, anger, and forgiveness after grief, this intimate peek at familial healing is striking in its level of detail. Though this intense family drama tells a riveting story, the quality of the prose doesn’t always hold up; an overabundance of metaphors and similes, along with […]