Editorial Reviews

A probing novel with a touch of the paranormal, Where the River Runs Deep by Lynne Handy is a stunning story of violent truths clashing with long-hidden hate, exposing the scarred soul of America, both past and present. Maria is a striking protagonist, blending her deep belief in people, a love of poetry, and a freshly damaged heart. As she digs into the mysteries hidden in the death of her brilliant student, and the lost-in-time town she’s temporarily calling home, Maria finds far more visceral terrors on the outer banks of North Carolina. Handy has a quick and unpredictable style […]

A riveting sea adventure with a top-rate protagonist, Bravely and Faithfully by Edward M. Hochsmann throws the reader into a series of missions carried out by the Cutter Kauai and her crew. When a young Coast Guard officer gets her first command, she thinks she is on top of the world until she finds herself supporting dangerous operations which require her to go far beyond her training. With strong characters that have ties to the other books in the series, this military thriller enthralls with fast-paced action and carefully-crafted detail, which brings to life the setting in every scene. Hochsmann […]

A stirring work of paranormal fiction, Birds in the Black Water by Kodie Van Dusen is an intricate and original novel. Neviah has seen The Other Side since she was a child, where supernatural beings she’s named Koels, like the birds, appear to her everywhere, ominously keeping watch. This dark paranormal story spans Neviah’s psychic childhood and adult life, navigating The Other Side with its own strange rules, and how they affect her relationships. Although at times the plot and characterization are overwhelmed by dialogue, the world-building is immersive, the premise is singularly inventive, and Van Dusen delivers engaging prose […]

A journey of blood and buried secrets pulls readers through time in On Moreton Waters by Casey Walsh, an impressive blend of historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and mystery. Focused partially on the social puzzle and stunning backdrop of Australia in the early 20th century, and again in the much-changed landscape a century later, these female-led stories of the McPhee family are framed by betrayal, desire, desperation, greed, and violence, showing the past’s indelible impact on the present. Capturing the colloquial rhythm of the region in both dialogue and narration, and weaving in a strong thread of mystery that reveals itself […]

An inspiring romance novel with a unique focus, Courageous Love by Paul Nankivell offers an important perspective on romantic relationships. Alan and Catherine both have cerebral palsy and have overcome the challenges that come with the condition to become successful in their fields, but now new trials arise in the world of romance, as Alan pines for Catherine from afar. Highlighting issues about disabilities, the corporate workplace, and the innate humanness of love, this is a multilayered contemporary romance that is handled with great skill and sensitivity. Though the cover may not reflect the draftsmanship inside, Nankivell is a subtle […]

A determined resistance movement mounts an intimidating attack in space in Geoffrey Robinson’s entertaining work of sci-fi, Irrelevants. Celta Jetson, a detective for the Earth Agency, is traveling onboard the ship the Hennit when the vessel is sabotaged and damaged by explosives. With the help of another officer, Celta is soon leading a critical investigation to weed out insurgents, while the threat of interplanetary guerilla war approaches. Featuring rapid-fire dialogue and intense scenes of negotiation, Robinson’s intricately plotted and fast-paced futuristic novel will appeal to fans of both police procedurals and political science fiction.

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An endearing, passionate collection of real-life love letters between a WWII naval officer and his sweetheart, My Dearest Darling captures the romance and longing of one affectionate couple separated by the war. Author Franco, who discovered the writings at a Cape Cod antique shop, provides informative annotations that place the missives in a wider historical context for readers. Covering everything from mundane daily activities like watching films to world-changing events like dropping the atomic bomb, the correspondence is simultaneously sweet and sad, conveying an achingly human blend of the personal and the political that sheds new light on life during […]

A sprawling but delicate story of personal evolution, Journey to the Heartland by Xiaolong Huang expertly navigates the fine line between heartbreaking and inspiring. This story is woven together on multiple levels, with themes of sexuality, cultural pressure, academia, and personal exodus, for a poignant meditation on freedom. The tone of the writing is unique and striking, boasting unexpected flourishes of description that make the prose vivid, yet understated. Huang captures the intersection of personal autonomy, conscious liberation, and critical thinking in a timely and undeniably powerful read.

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