John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

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 […]

A deep dive into the seminal experiences that shaped her life, Whispers from the Universe by Georgina Morello is an inspiring collection of personal essays marking touchstones of her spiritual journey. Fearlessly leading readers through emotional volatility, depression, trauma, and her spiritual awakening, the author details the unusual path of growth and learning the universe unfurled before her. The prose is rich with meaning, but accessible, and while an editor could help with organization, Morello’s writing is informative and engaging throughout. Whether she is communing with her inner voice, dissecting the painful past, or opening herself to new experiences, this […]