In the historical fiction novel O'Toole by Florence D'Angelo, set in mid-1800s Manhattan, Finnegan O'Toole, a former pickpocket of the Dead Rabbits gang, becomes a longshoreman at his father's urging. His life takes a new direction as he befriends fellow dockworkers, Sean and Johanna. During...

Ordinary Soil by Alex Woodard is a multi-layered narrative in which characters Jake, Jessica, Mark, and Adam grapple with personal struggles, family dynamics, and a shared past. Jake, an opioid addict, is haunted by his past suicide attempt and health issues, while Jessica contends with...

In James P. Usavage’s thoughtful novella, On These Shores, a man reflects on his life and finds hope just when his life is about to fall apart. Burdened by excessive debt, Benedict Barns dreads going to work. His job has become an unfulfilling chore...

One Soul's Journey is the second collection of short slice-of-life stories by Barbara Daniels Dena. Containing both fictional and autobiographical tales, this anthology is an original piece of work covering decades of the author's life experiences. The book begins with Dena sharing anecdotes from her...

As a reviewer, there are times when I feel desperate to read something different, something that will instantly engage me with its unique plot, realistic settings, compelling characters, and unfamiliar cultural practices and beliefs. One Hundred Silent Ways by A.A. Mohammad is the book that...

How do we find purpose in our lives? This is the question at the heart of Spencer Ulrich's novella On Fulfillment. In the summer of 1945, four US Navy sailors, Captain Philip Hawkins, Connor McTavish, Adam Breight, and Jacob Hartley, were stranded on a remote...

Old Cockatoo by C.J. Cronin is a gripping drama novel that follows the lives of an Australian family of horse trainers in the early 1910s. Former British Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe McCallister's life didn't quite turn out the way he thought it would. Fuelled by...

Only love and forgiveness have the power to re-awaken a heart that has been long dulled by acts of hatred. Out of the Ashes by Samantha Grosser is a historical novel that explores this theme. The year is 1944, and German prisoners are sent to...

On The Path with Preston Shank: A Great American Novelette (Featuring the bonus short story Shut Up and Pick Cotton) is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama and slice-of-life subgenres. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience and was penned...

One Golden Day by Charles P. D’Amico is about twenty-seven-year-old Travis Golden and his twin sister, Terra, who is twelve minutes older than him. Travis uses his life to teach you to make the most of yours. Growing up as kids, they were great at...