Thomas DeConna (Black Rose Writing)
In Accustomed to the Dark by Thomas DeConna, twenty-four-year-old journalist Jenny Smith scores a career-defining interview with reclusive author AJ Kenton. But instead of questions, their afternoons unfold as Kenton shares a transformative story from his youth. This coming-of-age novel deftly captures the struggles and triumphs of adolescence through the eyes of 13-year-old AJ. Set in a small suburban town during the 1960s, the narrative begins with AJ’s simple ambition to sell flower seeds to purchase an art set. However, his journey takes on...
Steve and Nancy Devon (Giving Tree Books)
Milo Finds His Forever Home by Steve and Nancy Devon is a heartwarming story that follows a disabled dog named Milo, who is rescued after being injured and abandoned. With the caring assistance of Stephanie, an animal shelter volunteer, he undergoes therapy and eventually wears a specialized wheelchair to move around. While residing at the shelter, Milo befriends several other dogs, each with unique backstories and longing to find a loving home. Throughout their time together, they share laughter, hopes, fears, and ultimately experience the bit...
G. M. Lupo (Lupo Digital Services, LLC)
Worthy by G. M. Lupo follows the lives of the Worthy sisters: Regan, a talented young artist with mental health issues; Rosalind, a diligent, rational figure dealing with expectations; and Rhiannon, the youngest, facing her illness while reconciling her sisters' legacy. The novel reveals the depth of their relationships and individual struggles, exploring themes of creativity, mental health, family, and the impact of past decisions on present lives. The story examines these multifaceted characters within the Worthy family, each representin...
Linda and Michael Cahalan (self)
Loki's Daughter: A Novel by Linda O'Dette Warner Cahalan weaves together a rich tapestry of multiple storylines, immersing readers in a multifaceted narrative that spans realms and timelines. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story introduces us to Elisa, the daughter of Loki, who navigates life in Rjukan, Norway, while grappling with the harrowing realities of occupation. Working in a German officer's club, she finds herself entangled with Sven, a man possibly linked to the Norwegian resistance, igniting suspense and intrigue. At t...
Bryan W. Conway (Self)
In Sandusky Burning, Bryan W. Conway crafts a tale of unseen chaos amidst the tranquil facade of a lakeside campground. The narrative follows multiple characters, unraveling the intermingled lives of seasonal workers and campers at Sandusky Shores. Central to the plot is Brady Sullivan, a remote worker facing marital issues, who becomes entangled in a series of escalating incidents ranging from petty theft to drunken escapades. As the story unfolds, it reveals the darker undercurrents of addiction, manipulation, and desperation, culminating in...
Loretta Enright (Enright Publishing)
Deception by Loretta Enright immerses readers in the harrowing journey of the Hampton family as they navigate a medical crisis surrounding their ailing son, Nick, who suffers from congenital heart defects and acute kidney injury. The novel chronicles their emotional and physical struggles with the healthcare system while they seek answers and support amidst bureaucracy and adversity. Central characters include Callista, the overworked mother desperate to protect her son; Mark, the father, contending with his helplessness; and Dr. Charles Loomis...
Richard A. Danzig (Self)
Punch Line by Richard A. Danzig is a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of comedy, societal issues surrounding gender identity, and the challenges of personal trauma. The story revolves around Verne Slater, a seasoned comedian whose late-night routine at a comedy club provokes strong reactions based on his observations of the ridiculous aspects of topical issues. Not surprisingly, George Carlin was his hero. The reactions lead to a brutal assault that leaves him critically injured and paralyzed from the waist down. The question is: can...
Mitchell Waldman (Blue Lake Books)
Mitchell Waldman's Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers is a unique collection of thirty-eight stories that explore the depths of family dysfunction and estrangement. Each narrative is rich with characters facing identity crises in the face of dysfunction—a brother contending with a resentful step-brother, a father struggling to connect with an indifferent child, and a dreamer haunted by the specter of Adolf Hitler’s imagined past. These narratives feature fraught relationships that reveal a thread of pain and struggle, such as an...
Richard W. Kelly (Independently published (November 23, 2024))
In The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly, we are introduced to Brian Brample, a 16-year-old boy navigating his youth and struggling to find his foothold. Through a series of vignettes and scenes, we witness Brian's journey from a seemingly ordinary teenager to a young man forever changed by a decision from a government that seems not to care about the lives of young people. As Brian navigates his daily life, working as a waiter at a small movie theater, we see glimpses of his inner turmoil. He is aware of the darker aspects of the world, the...
Ken Saik (Glorybound Publishing)
Marriage Mistake by Ken Saik is another compelling entry in the series. It focuses on the complex nature of Joseph and Jill's marriage and the bond between friends Thomas and Joseph. Each of them is determined to make their relationship work when they decide to get married. But then, while they trust their intentions and the love they share, challenges set in. Can they accept the differences and the challenges creeping in and stay steadfast in their resolve to stay together? The story is set in Camrose, a small city in Alberta, Canada, where th...
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