Reviews in Brief

A multi-generational family drama exploring the unexpected contractions and expansions in every life, Little Ships by Sandra Scofield is a stirring and heartrending work of literary fiction. Two sheltered sisters move in with their grandmothers after tragedy strikes, forcing them to navigate a suddenly widened world and the emotional collapse of their father in the shadow of overwhelming loss. Relationship reversals, heart-opening connections, and the wisdom of both experience and youth make this sensitively penned novel a powerful meditation on family and independence for readers of every age.

Two rebellious monarchs delay their annual migration and find themselves on a revelatory adventure in The Butterflies, Yero and Boca: 2020 Tetralogy Edition by Allen (Pud) Deters. From charming chats with trees and daring arachnid escapes to getting lost in the immortal world of fairies, outsmarting grumpy toads, and haggling with savvy trader rats, this sprawling adventure parable is whimsical, but also layered with deep meaning and powerful themes for readers of all ages. Concepts of humility, generosity, brotherhood, habit formation, honesty, and moderation are delicately woven into the fantasy narrative, making for an immersive and insightful read.

An intimate and enlightening look at the medical profession and how faith can guide one through personal and professional hardship, My COVID-19 Diary: Practical Tips and Scriptures for Improbable Times from an American Doctor by Theresa Y. Wee M.D. is a compelling combination of medical memoir and spiritual self-help. Shedding new light on the frontlines of the pandemic, the author’s story is particularly powerful in her candid discussion of her husband’s death, illustrating her knowledge of every side of personal tragedy. With the inclusion of specific scriptures as a means of motivation, the book is certainly aimed foremost at religious readers, but her practical advice and personal experience make for a uniquely knowledgeable and uplifting guide.

A detailed memoir of passionate survival and growth in the harsh beauty of Alaska, Kristina’s Cache: A Memoir of Adventure and Survival in Alaska by Kristina Ahlnäs is a jaw-dropping tale of scientific research and personal resilience. From treacherous crevasse crossings and groundbreaking science at sea to surviving the wilderness for years in a box no bigger than a bathroom, this is a remarkable portrait of the author’s extraordinary life. Chronologically moving through decades of rugged adventure and impressive accomplishments, this is an entertaining and inspiring primer for off-grid aspirations and courageous journeys to untamed corners of the world.

Stress, Anxiety, & Panic Attack Relief for Teens & Adults by Kris Knack Noeldner offers an informative blend of holistic and traditional techniques to manage daily stress and anxiety, pointing out the common stressors in the modern world and how to recognize stress conditions. While the book could benefit from stricter organization of techniques by effectiveness or situation-specific advice, the author is clear that no one technique is a cure-all, and each method is backed by technical research, anecdotal stories, and the author’s own authoritative knowledge of stress and its repercussions. A practical guide for both diagnosis and treatment, the book is ultimately inspiring and comforting, offering hope that overwhelming anxiety can be overcome, even in a world with so many potential triggers.

In History Re-Written by Ana Rayne, the first installment of the Untold Series, readers are plunged into a riveting narrative where historical truths are questioned through a paranormal lens. After a near-death experience that opens his mind to the possibilities of the supernatural, James meets Alia, whose enigmatic allure masks a perilous secret that could drag them both deeper into her world, resulting in an intriguing mixture of paranormal romance and alternate history. The vampire-mortal love story at the book’s core will satisfy readers of the genre, without relying too much on familiar tropes, while adding a layer of historical mystery that elevates the book above other vampire romance novels. A compelling mix of historical fiction, paranormal fantasy, and sincerely heartfelt romance, this is a solid foundation for a new series, propelled forward by Rayne’s breezy and observant prose.