Review Tales
Trusted Reviews and Author Features Since 2016
“Goin’ back to Californ-I-A” by Stephen M. Todd (Book Review #1718)
“Goin’ Back to Californ-I-A” by Stephen M. Todd is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir that chronicles the journey of a young man, Steve Todd, on his mission to spread the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California from 1988 to 1990. This narrative offers a deeply personal and honest account of the challenges, successes, and spiritual growth experienced by a missionary in the field.
Read MoreAn Interview with Amanda Shaw
- What’s your favorite thing you have written?
A letter to my niece, Ruthie, on her first birthday. Her arrival into the world transformed my life, and she appears in several of the poems in It Will Have Been So Beautiful. The book is dedicated to her and my grandmother Ruth (her namesake) who died when I was six.
Read MoreThe Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor by Sharon Kay (Book Review #1717)
“The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” by Sharon Kay is an engaging and immersive cozy mystery set in the nostalgic backdrop of 1974. This book marks the debut of the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries series, captivating readers with its blend of suspense, intrigue, and a dash of the social dynamics of the 70s.
Read MoreThe Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery by Jeremy White (Book Review #1716)
“The Little Girl at the Bottom of the Picture: A Journey of Selfless Discovery” by Jeremy White is a profoundly touching and beautifully narrated memoir that captures the essence of self-discovery, healing, and the power of human connection. This book is not just a story about finding one’s biological roots; it’s a testament to the journey of healing and the strength of the human spirit.
Read MoreTerracolina – A Place to Belong by Carla Kessler illustrated by Richard Kessler (Book Review #1715)
“Terracolina – A Place to Belong” by Carla Kessler, with illustrations by Richard Kessler, is a captivating and imaginative tale that resonates deeply with the young and young at heart. This enchanting story follows the journey of twelve-year-old Thomas, who, on his birthday, embarks on an unexpected adventure in a magical garden named Terracolina. The book masterfully intertwines themes of environmental conservation, self-discovery, and the importance of finding one’s place in the world.
Read More“SYMUTAL” by Dean Alexandrou (Book Review #1714)
“SYMUTAL” by Dean Alexandrou is a gripping science fiction novel set in the dystopian future of 2057, a world where the omnipotent power of algorithms has reached its zenith, heralding an era defined by the Algorithm Singularity. This is a future where resistance against the all-encompassing control of artificial intelligence seems futile, and humanity’s last hope lies in the hands of Omar Cantor, the head of Omicore.
Read MoreSons of Isan, Taking Refuge in a Thai Temple by William Reyland (Book Review #1713)
“Sons of Isan: Taking Refuge in a Thai Temple” by William Reyland is an enthralling memoir that delves deep into the heart of Buddhist life in Thailand, offering a rare and intimate perspective from a Western convert. Reyland’s journey, marked by his determination to understand and embrace Buddhism, takes us to the Thai region of Isan and into the daily rhythms of life at the Wat Pramuenrat Buddhist temple.
Read MoreThe Flaws in Our Prayers by Magdalena Stanhoff (Book Review #1712)
“The Flaws in Our Prayers” by Magdalena Stanhoff is a rich tapestry of intersecting lives and narratives, weaving together a story that is as complex as it is captivating. The novel traverses the lives of characters from diverse backgrounds, each struggling with their own inner turmoil and external challenges, creating a compelling exploration of love, identity, and the human condition.
Read MoreOutcast Artist in Bretagne – WWII heartbreak and forbidden love by Diane Scott Lewis (Book Review #1711)
“Outcast Artist in Bretagne – WWII Heartbreak and Forbidden Love” by Diane Scott Lewis is a poignant and compelling historical fiction novel that explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival during the tumultuous times of World War II. The story of Norah Cooper, an Englishwoman seeking refuge in Brittany, and Major August von Gottlieb, a German commandant torn between duty and conscience, is a deeply moving tale that captures the heartache and moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of war.
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