Editorial Reviews

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 […]

In Evolution Ended: The Next Stage of American Society, J.J. Jerome puts forth a comprehensive treatise that claims our current circumstances are not conducive to the survival of our species. Extremely well-written and authoritative, the book provides wide-ranging and detailed historical, scientific, economic, and cultural arguments to demonstrate how modern technology, cosmetic surgery, a lack of heroes and role models, and social media – among many other things – threaten to extinguish the fundamental practices that ensure a society can move forward. While there are places where Jerome neglects to give progress its due, Evolution Ended is an impressively […]

Thought-provoking and innovative, Reinventing Government Through Political Entrepreneurship and Exponential Innovation by Michael Mascioni is a rigorous examination of the future of government and business. Taking a close look at the impact many current technologies are having on the government, Mascioni highlights where countries’ governments, and societies in general, may be heading due to the rapid pace of change set by technological revolutions in AI, 3D printing, and other disruptors that can build on previous innovations. While covering technical topics, the book is easy to follow and flows well from one discussion to the next, for a well-rounded overview that […]

The fourth book of Jenny Knipfer’s excellent Sheltering Trees series, By Broken Birch Bay is another swirling portrayal of uncertain romance and intense family drama. Steeped in longing reveries and subtle prayers for deliverance, this is a tender and emotional story, particularly when it comes to Petra’s scarred heart and Honey’s innocent hopes for happiness, but there is also grit and struggle, giving the book the feel and import of a Christian parable. Knipfer masterfully weaves a small-town historical drama, peppered with a sharply crafted whodunit, resulting in a rustic and remarkably engaging work of pastoral historical fiction that offers […]

An inspiring novel about persistence, faith, and the brutal beauty of the natural world, Purity Found by Jane Catherine Rozek is an empowering and spiritually nourishing installment of the author’s Spirit Quest series. Kate is a devout and fearless protagonist, dropped into an intimidating new world, but she is undaunted by neither divine visions nor divinely attractive men. Loosely linked to a larger belief structure and philosophy, the book is both a thrilling tale of rugged romance and a spiritually-driven parable of connecting with God during life’s greatest challenges. Despite some archetypal tropes in the storytelling, the emotional entanglements are […]

A classic story of the heart coming to life, A Mountain Leads Home by Shelley Kassian is a stylish and engrossing second installment of her Places in the Heart series. Loosely based on real events, this is a charming tale of unexpectedly crossed paths on the slopes of life, the ethical dilemmas of undeniable desire, and the sacrifices that real people make to take a chance on love. Taylor is far from the cliché snowboarder, despite his hunger for sick tricks, and Sarah is a three-dimensional protagonist, not just a damsel desperate for companionship. Putting her unique spin on the […]

A world-hopping adventure, Darcy Hoover’s Cologne & Coffee is an entertaining thriller with two ribald protagonists, following renegade pilots Jaques and Ethan as they travel all over the globe for a good gig. Meanwhile, back in Canada, Ethan has challenged the authority of a violent man, risking his life every time he lands home, and all this flirting with danger must surely come to a head. Though the protagonists’ worldview can often seem more than a little macho and swashbuckling, their unapologetic nature is also part of their charm, making Ethan and Jaques’ escapades an entertaining escape.

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