by Chuck Miller Leavitt Peak Press book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott “The task of writing a business plan today is much less daunting than it used to be.” Writer Miller focuses on small businesses, specifically those that deal in remodeling and building trades, to demonstrate the need and the method for creating a comprehensive corporate plan. Any small business may struggle to survive. However, with a structured, all-encompassing proposition and the step-by-step processes that accompany its development, chances for success will greatly expand. Miller’s thorough and thoughtful manual surv ..read more

by Tracy A. Ripley book review by Mihir Shah “You are their advocate, and never, ever, be afraid to speak up for your child or yourself.” Using her faith as fuel, the author lays bare her soul in this raw and incredibly vulnerable chronicle of hope and fear. Rooted in scripture, the work and the themes presented within it are universal, depicting the human struggle to balance all aspects of their lives without losing themselves. For Ripley, a blessing in the form of baby Bryce is rife with obstacles, such as her child’s congenital heart disease (CHD), spearheaded by a faulty heart valve. The a ..read more

by Eric Bornstein MindStir Media book review by Mihir Shah “This plan would allow the CPC to gain access to America’s upcoming best and brightest young minds.” Transporting audiences into a riveting espionage thriller, Bornstein pushes the limits of science and technology to create a potentially cataclysmic outcome that is as plot-centric as it is character-driven. Loyalties are tested regularly, revealing the fortitude of the main characters and their determination to achieve their goals at all costs. Not your typical thriller, the narrative is tied to one’s roots, family, and being wronged i ..read more

by Marisa Labozzetta Guernica Editions book review by Michael Radon “Dad smiled, a glimmer of hope tickling his mustache. He’s always wanted to believe there’s more between me and Marlene than a plate of cookies.” Through the medium of the short story, characters are introduced in moments when their candles are burning the brightest. The reader is served a cross-section of these fictional lives in a manageable fraction that packs the most flavor and impression into the smallest number of bites. One might not expect these defining scenes to include the quitting of one’s job to discover one’s tr ..read more

by Leslie Kain Atmosphere Press book review by Toby Berry “Permission to feel. And now permission to be…” Gavin DiMasi has a terrible childhood of being tormented by his twin brother and their father. But when his parents and brother die, DiMasi is the last man standing to deal with all of the family’s dirty laundry. Not only were his father and brother cruel, but they also left a mob mess to mop up. DiMasi’s wife tries to save him from his memories and the mob while simultaneously working to protect herself and their child from being sucked into his dark world. Readers learn from DiMasi and h ..read more

by C. Angela Todd and C. Ann Todd Dorrance Publishing Company book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott “Dear reader, I am sure you realize our way of life was a most enriching experience, but it wasn’t easy to say goodbye to a country and friends.” The Todd sisters offer a shared autobiographical look at their unique childhood, spent mostly outside America as daughters of the eleventh black man to be inducted into the United States Foreign Service in 1945. James and his wife, Norma, enthusiastically accepted this remarkable opportunity, embarking for Egypt where Angela would be born. Later, they ..read more

by David F. Marks, PhD book review by Carol Anderson, D.Min., ACSW “The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose.” Marks’ book focuses on mental health and healthy life practices. The fifty-four short chapters include topics related to fostering creativity, coping with emotions, balancing life, the mind-body connection, self-acceptance, forgiveness, and self-care. Some of the ideas for healing include journaling, art and music, mindfulness, visualization, humor and laughter, participating in hobbies, being in solitude, meditation, being in nature, taming the inner critic, and deep breathin ..read more

by Stephen Reger book review by Mari Carlson “What happens to one of us… happens to all of us.” In 1618-1619, as a civil war between Protestants and Catholics comes to a head across Europe, two formidable sisters, Vanessa and Sarlatova, and their entourage head to Vienna to report atrocities against Catholics that they’ve witnessed. Ferdinand, the archduke and their father, is the leader of Stormsong, a Catholic group defending the throne, but with the emperor dying, Ferdinand assumes control. However, not everyone makes the same assumption about his succession of power. Protestants and others ..read more

by M. A. Richter Alexander Publishing book review by Joyce Jacobo “You made that choice of your own free will. I want you to flourish and fulfill your potential.” Prince Khael Stratton is a mystic who seeks to deepen his knowledge of such arts to help those in need. Following a mission, he reports to the city of Cambridge—ruled over by his brother—and has a close encounter with a pickpocket who steals his signet ring. Alongside his bodyguard, Grant, the prince manages to track down the young woman, Vixen, who suffers from a foggy memory while demonstrating a great talent for skills associated ..read more

by L. Hanson book review by Philip Zozzaro “This is just the beginning; I can feel it in my bones.” Bedford Township has seen its share of ups and downs as a community, from prosperity to near desertion. In 2012, the announcement of the construction of a new dam has led to rejuvenation. However, a new problem has arisen with new arrivals as crime has begun to skyrocket. Detective Ben Creager and his partner, Ritch, are experiencing this phenomenon firsthand with each new crime scene to explore. The crimes are becoming more brazen, from daylight shootouts between thieves and security guards to ..read more