Editorial Reviews

A touching reflection on family, motherhood, identity, and forgiveness, A Sea for Summer by Shelley Kassian is a tenderly penned exploration of love, and a superb first installment of her Places in the Heart series. Peter and Claire are two stubborn and deeply tangled partners, but the author sets the perfect beachside scene for redemption, recognizable conflict, and thought-provoking conversations that may encourage readers to do more work on their own close relationships. The prose is stylishly straightforward, rarely relying on complex turns of phrase, which not only makes the book a quick and easy read, but also lends the […]

A sprawling, character-driven fantasy novel with an unforgettable new world for readers to get lost inside. High-fantasy fans will not be disappointed with this masterfully imagined realm. The world-building is unique and detailed, and the patient style of storytelling is engrossing, drawing readers ever deeper into the drama. Meticulously written, with unexpected turns of phrase and instantly authentic dialogue, this hefty tome from Conrey is an impressive, immersive, and impeccably penned tale.

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In Simple Book of Reminders for The Youth, author Zakiya Fatin poses thought-provoking questions for young readers, who may be interested in exploring themselves and enhancing their future vision. This collection of 75 reminders, which double as writing prompts, offers to guide readers toward a deeper relationship with their feelings, stressing that many of the answers to our problems lie within ourselves if we are only bold enough to start the conversation in a meaningful and open-minded way. Simple as some of the reminders may be, Fatin’s prompts could generate a daily, weekly, or even lifelong habit of writing […]

In What’s Real, What’s Not, and Somewhere In-Between by Zakiya Fatin, readers are led through a raw and unfiltered collection of advice from an author who understands that a broken heart is very different from a broken spirit. Bouncing authoritatively from advice on when to move on and how to show love, to what red flags to watch for and who to trust with your time, this energetic read is both reflective and inspiring. Most everyone has experienced the struggle of losing someone they love, and while Fatin’s advice is largely directed at women about their experiences with men, there […]

For those who need the occasional nudge of guidance, Book of Reminders: Daily Downloads to Reset Your Mind by Zakiya Fatin is an ideal bedside companion. From the simple bits of wisdom many may have forgotten over the years, to deeper, more thought-provoking musings that will center you on a more truthful path, this well-edited compendium of knowledge is far greater than the sum of its parts. Some of the reminders pose actual questions, along with ample page space for reflection and response, so this seemingly simple book could also inspire a reflective journaling practice. While at first glance these […]

A short story collection cheekily unrelated to its title, Pimping Out My Sister-in-Law by Sheldon Charles is the first volume in a three-part series of well-penned, deeply human stories. From watching characters get lost in their own mutual fantasies to finding patience in the face of familial frustration and anger, these are easy-to-read stories that feel universally relatable in their themes. Sheldon Charles’ ability as a thriller author is well-established, and here he wields casual conversations and emotional reflections as deftly as erotic passages and bursts of conflict in this brief collection, showing that his skill as a short story […]

A thoughtful and meditative collection, Bridges: To There – Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit by Gary W. Burns is filled with poetry that is both accessible and uplifting. From reflecting on ancient philosophy to reinforcing the powerful depths of love and our capacity for it, Burns’ poems read like stirring mantras – sometimes just a few lines or words long – but they stick with a reader like subtle prayers. Though some of these brief verses could be expanded to be more impactful, or perhaps combined into longer pieces, this collection is nourishing and inspirational for readers who […]

The Road From Breslau by Andrew Peiser is an evocative and important biography about the author’s mother, Marianne, who witnessed the rise of Nazi Germany, the rise of democracy in India, and the ascendence of post-war America, chronicling her resilience and fortitude through some of history’s darkest moments. The book also takes a close look at their family’s ancestors, giving an intimate look at history through the portrait of one family, as Peiser brings to life his family tree with a wealth of pictures, newspaper clippings, archival evidence, and personal anecdotes. Marianne and her family’s epic story is one that […]