Editorial Reviews

A charming array of colorful characters makes Easter at the Three Coins Inn by Kimberly Sullivan a captivating second installment of her richly picturesque Three Coins series. A beleaguered Midwest journalist, a couple in crisis, a mourning restauranteur and more fill the rooms of this well-kept Italian inn, leading to tension, romance, and surprising pathways of healing. Though the narrative focus shifts away from Emma and Annarita, their friendship and support underpin this pastoral getaway tale, immersing readers in sun-drenched drama and the relatable relief of an unpredictable and unforgettable holiday, which feels like taking a holiday in itself with […]

An immersive and emotional work of historical fiction about the immigrant experience in early 20th-century America, What Once Was Promised by Louis Trubiano is a brilliant multigenerational saga told over four decades. From his tiny village in Abruzzo, Italy, Domenic Bassini lands in Boston, a city heaving with both opportunity and unrest. Dominic, Joseph, and Ermino take very different paths as they try to succeed in the country, and Dominic must navigate his friendships amongst the political and social dangers of the city. Well-researched and beautifully written, Trubiano brings both character and setting to vivid life, unveiling both the promise […]

An immersive historical reflection on seeking your purpose and finding your courage, Crossing the Blue Ridge: A Tale of King’s Mountain by L.E. Denton is a coming-of-age novel that celebrates brotherhood and patriotism, set against the growing sparks of the American Revolution. Caleb leaves a painful childhood behind to make his fortune in the unknown wilderness, but unlikely companions and the drumbeat of war pull him into a seminal moment of overlooked history. Consistent in its colloquial and authentic tone, this deeply researched narrative is engaging from page one, with compelling characters who are each believable in their emotions, moral […]

An inspiring YA novel about mental health, family, and friendship, Bridges of Resilience: A Teenage Journey of Friendship, Courage, and Discovery by Suanne Lewis is a message-laden novel written with delicate and sensitive prose. Nina is about to start her first year in high school when she receives the sudden news of her parents’ separation, making her the target of bullies, compounding her angst and despondency. By joining the peer support group at school, however, she finds a way to overcome her troubles and learn to help herself and others. Authored by a psychologist, the novel has the feel of […]

A brooding crimefighter and a teenage vigilante find their purposes entwined after a suspicious death in From Legend by Ian Lewis, a gritty urban mystery in a reimagined fantasy world. The method of the murder suggests a more sinister enemy than suicide – a merciless force of evil long thought vanquished, but perhaps instead has been waiting, scheming, and rebuilding its vicious power. Richly dripping in lyrical language and the ominous aura of a gothic horror, this first book in The Reeve series is a masterclass in world-building and mood-setting, elevated further by a thrilling but deeply haunted hero, and […]

An amusing and astute companion for anyone walking down the aisle, The Little Black Book of Marriage Wisdom: Quotes on Weddings, Divorce, & Happily Ever After by Mike Kowis, Esq. is a neatly curated collection of quotable advice. Offering classic takes on maintaining wedded bliss, clever quips for celebratory toasts, and sage one-liners for grooms and brides alike, this book draws on the wisdom of everyone from Groucho Marx and Mae West to Maya Angelou and Bruce Lee. Certain to alleviate the stress and spark a smile about the big day, this trove of clever witticisms reminds readers of the […]

Rebellious heroes in exile seek unlikely allies and a legendary weapon in Utcan’s Talisman by Stella Atrium, the epic fifth installment of the Tribal Wars series. In a world where magic and native gifts clash and blur with advanced technology and geopolitical scheming, loyalty is at a premium, but the power to see the future is priceless, and must be protected. Despite the far-flung premise of the series, and its unique kaleidoscope of cultures, philosophies, and supernatural abilities, Atrium weaves relatable tensions of war, resource scarcity, corrupt leadership, and indigenous wisdom across every thread of this tangled plot, for a […]

A tale of impossible love that unfolds over centuries, The Reincarnation of Marie: A Love Reborn in Paris from the Pages of History by Jim Woodman is a fantastically original mix of historical and supernatural romance. Set in 1950s Paris, Yann – a lonely history student – finds an astonishing diary in a Parisian market written by a young artist who lived and died in the 1800s. His obsession with the diary leads to him falling deeply in love with Marya, a young art student, who he believes to be the reincarnation of the diary’s subject, but how can one […]