Reviews in Brief

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.

A refreshing examination of the artistic soul and the source of our talents, Being Creative by Laura Bartnick is a spiritual manifesto intended to guide, enlighten, and inspire. Probing deeply into Scripture, accompanied by personal and pop culture anecdotes, Bartnick’s uplifting assessment of the relationship between the divine and creativity delves into everything from the theatricality of Christianity and the transformative power of storytelling to the challenges of instilling spirituality into artistic endeavors and the allegorical brilliance of C.S. Lewis. Both authoritative and conversational, this well-researched and compellingly written book is ideal for religious readers who wish to discover, embrace, or expand their creative gifts.

Revelatory and humanistic in its nuanced storytelling, Israela by Batya Casper uses a historical lens to probe deeply into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The intertwined tales of three women reveal the complexity and psychological turmoil of living and loving in a war-torn world, providing contemporary insight and emotional perspectives from both sides of this critical issue. Touching on journalistic integrity, marital loyalty, empathic connection, the weight of morality, and dreams of a better world, this is a poignant and timely read from a sincerely gifted author.

A searing portrait of trauma, lost youth, and lifelong resilience, Hidden: Nistar by Batya Casper exposes the intergenerational cost of war in two powerful novellas. From the discovery of a devastating secret that shakes a Jewish family’s sense of identity to a wartime peek into English life amongst the falling bombs of World War II, these snapshot stories delicately examine the emotional weight of conflict and violence. The narrative exposition is subtle but immersive, and Casper captures tragic and timeless emotions in compelling flourishes of prose.

An engaging collection of poetry comprised of memoir and musing, Poetry of a Life by Sharon Romero overflows with emotion, nostalgia, and the wisdom of hindsight. Whether analyzing the rat race, reflecting on maternal memories, interrogating past mistakes, or unraveling the reasons for heartbreak, these poems span the full spectrum of experience, never shying away from any of life’s joys or sorrows. Adopting a conversational free-verse style with occasional bursts of rhyme, Romero is a keen observer, a vulnerable storyteller, and a seeker of answers to questions that resonate within all of us.

A passionate and professional analysis of the Second Amendment, The Voice of the Guns: America, Switzerland, and the Second Amendment by Burton Flanagan is a clear-eyed and uncompromising dissent to pro-gun dogma. Exploring the historical, legal, and political context of the right to bear arms, Flanagan explains why and how gun restrictions have become shielded by the Supreme Court’s ideological and intentional blurring of constitutional interpretation. By further comparing America’s epidemic of gun violence against the safe gun culture and responsible policies of Switzerland – a gun-loving nation that doesn’t suffer from constant mass shootings – the author makes a compelling case for repealing or amending this controversial piece of America’s Constitution.