Reviews

The Dog Stays and Other Stories

Marjan Sierhuis (Iguana Books)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

Marjan Sierhuis’s collection of short stories, The Dog Stays and Other Stories, is a gorgeous treat that captures experiences woven with empathy, humor, and profound insight. Through diverse narratives, Sierhuis explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and relationships, leaving readers captivated and deeply moved. Each story feels like a cookie, and the author’s economy of words and the ability to condense situations into a few paragraphs are remarkable. In “Flame,” readers are transported into the inner conflict of a dragon facing huma...

Life of a Firefly

Sandra Brown Lindstedt (Self)

| Reviewed by Jane Riley

Life of a Firefly by Sandra Brown Lindstedt is a heartwarming exploration of resilience, faith, and the power of storytelling amidst the challenges of growing up in the South Side of Chicago. Through the eyes of protagonist Sandy Forte, readers are taken on a journey from the small town of Hooks, Texas, to the bustling streets of Chicago, where Sandy struggles with loss, longing, and the search for identity. Lindstedt melds elements of Sandy's childhood memories, familial dynamics, and the cultural shocks of transitioning from a small town to a...

INFINITE STRANGER

Wendy Skorupski (Wendy Skorupski)

| Reviewed by Bertin Drizller

Infinite Stranger by Wendy Skorupski is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship. It begins on a snowy February morning in 1978, following eighteen-year-old Leah Cavanagh as she embarks on a transformative journey during a retreat at Greystones Abbey. Here, she meets Brother Matthew Haddon, and a connection that resonates deeply with Leah and her single mother, Molly, is ignited. Her mother is still haunted by the tragedy of her past and a loss that is etched deeply in her heart. Leah...

Tribal Logic: Book Four of The Tribal Wars

Stella Atrium (Stella Atrium Writes LLC)

| Reviewed by Franklin Bauer

In Tribal Logic, the fourth installment of Stella Atrium's Tribal Wars series, readers are treated to a thrilling adventure filled with intergalactic intrigue, romance, and political upheaval. Set in the vibrant and expansive world of Dolvia, in the Galaxy's Westend, this book delivers a riveting narrative that captivates from start to finish. The story follows the protagonist, Jesse Hartley, as she faces the aftermath of a bloodless coup on Stargate Junction. This pivotal moment sends her on a journey fraught with danger an...

The Empowerment Alphabet

J.C. Dilley (selfpublishing.com)

| Reviewed by Daniel Rhodes

In The Empowerment Alphabet by J.C. Dilley presents a unique and inspiring collection of poetry to guide readers through life's challenges with wisdom, resilience, and empowerment. Through the lens of each letter of the alphabet, Dilley delivers poignant verses that offer solace, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on personal growth. In “Dear Insecurity,” Dilley addresses the universal struggle with self-doubt and the quest for self-acceptance. Lines like “When compliments arrive, I won’t decline, I’ll welcome accolades and make t...

Journey of Sea, Heart and Land

Jaime Enrique Gutierrez Perez (Xlibris AU)

| Reviewed by Matthew Novak

In Journey of Sea, Heart and Land, Jaime Enrique Gutierrez Perez takes readers on an evocative voyage through the life of Elias Gomez, a young man whose yearning for adventure propels him into a world of discovery, friendship, and self-realization. Set against the backdrop of San Andrés, Colombia, Gutierrez Perez weaves a tale that is as much about the protagonist's inner journey as it is about the physical travels he undertakes. Through vivid descriptions and heartfelt dialogue, the author skillfully immerses the reader in Elias's world—a worl...

This Day I Hold Dear

Ellissa Schwartz (Author Ellissa Schwartz)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

This Day I Hold Dear by Ellissa Schwartz is an enchanting journey through the seasons of parenthood, beautifully encapsulating the profound emotions and timeless moments shared between parent and child. With tender rhymes and heartfelt messages, Schwartz eloquently expresses the universal experience of watching children grow amidst the ever-passing time. Through poignant verses, the author invites readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of childhood, urging time to slow down so every cherished moment can be savored indefinitely. Each poe...

Resolution

David Ellis (Atmosphere Press)

| Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo

Resolution by David Ellis is a gorgeous collection of interconnected tales that intricately weave together the lives of its characters. Spanning different times and places, the stories gradually reveal their common threads, drawing readers into a world where the unpredictable reigns supreme. Ellis skillfully introduces us to characters whose seemingly ordinary lives are disrupted by extraordinary events. In “Polly Smeeker’s Ghost,” Rory experiences escalating unease and a growing obsession with the supernatural. As he witnesses inexplicable eve...

Switch IV: The Spanker's Apprentice

Ardie Stallard (Pink Flamingo Media)

| Reviewed by Daniel Rhodes

SWITCH IV: The Spanker’s Apprentice by Ardie Stallard is a gripping and provocative exploration of sexuality, relationships, and human desire. This fourth installment of the Switch series follows Felicia Culbertson Guthrie, a multifaceted character balancing roles as a wife, mother, counselor, and spanking therapist. Stallard puts together a tapestry of themes ranging from intimacy and trust to power dynamics and self-discovery. Through Felicia's experiences, readers are invited to examine the intricacies of BDSM culture, including impact...

Maggie and the Mountain of Light

Mark Snoad (Monarch Educational Services LLC)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

Maggie and the Mountain of Light by Mark Snoad is a captivating adventure that mixes elements of fantasy, mystery, and self-discovery to offer readers a delightful reading experience. Set against the backdrop of an apocalypse training camp run by the enigmatic Wayfinder Girls, the novel follows the journey of Maggie, an ordinary 12-year-old girl struggling with anxiety and allergies, as she uncovers hidden truths and discovers her inner strength. From the get-go, the story grips readers with suspense and intrigue as it follows Maggie throu...