Biographies and Memoirs

Mama’s Boy: A Young Boy’s Memory of Childhood

Rev. Michael H. Lavery | Biographies and Memoirs

Mama’s Boy: A Young Boy’s Memory of Childhood by Rev. Michael H. Lavery is a heartwarming autobiographical reflection that chronicles his early life, exploring the profound influence of his mother, grandmother, sister, and community. The book opens with Lavery’s emotional account of losing his father at a young age, shaping his understanding of love, loss, and inner strength. It then explores various themes, including faith, family, sacrifice, and moral lessons learned through everyday experiences, from childhood innocence to spiritual awakening. Lavery shares stories of his mother’s unwavering devotion, his grandmother’s pioneering spirit as a police officer, and the innocent yet profound q...

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Most Recent Reviews

Oleander Marriage

Eleanor Lerman (Mayapple Press)

| Reviewed by Franklin Bauer

Oleander Marriage by Eleanor Lerman is a profound and emotionally resonant poetry collection that deftly explores love, loss, memory, aging, and the inexorable passage of time. Through a series of richly textured poems, Lerman discusses the fragile threads that connect us to our past selves, loved ones, and the universe at large. The collection features personal reflections with mythic and cosmic imagery, creating a layered canvas that captures life's fleeting beauty and enduring scars. Poems like “A Girl on the Streets” and “Silver Rings and G...

Old Books and Faded Dreams

D. L. Norris (Outskirts Press)

| Reviewed by Lee Robbins

Old Books and Faded Dreams by D. L. Norris is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports you to the picturesque town of Tilden, Nebraska. The story follows Maggie Davis, a strong and hardworking widow living in a grand Victorian estate with her lively nine-year-old daughter Jenna. Maggie’s life revolves around her bed-and-breakfast, a hub of community and conversation, with an eclectic cast of guests. Her business provides a venue for socializing, gossip, and at times, heated discussions. Maggie’s life is about to be upended when a...

Lessons III: Confident Conversations

Dr. LaDonna Marie (LaDonna Marie Books)

| Reviewed by Joanne Higbee

Confident Conversations Lessons III by Dr. LaDonna Marie is an uplifting collection of poetry that explores inner strength, faith, and personal growth. The poems combine heartfelt stories, biblical scriptures, and reflections to inspire readers to face life's challenges with confidence. Covering themes such as destiny, justice, healing, and divine connection, it encourages embracing one’s purpose with perseverance and faith in God's plan. The author’s poetic insights are powerful affirmations for releasing pain and embracing spiritual renewal....

Scoundrels & Cocktails

Joe Newell (Self published / Marsteles Enterprises)

| Reviewed by Lee Robbins

Reid Franco is a rough-around-the-edges private investigator with a heart of gold. Once a baseball player and stuntman, now a reluctant hero with personal demons, Reid’s business is helping people solve their problems—though he struggles to fix his own. Reckless, stubborn, and a bit of a drinker, he dives headfirst into dangerous cases, from dismantling sex trafficking rings to confronting gangs. The narrative features intriguing episodes that are delivered with wit and humor, beginning with Reid stuck in traffic, pondering the idea of adding “...

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