Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Soccerwild by Craig Wells | A Moving Middle-Grade Novel About Grief, Healing, and Finding Hope in the Wild

Soccerwild by Craig Wells | A Moving Middle-Grade Novel About Grief, Healin..

Can an unconventional writing style deepen an emotional story? In Soccerwild, Craig Wells explores grief, healing, and resilience through the eyes of a young boy whose unexpected friendship with a coyote pup helps him begin finding hope again. Read my full review to see why this thoughtful middle-grade novel stayed with me long after the final page.

Taken to the Grave by Robert Hoffman | A Thoughtful Family Mystery About Truth and Identity

Taken to the Grave by Robert Hoffman | A Thoughtful Family Mystery About Tr..

A thoughtful family mystery that explores DNA, identity, and long-buried secrets. In Taken to the Grave, Robert Hoffman gradually unravels a complex web of family truths, creating tension through discovery rather than dramatic twists. Readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries and stories about trust, family, and the search for answers may find much to appreciate here.

BBNYA 2025 Finalist Review: Time-Marked Warlock by Shami Stovall

BBNYA 2025 Finalist Review: Time-Marked Warlock by Shami Stovall

A retired warlock private investigator returns to a world of magic and danger when a young witch asks for help solving her mother's murder. Time-Marked Warlock combines inventive worldbuilding, found-family themes, and a compelling supernatural mystery into an engaging start to The Chronos Chronicles.

A Proof of Love by Merida Johns | Spotlight & Guest Post

A Proof of Love by Merida Johns | Spotlight & Guest Post

A heartfelt small-town novel about grief, friendship, memory, and the people who shape our lives. Discover A Proof of Love by Merida Johns, plus a guest post on the art of revision, an excerpt, and a giveaway.

Throwing the Hammer by Gary J. Kirchner | Humorous Contemporary Fiction Review

Throwing the Hammer by Gary J. Kirchner | Humorous Contemporary Fiction Rev..

A funny, thoughtful novel about a physics teacher navigating school politics, quirky personalities, and unexpected purpose. Read my review of Throwing the Hammer by Gary J. Kirchner.

Review: Famous Once by Jane Green | A 3.5-Star Novella on Fame and Mother-Daughter Reconciliation

Review: Famous Once by Jane Green | A 3.5-Star Novella on Fame and Mother-D..

A 3.5-star review of Famous Once by Jane Green, a short novella exploring rock-and-roll fame, buried secrets, and a tender mother-daughter reconciliation. Emotional depth shines, even if the mystery feels compressed.