ForeWord Reviews
ForeWord Review - How to Make a Soul
March/11/2016 01:59 PM
Part literary criticism and part memoir, this empathetic analysis of renowned poet John Keats probes the hidden nature of spirituality. Keats believed the human soul is created. It is on this premise that Wilson builds his scholarly evaluation. The book also serves as a biographical record, incorporating events that impacted Keats with the greatest intensity, crucial points that altered the course of his existence.
ForeWord Review - 10 Women
March/10/2016 02:50 PM
This off-the-wall collection of character sketches paints eccentric women in darkening shades of realism. Forbidden interludes, experiences that awaken, and pondering disclosures fill the pages of Bowering’s unique book. His literary escapades enlighten and entertain, allowing an eye-opening glimpse of liaisons that do not always play by an established set of rules.
ForeWord Review - Arrivals and Departures from Normal
February/05/2016 02:43 PM
This candid view of the art world from the perspective of an ambitious woman will enthrall, and perhaps frighten, creative audiences. A gifted artist faced with formidable obstacles exceeds expectations in this mesmerizing, true-to-life story. Rose captivates and inspires, allowing an intimate look at what it takes to succeed in a competitive profession, while delving into the complicated realm of self-expression for public consumption.
ForeWord Review - Under the Pong Pong Tree
January/15/2016 04:43 PM
The Japanese invasion of Singapore sets the backdrop for this World War II saga of loyalty, love, and the promise of liberation. Levey delves into the brutality of foreign occupation from a woman’s perspective, allowing a candid portrayal of a victim to emerge from the pages of this gritty chronicle. The novel humanizes the experiences by providing frank and unpleasant details in prose that is sensitive, knowledgeable, and empathetic, covering intriguing topics across an extensive time line.
ForeWord Review - Smooth
January/12/2016 01:06 PM
An anthology of nineteen pieces written by a diverse group of women, this collection is attention-grabbing and titillating, though it occasionally verges on esoteric. The theme is one of revelation and discovery. The stories explore a wide range of unusual scenarios, with only a few falling into the realm of the stereotypical or trite. Edited by an award-winning erotica editor, this book is outstanding and original.
ForeWord Review - The Flower Bowl Spell
January/08/2016 09:00 AM
An eccentric cross between literary quirkiness and young adult fiction, this carefully crafted novel illuminates what the uninitiated human cannot fathom: fairies, auras, and spells. A fine command of language is evident throughout this lighthearted story. Boler writes with precision, placing every word like a dollop of color on a canvas. Enter an enchanted mindscape where inanimate objects come to life and mythological beings appear out of nowhere. Her narrative transforms urban terrain into mystical wonderland.
ForeWord Review - Conversations with Bob
January/05/2016 06:00 PM
Catastrophic scenarios and dire predictions are often proven incorrect, an astounding historical phenomenon that Gentle explores in four creative interviews. This concise documented book is nonfiction with a fictional twist, placing the hero of this story in a time capsule that allows him to communicate with pessimists from the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Knowledge is limited to the era in which we live. Consequently, determining what will happen in the next century, or even the next decade, may not be possible.
ForeWord Review - What If We're Him
December/18/2015 01:44 PM
Pascucci’s open-minded evaluation of narrow-minded doctrine suggests that we implement the positive power that lives within us all. He asserts that our own conscious presence is our sense of God. Though far from an atheist, his work may not appeal to everyone, especially not to those who have committed to a particular religious canon and creed. Instead he will attract optimistic individuals who seek an alternative to rigid conviction established in another time. This author dares to analyze the logic behind faith-based institutions.
ForeWord Review - Trail of the Dead
December/01/2015 12:29 PM
Native American folklore infuses this post-apocalyptic story with mysticism and culture. Rich with symbolism, this literary examination of primal instinct and human need is a study of survival. Nestled within these carefully wrought pages are the seeds of profound courage, stamina, and drive, with a strong feminist slant on womanhood.
ForeWord Review - A Banner of Love
November/12/2015 03:44 PM
This touching story of interracial marriage in 1950s Greenwich Village reaches across the decades to inspire and educate. Garner depicts a nation still experiencing extreme social inequality, a period fraught with struggle and frustration for the African American community. Realistic and deeply moving, every scene reflects a true and abiding love established on the solid foundation of friendship, built meticulously with patience and tenderness.
ForeWord Review - Summer on the Cold War Planet
October/13/2015 02:00 PM
The heady atmosphere of 1989 Berlin sets the stage for this thought-provoking journey into the heart and soul of a pregnant woman mourning the disappearance of her husband. Paula Closson Buck delves into complex and contradictory emotions that lead to the renewal of a past infatuation, a situation fermented in wariness. This brooding novel will appeal to an audience seeking knowledge about the Cold War, while enjoying an introspective look at what constitutes love and trust.
ForeWord Review - The Moondust Sonatas
October/12/2015 04:58 PM
This high-concept immersion into the underworld of illegal drugs portrays an eccentric cast of characters on the path to addiction and life-altering madness. Destructive, yet strangely illuminating, an illicit powder allows the user to interact with a supernatural god, as well as travel to places and times unknown. Osi’s intricate plot will appeal to aficionados of the experimental thriller in his unusual mix of individual stories.
ForeWord Review - Bring Me to Life
October/09/2015 01:26 PM
Just like a May-December romance, this human-zombie affair dares to flaunt the primal urges and animalistic instincts then somehow points toward a happy ending on the horizon. Yet the audacity of Kert’s characters sustains this eccentric tale, lifting it from the remains of chewed-up pulp.
ForeWord Review - Designing Hearts
October/09/2015 01:16 PM
This glitzy yet surprisingly down-to-earth novel about a high-profile marriage on the rocks explores all the typical cliffs and crevices then plunges into the blue waters of a new relationship. Stratchan’s aptly titled book pits a successful feng-shui interior designer against a philandering talk-show host.
ForeWord Review - The Highlander's Bride
October/09/2015 01:11 PM
A staged fourteenth-century marriage turns into abiding love in this beautiful romance. Forester weaves a simple plot into a gorgeous tapestry. Strong characterization and superb description create a distinctive sense of time and place.
ForeWord Review - Break Your Heart
October/08/2015 05:56 PM
Helms tells the story of a stereotypical crush on a college campus with the potential to end a career. Academic ethics is the villain in this familiar scenario, creating a barrier that cannot be overcome without sacrifice. The first-person viewpoint, honest and straightforward, enhances the quality of this contemporary plot.
ForeWord Review - The One That Got Away
October/07/2015 01:58 PM
A bridal consultant comes out after years in the dressing room and admits her attraction to women in this funny lesbian romance. Rosenfeld immerses a modern drama in a hot tub of humor, delving into somber issues such as loneliness with finesse.
ForeWord Review - Black
September/29/2015 04:29 PM
Set in nineteenth-century America prior to the Civil War, this well-researched novel depicts the horror of slavery and the violence of revolt in a heady mix of bloody realism and heroic romance. Vassar portrays Nat Turner’s literate son in his passionate quest for freedom and equality, a moving, revelatory, and disturbing narrative. This is the first book of a promising series.
ForeWord Review - Love, Alba
September/16/2015 10:12 AM
Narrated by an articulate cat, this feline examination of human behavior offers a unique perspective on relationships. Burnham’s novel is a touching reflection on life in a conversational storyteller’s style. Hilarious commentary and imaginative asides create mood as well as atmosphere in scenes that reveal contradiction, hesitancy, and eccentricity from a cat’s point of view. Heavy on social pondering yet light on lectures, the narrative explores every pathway to potential happiness.
ForeWord Review - Be My Valentino
September/15/2015 02:07 PM
A remarkable woman reinvents herself and establishes a new career in this against-all-odds metamorphosis. Bricker charges her scenes with electric realism in a plot featuring a resilient entrepreneur who opens a clothing boutique that rents designer clothing. Not fully recovered from a bad marriage, this determined heroine confronts obstacles and recurring conflicts.
ForeWord Review - The Lost Heiress
September/14/2015 12:30 PM
A missing heiress raised in Monaco travels to Yorkshire, England, to claim her legacy in this Edwardian novel. White presents a common historical situation, infusing the plot with vigor through the use of strong evocative passages and detailed characterization. Abduction, intrigue, and a priceless artifact add just the right amount of mystery to raise the temperature of this otherwise cool tale to a comfortable warm.
ForeWord Blog - Time Travel Romance
September/02/2015 10:14 AM
On a bad day, nothing is more comforting than traveling vicariously to the waiting arms of a lover who lives in another century. That makes sense to aficionados of time travel romance. Disruptions of contemporary society fade into temporary oblivion, overshadowed by a world far removed from reality. A scholar may assert that answers to today’s problems can be found by studying history. Learn from mistakes; repeat long-lasting good. Or, better yet, disappear into the past with an agenda and a date. Nothing is more appealing than finding an alternate plane where exhilaration and passion, often missing in day-to-day existence, renew the will to live.
ForeWord Feature - Intoxicated
August/31/2015 05:31 PM
Nothing irritates the literary critic more than a bad romance, but nothing enrages the literary critic more than a good romance, simply because it sells. This lucrative field attracts all age groups from every socioeconomic background. This is a world where personal problems fade into oblivion. Escape. Excitement. Entertainment.
ForeWord Review - Jack London
August/27/2015 02:07 PM
This specialized look at American author Jack London (1876-1916) examines an outspoken socialist seeking an enlightened world where human rights prevail. Tichi’s biography of the literary icon focuses on the political and moral issues that touched his soul throughout the course of his short life. A resilient man who experienced poverty, manual labor, and incarceration for a petty crime, London steps from the pages as a self-educated intellectual absorbed by the plight of the downtrodden and the oppressed.
ForeWord Review - The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen
August/20/2015 01:03 PM
A skillful portrayal of an early nineteenth-century literary icon takes this historical romance on an imaginative journey of the soul. Collins Hemingway reinvents the life of Jane Austen, imagining the course of events if she had met the man of her dreams. Pondering, polite, and reflective, this heartfelt novel delves into the hypothetical in a stylistic tribute that evokes the genteel atmosphere of the period.
ForeWord Review - The Road at St. Liseau
August/10/2015 06:16 PM
Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, this romantic spy thriller plumbs the depths of despair and scales the heights of joy in a riveting depiction of sacrifice and love. Becker’s novel presents a familiar scenario—a young nurse instills the will to live in a critically injured American army captain. Heartbreaking and graphic, the atrocities of warfare make an ugly appearance, informing the twenty-first century of a brutal past that cannot be forgotten.
ForeWord Blog - Romantic Suspense
July/28/2015 09:19 AM
Like James Bond, an undercover agent always gets the girl… well, at least long enough to impress the envious. Danger and excitement create a heady atmosphere—impending disaster with a ticking clock. Nothing is particularly romantic about chasing a felon or investigating a crime, yet high-stakes situations trigger emotions in people contending with dire circumstances. If the thought of a brief interlude in the midst of a life-threatening scene makes the heart do double time, then this is the sub-genre for all those bored romance devotees who cannot stomach sticky sweetness and drab sentimentality.
ForeWord Review - The Searchers
July/27/2015 10:06 AM
The teachings of eighteenth-century theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) are incorporated into this esoteric, but enlightening, work of fiction. Ideal for the open-minded reader fascinated with metaphysics, Smith alternates between refined symbolism and subtle allegory in her evocative work, never failing to intrigue and entertain.
ForeWord Review - Corinne and Me
July/24/2015 01:53 PM
Hoehn’s memoir is a fine example of a candid autobiography written not only to entertain but as a tribute to loved ones who left a lasting impression on the psyche of this author’s fragile, beautiful soul. An inspiring story of hope for those tempted to give up in the face of tragedy and loss, this worthwhile read is for anyone who is suffering and would like to proceed with the process of living.
ForeWord Review - Rose-Tainted Fragments
July/20/2015 01:47 PM
Written in the nineteenth-century tradition, this exceptional coming-of-age novel will appeal to literature connoisseurs and Italian culture enthusiasts seeking painstaking descriptions. This insightful story focuses on the angst of a boy at a turning point, resisting change in one breath, yet welcoming the prospect of rebirth in the next. Laced throughout this tale is a wealth of subtle religious and social commentary, often with a political edge.
ForeWord Review - Doubt of Love
July/17/2015 04:30 PM
Scott presents a touching story with an unusual conglomeration of inspirational romance and subtle intrigue. Excellent character development, exhibiting the flaws and idiosyncrasies of real people, brings to life an interesting cast. Add just a dash of heady realism and this novel is clearly mainstream fiction, not for readers who avoid dealing with gritty truth on the path to idyllic bliss. A deserted, foreboding Irish graveyard on the cover is reminiscent of the creepy Gothics of bygone days.
ForeWord Review - Succession
July/16/2015 02:12 PM
Opening in New York City during the final days of the Kennedy presidency in 1963, Lobsenz’s novel provides a behind-the-scenes look at blatant greed and high-powered manipulation in competitive manufacturing and its impact on private lives. This caustic trip into the not-so-distant past is a sour glimpse of the American dream. A distinctive, almost uncomfortable realism permeates every page.
ForeWord Review - Timeless Wisdom
July/14/2015 02:44 PM
This compilation of quotations to rouse and motivate will revitalize anyone living high on stress and short on time. Kira juxtaposes Eastern and Western concepts in a selection that will appeal to a broad cultural audience. Without imposing on the material, this perceptive editor has showcased great philosophers, spiritual leaders, and famous sages in compatible collaboration. Each quote holds potential as a conversation piece and a catalyst for in-depth analysis.
ForeWord Review - Haunted Plantations of the South
July/09/2015 10:39 AM
Supernatural phenomena and fireside legend haunt the pages of this spooky history text. Richard Southall explores the mansions of a bygone era, visiting seven states notorious for paranormal activity. Creepy and fascinating, this compilation of unforgettable stories defies explanation. Even a seasoned skeptic may find it difficult to disprove the strange events that intrude on the now tranquil, regal homes featured in his book, all places that were once the focal point of war during one of the most tumultuous times in America.
ForeWord Review - The Play's the Thing
July/08/2015 10:24 AM
Groundbreaking theater and the fruits of a loving, collaborative partnership that spanned twenty-four years fill the pages of this touching tribute. Keena chronicles her accomplishments with husband Clark Bowlen until his death in 2012, a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at stage performance from set design to stage production. Though marketed as literary criticism, the book is a biography embedded in an educational text on the performing arts.
ForeWord Review - Under Lock and Key
July/01/2015 09:34 AM
Teetering on the brink of madness, this chilling psychological thriller delves into elaborate experiments that violate privacy and ethics while attempting to heal unimaginable injury to the human mind and body. The curious enter a frightening world where a doctor’s vow to do no harm tangles with scientific advancement. Fans of the medical drama can expect a high-technology twist in unforgettable moments that linger on the edge of a treacherous zone. Wired (pun intended) and strung out for maximum impact, Geesman’s storyline veers off the circuit board.
ForeWord Review - A Veil of Fog and Flames
July/01/2015 09:13 AM
Danger thrusts two vulnerable adolescents into the mire and mayhem of 1851 San Francisco in this coming-of-age novel. Beninger delves into the anguish and turmoil associated with maturing in an environment that drives unprepared young souls into a brutal world more suitable for jaded adults. Defying established convention and resisting social pressure to conform is part of any generation’s awakening, and these mid-nineteenth-century American teenagers are no exception.
ForeWord Review - The Rules of Ever After
June/15/2015 12:30 PM
Enchantment, whimsy, and fun spin this heart-warming tale into a make-believe realm filled with storybook characters. Brewer’s fantasy is a coming-of-age novel that brings two vibrant young men together in a touching gay romance that explores the meaning of love.
ForeWord Review - The Mark on Eve
June/12/2015 04:41 PM
Witchcraft and women’s history propel this paranormal fantasy into a precarious realm of superstition and sexist perceptions. Fox educates subtly, discussing gender rights issues by incorporating them into a vibrant storyline. A blend of mystery and supernatural elements bolster the message of this feminist novel.
ForeWord Blog - Western Romances
June/03/2015 10:20 AM
The American West of the 1800s was a harsh test, subjecting a person’s mind and body to psychological and physical rigors far removed from our coddled, contemporary world. Often romanticized, the old Wild West is a vibrant setting for colorful characters toughing it out in a rugged, treacherous environment. Lawless and lethal, this period in American history propels the plots for countless movies and books, from spine-tingling entertainment to beloved classics. Expansion westward following the Civil War took many lives, leaving grief and desolation in its wake, yet passion flourishes on a precarious ledge and attracts loyal fans of the genre.
ForeWord Review - Walking Home
May/27/2015 02:37 PM
A middle-aged man embarks on a journey into the soul along the winding Appalachian Trail in this revealing look at unfulfilled expectations and pronounced disillusionment. Herrick’s novel is a quest for lost youth and an inner battle to regain the zest that somehow got displaced on the way to mediocrity, what many like to call the “good life” in America. Vivid imagery of the Appalachian terrain and wildlife allows the timid to live vicariously through an adventurous hiker.
ForeWord Blog - Regency Romances
May/06/2015 09:12 PM
Consider that novels set in Regency England (1811-1820) feature a privileged world among royalty, where material needs are determined by birthright and romance flourishes in clandestine environments. Much has changed since the days of Jane Austen, whose prim and proper courtships dragged on for hundreds of pages with no one giving it up. Today, daring exploits and push-the-envelope stylistic devices fill their pages with all the drama and tension typical of mainstream America. No writer is required to adhere to the stifling rules established by the time in which Austen penned her world-renowned words.
ForeWord Review - Tracks
April/22/2015 02:36 PM
Monetary success and the American dream remain elusive, intangible concepts in this story of resilient immigrants facing cultural discrimination. Spanning a period of seventy-seven years, McLinden’s novel is a realistic yet inspiring account of industrious people seeking happiness and security in a stratified society. Opening in 1900 in the New Mexico Territory, with strategic stops on the way to 1977, every chapter packs a powerful punch or an uplifting message.
ForeWord Review - When the Song of the Angels Is Stilled
April/13/2015 04:17 PM
This innovative adaptation pits Sherlock Holmes against the baby-farming industry in nineteenth-century England. As Sherlock investigates the ritualistic murders of helpless infants, he struggles with conflicting emotions of young love. Coyle remains true to her predecessor’s style, but stays within her own boundaries as she allows Sherlock’s girlfriend to tell the story. Narrated from this inquisitive heroine’s viewpoint and told in retrospect, the novel explores aspects of Sherlock’s personality that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle may have neglected to reveal in his original series.
ForeWord Review - Code of Darkness
April/09/2015 01:46 PM
A tense interplay of science fiction, action thriller, and urban fantasy, Lindberg’s book surpasses the boundaries of a one-genre novel. The plot veers into a convoluted escapade and brings the reader into a bizarre world of vigilante heroism turned bad. A premonition of cataclysm sets a sinister mood that plays in the background like a gloomy musical score.
ForeWord Review - From Pastor to Atheist
April/08/2015 03:09 PM
In this revealing look at a former Lutheran minister’s ordeal with the church, Cartford asserts that eternal life is not for a privileged few, but the destiny for everyone. Religion, he believes, promotes the god it creates, instills fear, divides people, and controls behavior. Though he professes himself to be an atheist, what he really seeks is not a void, but an alternative world filled with peace, beauty, and openness. Centered on inherent spirituality, he asserts that truth is known through reason, not revelation.
ForeWord Review - A Reflection of Strength
April/07/2015 01:17 PM
This engaging memoir describes the process of adapting to American ways and learning to integrate dreams and desires into daily living. Interspersed with Bellevue’s lowest lows are the uplifting, gratifying moments of his fascinating acclimation to America after emigrating from Haiti. Admirable is his ability to overcome hardship and emerge an enlightened person sensitive to every nuance of his existence on earth. Rather than bitter and hardened, this man acquired profound perception and sophistication.
ForeWord Review - Waging War on Cancer
March/31/2015 12:54 PM
A prominent cancer researcher shares the trials and tribulations of his productive career in this engaging biography. Dedicated to the development of lifesaving drugs, Dr. G. Robert Pettit’s anticancer quest has led to advancements in medicine, and his knowledge has inspired the work of countless students. He is known for his discovery of bryostatins, auristatins, and dolastatins. This incredible book is based on countless hours of interview transcripts edited by Byars.
ForeWord Review - A Room of Rain
March/18/2015 11:18 AM
Hardcore journalism meets the neighborhood gossip in this innovative collection of twelve short stories by award-winning Gary Fincke. Told secondhand and infused with a storyteller’s voice, this book takes the literary tourist on gripping, tour-bus-style escapades that examine the dark side of life from a safe, somewhat distant standpoint. Bringing into play all five senses, Fincke creates vicarious experiences that connoisseurs of intellectual fiction seek.
ForeWord Review - Zuni Stew
March/18/2015 08:33 AM
A skillful blend of Native American folklore and supernatural forces, this frightening murder mystery integrates elements from multiple genres. The book takes place primarily on a Zuni reservation in New Mexico. The location establishes an ideal setting for creating the mystical mood, which is enhanced by riveting symbolism and paranormal events. This southwestern tale takes much of its flavor from the region, and Jacobs maximizes its spooky atmosphere with authenticity.
ForeWord Review - Down Under
March/17/2015 09:36 PM
Taitz explores much more than a revitalized, star-crossed affair in this innovative twist on the contemporary romance novel. Tradition meets glitz meets realism in a carefully contrived, perhaps even philosophical, look at what happens when well-intended individuals attempt to alter what cannot be changed. This perceptive glimpse of smothered passion, along with bad character traits, places this sophisticated title soundly into the mainstream.
ForeWord Review - A Certain Retribution
March/17/2015 09:16 PM
Lister sets his sordid tale in a treacherous fictional community where no one can be trusted, where vendettas are the rule. Sinister motivations and retaliatory indignation fuel the violence in this threatening environment on the brink of mayhem. Bad cops meet good cops in this exceptional mystery with an unpredictable ending.
ForeWord Review - America and WWI
March/06/2015 11:09 AM
A sophisticated history text integrates the practical details of a guide in this informative and illustrative look at World War I. Straightforward in approach yet frequently eliciting an emotional response, Van Ells delivers a powerful evaluation of the American doughboys and the war that few want to talk about any more. Often perceived as a prelude to World War II, the Great War left behind countless broken hearts and living souls with bodies wounded beyond repair.
ForeWord Review - The Manuscript
February/18/2015 01:53 PM
A New York City editor encounters an eerie manuscript by a well-known author that triggers memories and evokes the emotions she experienced when her father left. She recalls the day he drove away, putting his pastel box into her hands. Now, thirty years later, she must relive these agonizing moments while reading the carefully crafted words of a skilled writer who hits a tad too close to reality. Fuschetti delivers an enlightening, soul-searching novel that does more than entertain.
ForeWord Review - America Invades
February/16/2015 01:30 PM
This informative yet entertaining history text presents a factual account of United States military involvement throughout the world. Alphabetically listed, every country the US has ever entered on a battle mission or in an official capacity makes an appearance in this well-researched reference tool, a concise book that is pro-American without being ethnocentric. Kelly and Laycock explore everything from territorial acquisition to devastating war to beneficial assistance, even touching lightly on cultural indoctrination.
ForeWord Review - Autumn Colors
February/13/2015 02:22 PM
Lajeunesse presents an enlightening, though often aching, reflection on young love brought to a catastrophic end and a poignant description of spiritual healing. Speeding back to 1968, then into the 1970s and 1980s, she journeys to the depths of a passionate woman’s soul in a touching delivery. Though marketed as a romance, this book is steeped in agonizing realism. A simple funeral turns into a situational catharsis, triggering an outpouring of memories and painful self-realizations for the protagonist.
Lajeunesse presents an enlightening, though often aching, reflection on young love brought to a catastrophic end and a poignant description of spiritual healing. Speeding back to 1968, then into the 1970s and 1980s, she journeys to the depths of a passionate woman’s soul in a touching delivery. Though marketed as a romance, this book is steeped in agonizing realism. A simple funeral turns into a situational catharsis, triggering an outpouring of memories and painful self-realizations for the protagonist.
ForeWord Review - Passionate Encounters
February/11/2015 04:52 PM
Like poetry in prose, Jabry explores the psychological churning that accompanies the push-pull within the mind as a person experiences negative and positive feelings for another. She captures attention with well-crafted phrases and subtle play on words, offering a new literary take on the commercial romance novel. An experimental collection of articulate perceptions, this book delves into the process of tumbling in and out of love.
ForeWord Review - Obsessed
February/10/2015 01:50 PM
Writing about sex for the sake of sex is a literary art form attempted by many but mastered by few. This unconventional collection of nineteen short stories for women focuses on obsession and the ways a fixation can be expressed. Written by some of the best authors in the genre, the anthology explores sexual situations and describes intimate encounters, rather than placing explicit scenes in a plot propelled by external factors and emotional involvement. Bussel’s unusual selections and meticulous editing are to be commended, yet that elusive mark of quality remains subjective.
ForeWord Review - Beloved Enemy
February/09/2015 04:55 PM
A bilingual woman in the British Women’s Army sneaks into Germany during World War II to seduce Karl von Richter, a Nazi intelligence colonel, and ultimately falls in love with her enemy. In a gripping story that spans twenty years, beginning in 1942, this courageous heroine, a hired assassin, sacrifices her safety and well-being to carry out her assignment. The book follows her psychological adjustment and relationships thereafter. The prose is filled with period detail, enhancing the sense of place in war-torn Europe.
ForeWord Feature - I'm So Into You
January/28/2015 01:41 PM
Obscure, subjective, esoteric, dubious. Like no other concept known to civilized humans, romance may be the most difficult to define. Complex and diverse, romance fiction in the publishing sphere encompasses far more than blazing erotica or clandestine patronage. As in all great writing, it’s the characters in the books we treasure that determine the best of literary romance.
ForeWord Review - Principium
January/22/2015 10:42 AM
This somewhat typical tale of persecution and New Age witchcraft crosses into the monster-creature zone. Infused with descriptions of psychic phenomena, prophetic dreams, and subliminal persuasion, Lamarre’s intriguing novel fortifies the power of every woman, promoting her to goddess status. Though written presumably for entertainment only, symbolic imagery and situational statements abound in this playful, young adult romp.
ForeWord Review - Beautiful Woman
January/20/2015 02:16 PM
Contrasting the extravagant wealth and the devastating poverty of Miami, Mowbray’s book is a political statement as much as a novel. The protagonist, a liberal newspaper columnist, pits himself against a stratified city in this terrifying story of a successful journalist’s downfall after his romance with a Sanctuary Island socialite goes bad. A fascinating escapade into the dark elements of possessiveness and jealousy, this title will appeal to diverse readers interested in psychological probing as well as gritty action.
ForeWord Review - Reconstruction
January/15/2015 04:34 PM
A vibrant woman hangs on the brink of life and death in this candid look at the horrifying results when a medical procedure leaves a patient fighting for her rights. This incredible journey reveals the inner turmoil and the impenetrable darkness that encompassed her while she lay in the hospital drugged and contemplating suicide. Ashburne’s story is an example of motivation, drive, and stamina emerging when weaker individuals would give up and die. Her book is a gripping memoir and an exploration of the human will to survive.
ForeWord Review - The Lives of Lyman Liri
January/15/2015 01:08 PM
Hidden within clouds of philosophical mist that shroud the narrative, Lyman Liri emerges in a series of brief sketches told from the viewpoint of those who knew him. Johnston-Brown shines a spotlight on human nature, exposing raw behavior and cruel intentions as well as sterling morals and simple kindnesses. She offers a parable that asks what would happen if key decisions could be reversed. Though some believe fate and destiny play a part in determining one’s happiness, this foggy perception can lead to a lack of action and no goal, rather than a potentially wrong goal. Lyrical and graphic, this innovative storytelling sets the book apart from other works of intellectual fiction.
ForeWord Review - Silent Partner
January/13/2015 02:23 PM
A former celebrity and socialite hires an investigator to prove that her executive assistant’s disappearance eighteen years ago was actually murder. Even more dreadful is her suspicion that her ex-husband, wealthy and elusive, committed the crime. Buck Jaspers looks down every path for an answer. The result will surprise even the most jaded mystery connoisseur. Blanton’s style does not overwhelm the text with unnecessary words that detract from the story. Every scene is executed with precision.
ForeWord Review - Awakening to Awareness
January/13/2015 01:47 PM
In a gripping story of rebirth, McMillan escorts the reader into the recesses of a traumatized woman’s mind as she lingers between life and death due to injuries sustained in a car accident. From the Australian Gold Coast hospital where this resilient heroine is a patient, this exciting protagonist relives her life in Las Vegas ten years earlier, an escapade involving money, entrapment, and undercover operations. The theme is reminiscent of the esoteric writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, a theologian and mystic who described visions of the afterlife and its intermediary, transitional phases.
ForeWord Review - Every Day a Holiday
January/08/2015 01:58 PM
A collage of vintage memories and modern musings, this collection of vignettes will ignite a real spark of life in a contemporary society immersed in an artificial digital age. Writers who agonize over finding just the right word, obsessed with making a startling impact more than leaving a visual imprint, will learn from Ellis’s ability to present a scene in a concise yet commanding manner. Her goal is to entertain and educate, inspiring new traditions.
ForeWord Review - Henry First
January/06/2015 04:42 PM
Fine cuisine and morbid excess create an exquisite word parfait in this sardonic look at the competitive world of gourmet cooking. Laced with potent dark humor, Lawrence’s entertaining yet often disturbing novel crosses the fine line drawn between satire and realism. This in-depth literary masterpiece is hardly based on mere competition, however, for lurking in its complex structure is a life-or-death punch.
ForeWord Review - Quick Kills
January/06/2015 04:28 PM
Rock-bottom self-esteem, along with a desire to please, reaches a treacherous psychological cliff in Lurie’s frighteningly realistic novella. Art and pornography vie for prominence in this ultra-sophisticated take on fashion and photography. A compilation of literary snapshots expose the dark side of a glamorous profession by revealing the damaging impact on a young woman’s mind.
ForeWord Review - Styling the Stars
January/06/2015 04:07 PM
With primarily black-and-white and a small number of color stills, Twentieth Century Fox has maintained a vault of visual gems, outstanding shots of icons in the movie industry. Actress Angela Cartwright and actor Tom McLaren present a revealing collection of photos never before seen. What makes this book unique is the intent opposed to the content. Each picture was taken for technical purposes only, not for promotional avenues. Eccentric and artsy, this candid glimpse of the world’s beloved film stars focuses on a bygone era of traditional romance and old-school charm.
ForeWord Review - Deadly Tasting
November/03/2014 08:31 AM
Ritualized murders laced with symbolism terrorize the vineyards of Pomerol in this chilling French mystery set in Bordeaux. Alaux and Balen ferment a scenario so shocking and intriguing that even a jaded connoisseur of whodunits will seek an explanation. Difficult to forget and oddly addictive, this tale of derangement deserves a high mark for keeping the answers hidden and the pages turning. Buried within the annals of history, a dark secret awaits discovery.
ForeWord Review - Bridal Veil
October/26/2014 11:48 PM
A fairy tale wedding takes a turn into nineteenth-century America in this time-travel romance that questions the very definition of marriage. Though critics may label this novel as yet another Cinderella tale with a heroic rescuer waiting in the wings, the plot does not proceed along a typical path. Wright’s empathetic book is a captivating mix of feminist outrage and philosophical soul-searching, a simple story with profound meaning.
ForeWord Review - Payback
September/16/2014 09:04 PM
A vendetta propels this eerie plot from a Civil War-reenactment in Michigan to a behind-the-scenes investigation that probes the bad side of human integrity. In another riveting Pete Thorsen mystery, the criminal intent is apparent, but the motive is not, when an acclaimed historian and professor is shot and killed during simulated battle. What one deserves can be a matter of perception in the deranged mind of a villain, opening the pathway to sinister behavior in Wangard’s thriller.
ForeWord Review - Making Marion
September/16/2014 05:27 PM
In this humorous slice of life set in rural England, a potpourri of domestic discontent, Cinderella complex, and cold-hearted reality leaves unforgettable memories. Moran takes liberties in her portrayal of a shy, insecure heroine, creating a character so believably human that she barely qualifies for fictional status in a mix of light romance and solemn drama.
ForeWord Review - Together They Overcame
September/16/2014 03:58 PM
Set in Israel after the 1956 Sinai campaign, this absorbing tale of young love straightforwardly reveals what happens when indoctrinated expectations clash with natural urges. Cultural dominance rooted in tradition meets free-spirited passion. Aharoni’s writing will capture the hearts of romance enthusiasts seeking down-to-earth drama rather than immersion in a mere storybook fantasy.
Set in Israel after the 1956 Sinai campaign, this absorbing tale of young love straightforwardly reveals what happens when indoctrinated expectations clash with natural urges. Cultural dominance rooted in tradition meets free-spirited passion. Aharoni’s writing will capture the hearts of romance enthusiasts seeking down-to-earth drama rather than immersion in a mere storybook fantasy.
ForeWord Review - Lusty Little Women
September/16/2014 03:42 PM
Discover Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic from a new perspective in this exciting remake. Pearl takes her characters into forbidden territory, breaking the rules and restrictions imposed on nineteenth-century society in Massachusetts. Tasteful and reserved, the book takes only a conservative step forward in its liberation stance.
ForeWord Review - The Blue Hole and Other Stories
September/16/2014 03:09 PM
Life-changing moments revealed in retrospect lend a contemplative tone to this outstanding short story collection. Sometimes obvious, yet often oblique, every situation depicted in these fourteen eclectic snapshots of life leads to a turning point, propelling a protagonist in a specific direction. Hendrix suggests these catalysts are not always apparent at the time they occur.
ForeWord Review - Lemongrass Hope
September/16/2014 02:54 PM
A fantasy cruise ten years into the past allows a glimpse of the nautical path not taken in a woman’s life as she sails away from her desired destination, a fulfilling relationship. Impellizzeri’s literary experiment showcases everything that is right and wrong about married existence, while turning on an alternative lighthouse as a beacon of optimism in a fascinating fiction debut. Realistic portrayals mingle with strange phenomena in this heady mix of contemporary romance and psychic twilight.
ForeWord Review - Tangled Roots
September/16/2014 02:42 PM
Childhood companions in the early twentieth century grow to love each other amid the turmoil of racist upheaval and sexist restrictions in a touching story of abiding loyalty. Martin presents two intelligent women faced with intolerable choices that will curtail their future together. Deeply engrossing and quite beautiful, this post-Civil War romance will enthrall an audience seeking diversity in a subgenre often immersed in stereotypes.
ForeWord Review - With Every Breath
September/03/2014 12:47 PM
Dedication and sacrifice bring former academic rivals together in this medical drama set in an 1891 Washington, D.C. hospital. Camden reveals the terrifying impact of tuberculosis during a time when treatments were experimental. A death sentence for most, the disease ravaged the U.S. population leaving pain and grief in its wake, a scenario described in explicit detail throughout this empathetic historical romance.
ForeWord Review - A Time to Pay
August/26/2014 04:56 PM
Dirty money takes an intriguing cast of characters from heaven to hell and back in this fast-paced historical thriller. A bag of stolen diamonds is the catalyst in a 1960s escapade that brings out the best and worst in fallible protagonists as they travel across Europe at the height of the Cold War. Woods has a gift for developing his main characters to a high degree, skillfully blending introspection, description, and action to depict vibrant personalities.
ForeWord Review - The Necklace
August/19/2014 12:18 PM
This dramatic and emotional novel, rich in historical detail, explores star-crossed lovers. Different cultures meet in an awkward yet touching relationship destined for heartbreak at the hands of a society that subjugates women. The first in a planned series, Valverde’s book opens in the ancient city of Kyoto, Japan, in 1890.
ForeWord Review - The Revival
August/15/2014 03:55 PM
Allen takes the reader on a second mind-bending journey to Totoba, Africa, an extraordinary place that cannot be fathomed. An unforgettable romantic encounter adds modern-day and gothic intrigue to this dangerous scenario. In a peculiar buildup, the story veers into a mythical land governed by a pseudo-sacred cult.
ForeWord Review - The Return
August/15/2014 03:14 PM
Told in a confidential, first-person narrative, this conversational novel will appeal to an audience who has a need to wonder not only about the outcome, but about the purpose of this imaginary, or not-so-imaginary, excursion into a bizarre African realm where reality and fantasy merge. This entertaining, supernatural tale may be classified as escapist fiction, but the book also provokes a deeper, intellectual response that makes us contemplate inner character and morality.
ForeWord Review - Raptor of Deliverance
August/06/2014 12:38 PM
Psychic phenomena and paranormal intrigue create a unique pathway into the realm of science fiction in this mesmerizing novel. Laced with symbolism, Baxter’s writing is fertile with details that invite interpretation, exploring the frightening prospect of fantastical, mind-controlled weaponry. Fans of the psychological thriller will love the style of this debut author.
ForeWord Review - Smoke Dreams
July/17/2014 12:04 PM
A haunted mansion with an intelligent personality propels this eerie tale set in New Mexico. Willerton teeters on the brink of historical and horror fiction, creating an eye-opening escapade for the uninitiated. The Comanche kidnapping of a ten-year-old boy in 1870 is the catalyst for this terrifying yet strangely poignant story of a family’s undying zest for living.
ForeWord Review - Crazy Heat
June/27/2014 03:11 PM
A past affair, incarceration for murder, and a grudge have fueled this page-turner set in Tucson, Arizona, with sexually motivated greed and violence in just the right combination. The reading experience is similar to watching a movie rather than delving into a literary endeavor. Like most American crime fiction, the plot is revealed through character interaction, not soul-revealing introspection and prolonged stints of description.
ForeWord Review - Ambrosius Aureliani
June/26/2014 04:42 PM
Narrated by Merlinus, better known simply as Merlin, this work is the first in a proposed four-book series, set in the fifth century as the Roman Empire is collapsing. Mintz knows his material to a fine point and presents his novel much like an animated professor, gracing his pages with meticulous historical detail. Inspired by the medieval mystique of King Arthur, this tale has all the attributes of a prolonged saga with treacherous battles and territorial disputes.
ForeWord Review - Fo's Baby
June/18/2014 08:37 AM
At thirty-nine, a woman is destined for disenchantment if she fails to find an appropriate baby daddy. Accustomed to being the center of Fo’s domestic realm, her partner Dina sees the prospect of offspring an intruding threat to their established home. Snatches of life in poignant vignettes grab attention throughout this multifaceted novel, jarring away remnants of complacency from a bygone era content to allow so-called “accepted” standards. Literary in style and focus, this book is no ordinary labor of commercial fiction.
ForeWord Review - Heart Leader
June/13/2014 03:54 PM
With warmth and humor, Wizelman details a workable plan for career-driven individuals and high-potential teams to reach an extraordinary level of achievement without losing the human touch. This caring and enlightened executive has developed a near flawless coaching technique, specializing in “emotional intelligence” and strategic planning in the corporate realm. Usable in a variety of professions, his advice applies to anyone with a desire to gain from his insight. In this age of electronic communication he reminds us that behind every high-tech device, computer monitor, and workstation is an individual with a heart and a soul.
ForeWord Review - Bean Counters
June/12/2014 09:07 AM
Though the development of lifesaving medication is a noble endeavor, marketing pharmaceuticals for financial gain may attract unqualified individuals to the field, a disillusioning aspect of the trade. At the core of this publication is a questioning of integrity, a factor that influences every type of commerce. Comparing pills to beans may be flippant, but this analogy makes a crucial point. Medication is serious business, not a financial competition, with long-term consequences that can be good or bad.
ForeWord Review - Hunting Marfa Lights
June/11/2014 09:11 AM
Mysterious and elusive, the nocturnal lights that appear near Marfa, a small town in West Texas, have fascinated scientists seeking explanations for these strange phenomena. Native Americans believed they were fallen stars, but contemporary studies dispute this assumption. Though the majority of these mystifying orbs have a plausible reason, Bunnell believes that three percent are unexplained. His research methods are sound, based on an eight-year examination, from 2001 to 2009. He shares the trials and failures of his attempts to obtain reliable data, his territorial conflicts with wildlife, and his first captivating successes.
ForeWord Review - Jefferson Davis
June/10/2014 12:05 PM
A famous gray ghost emerges from this realistic dramatization in a convincing portrayal of Jefferson Davis. Maring focuses on the life of a controversial figure often perceived as an enemy of the United States. Jefferson was an educated man, a Southern gentleman who later became known as the president of the Confederacy. Though few would award hero status to this outspoken politician, most will find his background fascinating in this fictionalized account of his early years.
ForeWord Review - A Meeting of Clans
June/06/2014 04:29 PM
Travel fourteen thousand years into the past in this realistic depiction of primitive society. Faced with risky choices, a bonded group of humans must cope with the discovery that they are not alone when they encounter another clan. This unsettling realization is the catalyst for an unforgettable adventure. Nervous and wary, they learn to accept their now humbled status. Powerful and evocative, Rollins reveals a distant world where humans are motivated by the basic need to survive.
ForeWord Review - Oulanem
June/03/2014 03:10 PM
Inspired by an obscure dramatic fragment written by Karl Marx in 1837 while attending the University of Berlin, this experimental literary endeavor showcases a contemporary author’s illumination of a plot only partially developed yet potent in its caustic social messages. This novel elaborates on the single act of a play. Though no one will know precisely what Marx may have wanted to express if he had finished the drama, Majkut has done a superb job using the abandoned fragment to its fullest potential.
ForeWord Review - Dogs Aren't Men
May/30/2014 08:56 AM
Harlequin tradition meets contemporary intrigue in a heartwarming novel. This sweet romance features an ambitious veterinarian with no patience for demanding men until she meets an emergency room doctor who shares her lack of enthusiasm for relationships. An underlying element of danger enhances the tension in a quaint small town inhabited by a few undesirable saboteurs.
ForeWord Review - Phone Call from Hell
May/29/2014 02:46 PM
A criminal twilight zone reminiscent of the classic television series meets hardcore realism in this jaded twist on human nature. Woods delivers his sardonic view of gritty life in seventeen stories that will make hiding under the bed a comforting thought. Subtler than the work of Quentin Tarantino yet similar in tone, these literary trips into fits of madness expose the dark side of the psyche. This collection may be a masterpiece of noir fiction. A shuddering glimpse of hell.
ForeWord Review - Plumb's Bluff
May/28/2014 09:34 AM
Ely portrays a small community on the brink of paranoid, superstitious madness, along a river steeped in symbolic meaning and, on one unfortunate occasion, booby-trapped with barbed wire. Alternating between scathing depictions of a narrow-minded, sequestered town and investigative savvy, he charges his novel with the skills of a wordsmith. A witchcraft mentality in a traditional environment adds a chilling element, enhancing the ominous mood. Menacing and provocative, this exploration of the so-called bad seed within humankind will illuminate the contradictory impulses that drive some to violence and some to love.
ForeWord Review - How the West Won
May/27/2014 01:28 PM
This clarifying history title dispels misconceptions and asserts supremacy in an educated yet ethnocentric view of global events. Divided into five parts, this exploration commences in 500 BC and ends after 1750 AD. From classical beginnings and the so-called Dark Ages to medieval transition and the dawn of modernity, the text delves deeply into everything from the trivial and mundane to the serious and life altering. Though people who remain socially unbiased may find this approach somewhat jarring, the book is amply annotated and offers an extensive bibliography.
ForeWord Review - Underground
May/06/2014 04:46 PM
Holden tells the story of a young woman in jeopardy. Taken into an underground world and forced into submission, she falls in love with her captor, a leader who treats her with respect and kindness as he changes her into a vampire. This Lothario plot line with its romanticized kidnapping can be endured only within the confines of urban fantasy.
ForeWord Review - The Whip
April/22/2014 09:14 AM
A skillful blend of fact and fiction, Kondazian’s incredible story of a courageous nineteenth-century heroine dramatizes actual events in the life of Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst (1812-1879), a stagecoach driver for Wells Fargo. This pioneering woman chose to live as a man, combating old-school tradition and unhealthy stereotypes. Riveting and action propelled, this award-winning title showcases the best and the worst of America as our country began to transition into a progressive society founded on fairness and equality.
ForeWord Review - Flight of the Tarantula Hawk
April/19/2014 01:02 PM
This psychological thriller delves into the psychotic motivations of a murderous predator stalking unsuspecting human prey with a paralyzing drug. Inspired by the grotesque feeding ritual of the tarantula hawk, this inventive tale juxtaposes supernatural interludes with grisly crime scenes. For thick-skinned, desensitized horror fans seeking a creative spin in a genre that invites the most unthinkable nightmares, Scott will surpass expectation.
ForeWord Review - College Freshman 101
April/18/2014 04:46 PM
Disillusionment and discouragement threaten to derail a young woman’s aspirations in her first year of college. An African American student on a predominantly white campus feels marginalized and forced to immerse herself in the work of professors extolling the virtues of literary greats far removed from twenty-first-century concerns. An emerging feminist intent on making her own mark in the competitive writing profession, this eighteen-year-old refuses to accept the financial and social barriers that confront her.
ForeWord Review - Presidential Intentions
March/24/2014 09:04 AM
A candid look at the rise of an ambitious presidential candidate destined for greatness from the days of her youth, this complex novel is an exciting yet tragic behind-the-scenes examination of the political process. Wood presents factual events and real people within a fictional context, juxtaposing an analysis of recent situations with the activities of his protagonist. This in-depth story of a powerful, conservative feminist brings a figment of the imagination alive to a degree of vividness rarely seen in a debut.
ForeWord Review - The Roses Underneath
March/11/2014 01:05 PM
During the aftermath of World War II in devastated Germany, a resilient woman struggles to reunite with her family while helping a special division of the American military, also known as the Monuments Men, retrieve looted art treasures and return precious works to their original owners. Yetman opens her story in August 1945 and turns this piece of history into a Sherlock Holmes-type investigation, involving a stash of artwork, threats, interrogations, and prolonged disappearances.
ForeWord Review - Killer Within
March/08/2014 08:56 AM
An elusive serial killer meets a savvy FBI agent in this horrific story of derangement and madness. Gunhus delves into the inner motivations that drive a man to torture and dismember victims in a bizarre, self-imposed ritual, approaching the edge of paganism in a gruesome contemporary tale set along the Chesapeake Bay. Despite a tendency to strive too hard to trigger a nauseated or repulsed reaction that is characteristic of pulp fiction, this shock-worthy story remains ghoulishly mesmerizing and among the best in mainstream thrillers.
ForeWord Review - Nine Rabbits
March/07/2014 09:28 AM
This fictionalized memoir brings the pain of the past to the brink of tolerance then dissipates bad memories by celebrating simple pleasures in life. Zaharieva’s ingenious approach to personal distress is a perceptive examination of family and tradition, while exposing the underlying abuse behind social niceties. Engaging, with a decidedly feminist tone, this enlightening journey will inspire anyone dealing with trauma suffered within a domestic or a religious sphere.
ForeWord Review - Bridges
March/06/2014 12:20 PM
The forces of good and evil engage in battle within the depths of a tormented woman’s soul in this mesmerizing spiritual journey that merges psychology with mythology. Intellectual without being off-putting, this fascinating thriller traverses into an unknown dimension of the human mind, a world peopled with fallen angels and dethroned idols. Williamson shines a spotlight on downtrodden foreign environments plagued by desperation and superstition.
ForeWord Review - Chicago, The Windigo City
March/05/2014 04:07 PM
Urban fantasy infused with Native American legend takes an excursion into the bloody horror genre in this fast-paced, exciting story. Soul abduction and human cannibalism on the streets of Chicago lead investigators on a gruesome chase into the city’s deserted underground passages. As a frightening disease spreads, victims are of two types: the consumed and the possessed.
ForeWord Review - Dancing in the Dark
February/19/2014 05:41 PM
This journey of the spirit, involving both the loss of love and the gift of love, takes one on an exploration of human motivation and biological need. Two couples embark on the confusing and often obstructed path to a fulfilling relationship in this dual story line, featuring four separate yet deeply connected individuals. Fans of daytime drama and connoisseurs of confessional fiction will love this sophisticated take on a popular stylistic technique—revelation of the heart.
ForeWord Review - The Third Terrace of Purgatory
February/10/2014 09:09 AM
The stressful world of Manhattan advertising, characterized by the unrelenting pressure to succeed, grounds this first installment of Barker’s trilogy. The story opens in 1959, yet the contemporary tone lends an excellent plot a sense of timelessness difficult to achieve in a historical novel. Realistic and chilling in its examination of human behavior, this fascinating page-turner will attract a diverse audience looking for a psychological thriller that extends the boundaries of genre fiction, while ignoring the industry’s tendency to place a book within a designated niche.
ForeWord Review - Her America
January/28/2014 03:01 PM
Susan Glaspell holds her place in the annals of literature, esteemed as a forerunner in feminist prose. This scholarly presentation is a compilation of twelve short stories, followed by detailed notes and information on where each piece originally appeared. Those written between 1915 and 1925 have not been available since their initial publication. How she conveyed her subtle and not-so-subtle messages, using symbols and well-crafted prose, may always remain the subject of ongoing interest to other writers.
ForeWord Review - There's a Place
January/27/2014 05:40 PM
A near-death experience leads to a murder trial in this controversial short story, a provocative glimpse of one woman’s perception of the afterlife. Zartman skillfully explores the border between physical and spiritual reality. In an approach that simultaneously enlightens and enrages, this brief journey will open the eyes of staunch supporters of maintaining life support while conveying a warning to those who wish to terminate patients who linger.
ForeWord Review - Touched in the Dark
January/25/2014 10:02 AM
This realistic and detailed medical romance features a young intern seeking abiding love and the calm resolution of a tormented childhood tainted by sexual abuse. In a break from tradition, the character of Dr. Tori Taggert replaces the stereotypical infatuated nurse who succumbs to the advances of a powerful physician, providing a fresh take on the popular hospital setting. Hanes explores the psyche of a woman fighting to come to terms with her difficult upbringing while advancing in a fast-paced career.
ForeWord Review - It's Not the Market
January/18/2014 09:15 AM
A concise guide for technophobes, the strategist behind the Backstreet Boys and ’N Sync explains why selling any commodity via bulletin boards will not be successful, just as the postal service is no longer the most effective means of delivering pertinent information. Internet-savvy experts may wonder why these common facts must be reiterated, but some still rely on outdated procedures that lead to failure. Frustrated over the inability to revive a business or sell a product, these baffled individuals assume that it’s a tough market to crack or that a bad economy is preventing them from achieving their goals. Bodnarchuk’s slant is directed toward the real-estate sector, but the information is usable in other fields.
ForeWord Review - A Swedenborg Sampler
January/17/2014 03:19 PM
Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) was an eighteenth-century Swedish theologian whose writings formed the basis for a fascinating offshoot of the Christian church. His interpretations go against fundamentalist doctrine and literal acceptance of the Bible. This book contains selections from five of his works that the translators have deemed appropriate for a mainstream audience. The meticulous presentation is informative and mesmerizing.
ForeWord Review - Amy Inspired
January/16/2014 02:01 PM
This exceptional story is a tender portrayal of love without the artificial frills of a capitalistic venture. At the heart of Pierce’s novel is the real source of inspiration in imaginative endeavors. Eschewing the typical perception of attainment in the fine arts and its emphasis on money or fame, this perceptive author presents the natural development of an idealistic, spiritual motivation for creative work. The book probes the genuine emotions that spur creativity and examines the false pretenses that stall artistic fulfillment.
ForeWord Review - Tidal Choice
January/14/2014 09:36 AM
In this soul-searching romance, a woman distinguishes between loyalty and love. Set in 1984 and told in a consistent, unbroken flashback twenty-five years after the events have occurred, Bradford loses none of the immediacy necessary to sustain interest. Perceptive and edited with care, this outstanding novel reveals more of the heroine’s thoughts and feelings than the stereotypical skin-to-skin intimacy that glosses over the emotional aspects of a relationship.
ForeWord Review - Drink with the Devil
January/10/2014 04:38 PM
This romantic thriller edges into the crime genre with a sordid look at vindictive undermining and lack of integrity. Set during the socially charged 1960s in rural England, a decent but downtrodden man loses a woman he adores when he is accused of murder. Woods has grabbed both ends of the moral spectrum and created a dangerous mess in a farming community during a decade when off-the-wall anything was the norm.
ForeWord Review - Night Chill
January/09/2014 09:38 AM
A primitive ritual and an ancient secret threaten a family’s safety in this heart-pounding tale of horrific madness. Guaranteed to trigger night sweats along with a childlike, irrational fear of the creaky attic, Gunhus will not disappoint horror fans. Beyond a bump-in-the-dark fright, the ominous mood will stay with anyone daring enough to pursue the contents of this lurid book.
ForeWord Review - Soulless
January/08/2014 09:10 AM
A police detective falls in love with the assassin assigned to kill her, a man who chooses to protect her with his life, defying the demands of his own people. This evolved species of humans feeds on the bioenergy of others, turning a social acquaintance into a potential victim. Sensual, sexual, and spellbinding, Hofman’s original take on the urban fantasy strips layers off its characters, revealing the depths of ardor and insanity.
ForeWord Review - The Hanging Tree
January/07/2014 02:13 PM
Supernatural entities threaten to suppress free will in this fate-propelled plot. A twenty-first-century story embarks on a frightening jaunt into the 1600s and early 1900s, delving into the disturbed emotions of five historical characters who cannot be laid to rest. Cash’s haunting novella explores the consequences of actions taken centuries ago in Oyster Bay, Long Island, examining the long-term, karmic aftereffects.
ForeWord Review - Love Waltzes In
January/07/2014 01:47 PM
The exciting world of competitive ballroom dance sets the backdrop for this involved story of an old relationship renewed in the limelight of reality television. Behind the scenes is the rocky romance of a man and a woman with little in common other than shared talent and an undeniable physical passion that transcends reason. In this tale of star-crossed lovers, Albertson explores the definition of love itself.
ForeWord Review - Savage Love
January/07/2014 01:19 PM
Glover’s collection of short stories and micro-fiction presents an archaic worldview with sophisticated manipulation. He targets the contemporary urbanite with thought-provoking descriptions and strange characters. This gifted author transfixes his audience with the unthinkable, drawing word pictures that some may prefer not to see in the middle of a lonely night.
ForeWord Review - Halfway to the Stars
December/18/2013 09:32 AM
Curzon’s fictional memoir is a down-and-dirty look at San Francisco from the perspective of a jaded cable car gripman who has the finesse of a two a.m. nightclub performer. His humor will thrill an audience seeking entertainment untouched by editorial censors. This is stand-up comedy at its literary best, with controversial pieces included to strike the strongest blow where needed. In this brilliant work, the “equal opportunity offender” theory applies.
ForeWord Review - The Other Mother
December/17/2013 10:08 AM
In this inspiring dramatization of true events, a television journalist forms a bond of friendship with Byrne Miller, a modern-dance pioneer. Bruce demonstrates the importance of relying on a mentor, especially during times of stress. For those who have ever needed maternal guidance without genetic ties, this memoir illustrates a fine example of a classy relationship.
ForeWord Review - Going the Distance
December/13/2013 10:48 AM
An injured major-league baseball pitcher finds an unfamiliar woman in the passenger seat of his car on the day of the 1979 all-star game. Laced with mystery and offbeat humor, this baffling though enjoyable novel ambles along a bumpy road with excursions down unpaved fictional territory. Those who savor the exploratory, as opposed to the traditional, approach to narrative will discover a feast in Joyce’s writing. Intriguing and a bit surreal.
ForeWord Review - Of Little Faith
December/10/2013 04:20 PM
Brutally frank and devastatingly real, this exceptional novel set during the 1960s explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional family while calling attention to hypocritical behavior. Narrated from the distinctive viewpoints of four protagonists, the story reveals that interpretation of religious structure is highly personal. Hoenig delivers a punch to old-school beliefs while spotlighting the period when progress for women battled nightmarish condemnation and self-centered ritual.
ForeWord Review - The Illuminated Forest
December/04/2013 02:59 PM
Grief stricken and lonely, a boy interacts with an abused and abandoned stray cat facing similar pain. In this magical tale, a forest breathes with effervescence, guiding and educating in a mystical realm haunted by the presence of a maternal entity. This enlightening look at a semi-feral cat personified will bring even the cold-hearted to tears. Portrayed as a rational creature with emotional needs, this animal steals the limelight in heartrending scenes, a commentary on the human tendency toward apathy.
ForeWord Review - Sugar Doll's Hurricane Blues
November/20/2013 12:23 PM
Through the preliminary darkness of the storm and the light of the overwhelming aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Lauber’s novel explores the depths of the human heart in its struggle to reclaim honesty and dignity. Her sophisticated romance presents a down-to-earth portrayal of existence in a big city fraught with tension and unrest.
ForeWord Review - We
November/15/2013 12:13 PM
A forty-year-old man transcends space and time after an accident propels him into the body of his younger self. This extraordinary situation reveals the inner psyche struggling against the past, desperately seeking a favorable outcome long after traumatic actions have inflicted paralyzing damage. Scary and enlightening, Landweber’s story illuminates the darkest human motivations along with the noblest efforts to combat evil desires in unstable individuals.
ForeWord Review - Confessions
November/13/2013 12:22 PM
This memoir is an illuminating look at the life of Jodie Rhodes, a top literary agent, and the dramatized story of her childhood, her personal and professional relationships, as well as her prior career in advertising. Fascinating, funny, and sometimes shocking, her candid page-turner reveals a woman who endured extreme highs and lows. Her memorable path to the agency she established is filled with elation and tragedy.
ForeWord Review - The Businessman
October/28/2013 01:58 PM
This is the story of a rich man plunged into serious illness who chooses to deal with his devastating situation in a nonconforming manner. The empty wealth theme has been presented in countless scenarios, but Almelek’s play does not succumb to irritating platitudes and inept moralizing. This playwright’s work will cause a level-headed entrepreneur to reconsider a stereotypical textbook agenda in life. It may be time to rewrite the way we do daily business.
ForeWord Review - Caged
October/24/2013 01:30 PM
Adapted by a clinical psychologist, this dramatized account of a true story is a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when a quiet, modest little town bonds under a weird creed governed by forces beyond a sane person’s comprehension. Hirsch’s patient was abused from infancy until she testified against the crazed members of a so-called Christian refuge. The book contains revealing information that could be used to identify the establishment of dangerous sects and prevent their formation.
ForeWord Review - Golden Dreams of Borneo
October/22/2013 04:55 PM
Spanning more than one hundred years from 1800 to 1918, the drive to succeed on a gold-rich island is the motivating force behind multiple characters in this admirable undertaking by Ling. Lush narrative, intellectual conversation, and emotional introspection convey the experience of this exotic locale. Sarawak is the focus, a northwest section of Borneo governed by a family known as the White Rajahs from 1841 to 1946.
ForeWord Review - My Waltzing Egypt
October/21/2013 01:26 PM
This is the story of a Coptic Christian and a Muslim trapped in a society that will not condone their relationship, so they remain sequestered. Salama explores individual perceptions of God, definitions of a higher power, and how a personal comprehension of these concepts is frequently based on cultural and written indoctrination. A twenty-first century tragedy waiting to happen, this gripping adventure will appeal to readers of religious intrigue fiction, as well as romantics who devour tales of star-crossed lovers.
ForeWord Review - The Selfish Path to Romance
October/18/2013 09:03 AM
True love, according to Locke and Kenner, is not an accident, nor is it mystical. It is a rational interaction between two people that can be learned. Based on the Objectivist philosophy of Ayn Rand, these experts explore the importance of self-love in this concise text that breaks down the method of seeking a “soul mate.”
ForeWord Review - More Than Words
October/16/2013 04:53 PM
Set in the Amana Colonies in 1885, the atmosphere of a secluded rural community comes to life, a confining and smothering place for the intellectual and ambitious. Miller gives the modern reader a revealing look at a talented heroine’s desire to express herself in a time when a woman’s words must remain curbed to the pages of her own journal. This is the story of a writer seeking a sense of self beyond limited notions of family and expected position in society.
ForeWord Review - In the Company of Angels
October/14/2013 02:43 PM
Based on historical records and dramatized for entertainment, Farland’s novel is the story of the early Mormon Church and the tribulations of the Willie Handcart Company, a group of immigrants who attempted to journey from the end of the Transcontinental Railroad in Iowa City, which was not yet finished, to Salt Lake City in 1856. Rejected by mainstream America, the followers of Brigham Young, then president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, travel through a hostile environment. This enlightening book takes a painfully honest look at the fateful decisions made by a downtrodden group seeking acceptance in a judgmental nation.
ForeWord Review - A Palace in Peking
October/09/2013 12:24 PM
Zee’s novel features the creative development of an intelligent woman-child juxtaposed with growing political tensions in the Orient during the 1930s. The story is a flashback that spans the course of this heroine’s coming of age, gradually leading to an abiding friendship and, eventually, a romantic interlude. An unusual mix of sophisticated realism and emotional interplay transforms the process of maturing into an evocative and colorful narrative experience.
ForeWord Review - Open With Love
October/04/2013 03:09 PM
A woman escapes from an artificial role dictated by society and emerges an honest individual, recreated by herself and no one else. The story is confessed, much like a sequence of diary entries, from the viewpoint of a divorced heroine and overworked mother. Though personal and raw, the stylistic presentation on every page deserves high marks for ingenuity and sincerity.
ForeWord Review - The Champa Flowers
October/01/2013 09:20 AM
Set in 1968 Vientiane, the capital of Laos, where the U.S. and North Vietnamese embassies are less than two miles apart, this thriller is an outstanding example of the merger of real events during the Vietnam War with the imaginative escapades of a CIA officer on a special mission involving espionage and counter-espionage. Emphasizing behind-the-scenes intelligence maneuvers over the stereotypical ferocity of warfare, Melton succeeds in creating a gripping adventure that explores the ingenious methods employed to curtail bloodshed where upheaval is the norm.
ForeWord Review - The Awakening
September/22/2013 11:28 PM
With distinctive, dramatic flair and a taste of European culture, Almelek hits a universal chord in this modern play about the need to move on after tragic events devastate the desire to succeed and destroy the will to endure. One’s heart can be filled with youth and joy or age and sadness, a choice everyone makes when life no longer seems worth the effort.
ForeWord Review - Barrier-Free Theatre
September/20/2013 10:50 AM
Drama can be an educational tool with therapeutic value, which helps students overcome physical or developmental barriers. Bailey explores the performance arts as a specialized aid to teach science, social studies, and language, enhancing social interaction, as well as enforcing life skills. These techniques build self-confidence and improve communication, facilitating the learning experience.
ForeWord Review - Khrushchev's Russia
September/17/2013 08:42 AM
This memoir is a fascinating glimpse into the workings of a competitive country at a time when the majority of Americans were allowed only a distant view. A candid look at daily life in the former Soviet Union from the perspective of a foreign exchange student, this informative collection of letters reveals the good and the bad behind the Iron Curtain. Filled with curious details and funny incidents, every page presents a real-life, sometimes even mundane, aspect of existence in Russia during the Cold War era.
ForeWord Review - Border Field Blues
September/14/2013 09:14 PM
A simple investigation in a preserve for endangered birds escalates into an unsolved nightmare of multiple murders and international prostitution. In this terrifying look at a world gone wrong, the Mexican border is more than a mere fence with a picturesque landscape on the distant horizon. Featuring a guitar-playing musician in the role of an astute private detective, Fayman delivers a potent dose of sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll.
ForeWord Review - Face of Courage
September/11/2013 10:10 AM
Fireman Michael Cammarata stood in the wrong place at the wrong time because he had no choice. He was young and ambitious and willing to surrender his life to rescue the lives trapped in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Today, Michael’s brother Joseph, a former NYPD officer, is keeping his memory alive in a sincere tribute and writes of the day that changed his life. This special memoir provides an illuminating look at the author, an inspiration to those who grieve.
ForeWord Review - Illegal Liaisons
September/09/2013 09:12 AM
This book espouses a complicated mixture of conservative restraints and liberal ideals at war within a protagonist who cannot balance the definition of matrimony with genuine love. Fascinating, yet somewhat disturbing, the plot exposes what can happen when the tables are turned in an ego-driven marriage, and a husband plays a secondary role next to a successful wife. Admirable command of language, as well as perceptive understanding of human character, sets Plebanek’s work apart from run-of-the-mill erotic fiction.
ForeWord Review - Song for Chance
September/05/2013 09:39 AM
An aging legend cannot escape the nightmare of a composition that catapulted him to fame in this realistic yet lyrical look at the drug-fueled music industry of the 1970s. Steeped in the culture of a time gone by, this rock star faces a suicidal hell that strikes close to his soul and exposes the inadequacies of his successful youth. John Van Kirk has combined external vibrancy with thought-provoking introspection, juxtaposing understated drama with inner sadness.
ForeWord Review - Fondly
September/03/2013 08:35 AM
Lurking within the shadows of two “fond” novellas is the ghost of a yesterday gone awry, laying in wait to sabotage the present and the future. This achievement deserves a high mark for flipping the age-old theme: one cannot relive the past. Yes, one can, and in a bad way. Winnette fashions his words not merely to create story, but to probe one’s brain.
ForeWord Review - The Comets of God
August/30/2013 09:25 AM
Goodman proposes that comets made an appearance in the Old Testament of the Bible and states that cometary activity will change the Earth during a bombardment. Though his work is scientific, detailed doomsday scenarios place the book into religion, since he is defining events that have not occurred and may not occur in a literal context. This analysis will attract the reader predisposed toward the Christian church and fundamental teachings, opposed to the evolutionist who integrates belief with Darwinian-based science. The author’s analysis of the Book of Revelations proposes that biblical writings can forecast our future, a concept many scientists will reject.
ForeWord Review - The Guys' Guy's Guide to Love
August/29/2013 09:42 AM
The exciting, high-stakes world of advertising and the lifestyle of the affluent, single man meet in Manni’s debut. This is the humorous story of a New York adman and his competitive relationship with his best friend, a committed playboy. Peppered with well-drawn supporting characters, personal-professional boundaries blur with intent, adding to the novel’s richness.
ForeWord Review - Write-A-Thon
August/26/2013 04:28 PM
This practical handbook on writing destroys the myth that only those graced with a loyal muse or a flash of ingenuity will succeed. The emphasis is on speed and completion, rather than slow, methodical, and often painstaking obsession with the use of every word. Published by Writer’s Digest Books, Melander’s guide motivates the sidelined author in a step-by-step plan for implementing a twenty-six-day turnover of a first draft.
ForeWord Review - Strategic Market Research
August/21/2013 12:40 PM
Beall discusses all aspects of conducting effective, targeted studies to prevent losses that every business dreads. She emphasizes the importance of body language and provides detailed instruction on how to read nonverbal communication during an interview, as well as covering the technique of getting to a respondent’s emotions. This clear-cut guide steers the reader toward accurate evaluations, backing advice with in-depth social psychology.
ForeWord Review - The Hidden Levels of the Mind
August/20/2013 09:12 AM
A critical view of Swedish visionary Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772), this enlightening guide serves as a practical tool and provides supplementary information on the mysticism of this famous theologian. Taylor grasps a difficult concept and boils it down to a “system” anyone can understand. The mind is the gateway between our physical reality and the spiritual realm.
ForeWord Review - Beneath the Night Tree
August/13/2013 02:46 PM
An impulsive young woman embarks on single motherhood, establishing a nontraditional family that’s miraculously functional until her son’s biological father returns. Filled with poetic symbolism and lush description, this spiritual novel vividly portrays an individual at a crossroads, faced with circumstances that force her to examine her deepest motivations. Baart has the guts to examine convention and the social norm.
ForeWord Review - Zaire's Golden Babies
August/12/2013 02:01 PM
A San Francisco commercial banker finds himself embroiled in a police investigation and forced to leave the United States. He launches into an undercover consulting mission in Zaire involving black market gold and government abuse of natives. Leister’s thriller digs into the rough, downtrodden environment of a developing nation.
ForeWord Review - The Lie
August/06/2013 09:19 AM
A downtrodden woman encounters her rich, overindulged double in this frightening tale of meeting a mirror-image protagonist. The complicated, soul-searching ordeal undermines her very existence rather than giving her the freedom from stress that she craves. Hidden motivations emerge, while consequences of past mistakes threaten to destroy life itself.
ForeWord Review - Past the Last Island
August/01/2013 10:40 AM
In this fascinating return to the beginning of society, Rollins depicts a place and time in which modern humans perish, a raw and natural existence on desolate terrain fourteen thousand years ago in the South Pacific. Steeped in mysticism and superstition, the story delves into primal fear, spiritual awakening, and sensory enlightenment. A poignant reminder of the power of love and an exploration of the collective unconscious.
ForeWord Review - History of the English Language
July/30/2013 09:09 AM
A concise reference tool filled with helpful illustrations, Judge’s text is ideally suited to high school students as well as people learning English as a second language. College professors may find it an excellent supplement to an undergraduate reading list. The book’s unique value is in its organization and brevity. Rather than wading through verbiage to get an answer to a simple question, readers can extract required information faster by referring to one of numerous charts, maps, or timelines.
ForeWord Review - Uncertain Journey
July/27/2013 01:14 PM
A downtrodden Albanian enters the United States, believing that with the right connections and the right job, he will succeed. His illegal status haunts him throughout this perceptive story of a man whose only crime is his desire to remain. Articulate and insightful, Rouman’s descriptions bring to dramatic life an individual who wants to escape the bad conditions in his homeland for a better existence.
ForeWord Review - A Race to Splendor
July/26/2013 10:50 PM
Commemorating the 105th anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that hit San Francisco on April 18, 1906, Ware’s novel focuses on an architect involved in rebuilding two competing hotels after the tragedy. A heroine ahead of her time in education and ambition, she is an inspiration to every twenty-first-century woman. This fascinating story is a penetrating look at what it takes to survive and what it means to succeed in a city that has literally crumbled.
ForeWord Review - Changing the World
July/25/2013 07:03 PM
This organized and streamlined manual is a motivational tool that coaches the inventor from the earliest stage of development to the final patent. Rowe’s book is for overachievers who think they have the answer to a problem and strong-willed individuals who believe they know how to accomplish a task with greater efficiency.
ForeWord Review - Myth, Memory and Massacre
July/24/2013 09:45 AM
This critical look at a controversial altercation between US military and Native Americans during the nineteenth-century Battle of Pease River disputes the validity of established records. Exploring background, sources, reports, and reminiscences, authors Carlson and Crum claim that evidence has been ignored or misinterpreted. More broadly, they investigate the meaning of myth and folklore in historical analysis.
ForeWord Review - Anna Heyward Taylor
July/23/2013 10:02 AM
This absorbing collection of letters gives the reader a behind-the-scenes look at a world-renowned South Carolina artist. Anna Heyward Taylor (1879-1956) was known for her naturalistic watercolors and innovative printmaking. An early feminist, she thrived in an independent, free-spirited environment of her own, never succumbing to traditional expectations upheld by the social order of her time.
ForeWord Review - Here, Home, Hope
July/22/2013 10:11 AM
A woman reinvents her self-image to achieve happiness in this exploration of inner motivation and routine disillusionment. Inspirational and engaging, Rouda will touch readers who can relate to the frustration of being sidelined on the field of life, until finally experiencing the joy of participation.
ForeWord Review - Hassie Calhoun
July/19/2013 10:04 AM
A gripping story about an aspiring singer in 1960s Las Vegas, this poignant novel is a down-to-earth, rather than idealistic glimpse of a vulnerable young woman learning how to succeed… and how to stop trusting people. Guided by financial and emotional need, the heroine’s interaction with an abusive hotel manager keeps her dependent, succumbing to his advances in a misguided attempt to sustain herself in an aggressive business. Depicted with realism and tenderness.
ForeWord Review - Outside the Gate
July/17/2013 12:41 PM
Milton shines a spotlight on human trafficking, an appalling crime that persists. Rather than focusing on gritty descriptions of sexual assault, the author allows the reader to feel a mother’s pain as she contemplates her daughter’s terror. An authentic look at the international business of abducting and raping girls for profit.
ForeWord Review - The Literary Ladies' Guide
July/16/2013 09:39 AM
A compilation of letters, memoirs, interviews, and diaries of twelve exceptional authors from different eras, this book addresses the pitfalls and advantages of a varied, creative landscape. Each writer is revealed as having approached her profession with a personal motivation, a characteristic attitude, and a desire to write that surpassed the majority of her peers.
ForeWord Review - The Last Rendezvous
July/15/2013 10:15 AM
A gifted poet and actress experiences the joy and pain of romantic passion in this fictionalized account of Marceline Desbordes-Valmore’s life. Researched like a biography, the book exposes her innermost thoughts, much like the pages of a diary. A woman ahead of her time in nineteenth-century France, Marceline is an early feminist with the courage to distance herself from the confines of a restricted society to pursue the dictates of her heart and soul. Translated from the French by Willard Wood.
ForeWord Review - New Self, New World
July/12/2013 08:38 AM
An exciting investigation of the human psyche that explains why attempts to control and analyze can backfire in well-intended endeavors that should have brought positive, not negative, outcomes. Shepherd’s goal is to keep a person rooted in the present, not wallowing in the acknowledged past, or floundering in an unknown future. This book will appeal to readers with a spiritual, opposed to a clerical, approach toward life.
ForeWord Review - Torn Apart
July/10/2013 01:21 PM
A video-game character comes to life, invading the soul of a reserved young boy in this spellbinding thriller. Alternating between scenes of swordplay in a medieval fantasy realm and daily routine, the novel is a peculiar mix of coming-of-age and science fiction. Reminiscent of the Twilight Zone television series, which featured surreal situations that defied explanation, this phenomenal tale integrates multiple genres.
ForeWord Review - Dosha
July/09/2013 11:52 AM
The Soviet dressage team in Leningrad drafts a gypsy equestrian woman and gives her elevated status as a star, yet her only desire is to defect. Edgy, entertaining, and filled with political stratagem, Meyer’s riveting novel balances realism, action-intrigue, and romance.
ForeWord Review - Owen's Day
July/08/2013 10:30 AM
An elusive, wealthy man risks his life to prevent a boy from drowning in a frozen river. This captivating novel is an exploration of the daily, sometimes dire incidents that lie like stumbling blocks throughout our lives. A small Canadian town’s need to glorify the hero, reward him, and place him on a pedestal does not elicit the desired reaction. The author explores the religious concept of “good deeds” and the obligation to pay for every privilege or service, inviting analysis of social issues.
ForeWord Review - Anything Goes
July/05/2013 09:42 AM
A prolific interlude of artistic achievement in film, literature, and music, the Roaring Twenties may be the most important decade of the American twentieth century. Known as the Jazz Age, this fascinating post-war era of Prohibition and flappers, frivolity and instant gratification, has mesmerized historians throughout the world. Moore’s enlightening, well-researched text will appeal to scholars as well as a general audience.
ForeWord Review - Unmentionables
July/01/2013 09:47 AM
Greene brings together two enthralling love stories in this enlightening look at the hidden elements of our past. He integrates a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of gay romance set during the American Civil War with a complex relationship between an abolitionist and a Confederate. This is superb historical fiction presented from a contemporary angle.
ForeWord Review - Shame the Devil
June/28/2013 11:39 AM
Brenegan presents a fictionalized account of outspoken, nineteenth-century feminist Fanny Fern. A hard-hitting journalist who delivered her statements on a variety of controversial topics in a blunt, unrestrained manner, Fern garnered intense criticism and lavish praise. An insightful piece of interpretive history, this book is recommended for leisurely as well as scholarly pursuit.
ForeWord Review - Mephisto Aria
June/27/2013 10:13 AM
A talented opera singer discovers a secret side to her father in a diary he kept during World War II. While investigating his suicide, she finds passion with a beautiful Russian woman, a vocalist and defector on the run. Filled with outstanding attention to 1940s detail alongside a contemporary setting, this work presents two distinct love stories.
ForeWord Review - The Purpose-Guided Universe
June/26/2013 01:41 PM
This fascinating text delves into intelligent design and belief systems that form our concept of the universe. Haisch discusses perception of time and space, even consciousness itself, simplifying complicated physics. His theories are a synthesis of science and theology, fields of study often perceived as incompatible domains.
ForeWord Review - Cinema Today
June/25/2013 09:33 AM
This compilation of thirty-nine interviews examines the freethinking element of the film industry. Passionate and inspired, serious about creation, these international groundbreakers experiment with everything from sound and setting to theme and technique.
ForeWord Review - Sand in My Eyes
June/24/2013 08:36 AM
A lifestyle chosen for the sake of conformity does not meet a woman’s expectations in this perceptive exploration of time lost. Lemmon’s novel may be a subtle reprimand to those who fail to appreciate and control their lives, choosing instead to exist as cowards seeking social acceptance rather than fulfillment. Her story presents the consequences of allowing years to pass without truly living.
ForeWord Review - Deceit
June/21/2013 08:22 AM
An investigator must confront the death of a captivating woman with whom he had a short-lived but intense relationship. Grief and shock will not answer the questions surrounding her presumed car accident.
ForeWord Review - The Five O'Clock Follies
June/20/2013 09:10 AM
An independent female correspondent in devastated Saigon faces skepticism and overt sexism from competitive men during the Vietnam War. This fictional exposé by a seasoned journalist is recommended for those who have participated in similar war-torn environments.
ForeWord Review - About Face
June/19/2013 09:27 AM
Hill presents a fascinating approach to advertising that incorporates the creative, the emotional, and the intuitive into the cold-hearted realm of levelheaded business. His book addresses the importance of human instinct in transactions.
ForeWord Review - Wild Hoofbeats
June/18/2013 09:58 AM
In striking photographs, this gift book is a profound and beautiful tribute to the wild horses of the American West. The gestures of a mare tending to her foal on an open landscape, or the expression of a stallion staring in stoic outrage behind a chain-link fence, communicate the presence of free, intelligent, and emotional creatures.
ForeWord Review - Quickening
June/17/2013 09:20 AM
Delve into this collection of twelve short stories filled with potent symbolism and emotional punch. Wieland’s writing is understated and sophisticated, the work of an award-winning author.
ForeWord Review - What Cheer
June/14/2013 09:02 AM
Real happiness resides in unexpected places, and love is defined by an individual. Jack’s sophisticated style lends a comedic twist to the contemporary romance, contrasting urban and rural values.
ForeWord Review - Scarred
June/13/2013 08:17 AM
Molho presents his story of discovery and rebirth in the shadow of a tortured childhood. Abducted by his father at age seven, he reveals the trauma of his seclusion in Greece while separated from the family he loves in America.
ForeWord Review - Mastering Creative Anxiety
June/12/2013 09:56 AM
Maisel explores problems at any stage of a creative artist’s life that inhibit innovation and disrupt performance. Utilizing existential cognitive-behavioral therapy, his book is intended for imaginative people who wish to achieve their potential in competitive professions.
ForeWord Review - Not for Profit
June/11/2013 09:46 AM
Discover why democracy needs the humanities to survive. Nussbaum encourages argument, imagination, and creativity in academics, rather than a limited business curriculum to achieve financial success. This book is a warning to administrators who wish to remove so-called useless courses for economic purposes.
ForeWord Review - A Deadly Affection
June/10/2013 09:56 AM
A gifted psychiatrist with a troubled past must clear a patient charged with murdering another physician. Set in New York in 1907, this mystery reveals the resistance to women in an emerging male-dominated profession.
ForeWord Review - Forced Journey
June/07/2013 09:57 AM
In this touching dramatization, a twelve-year-old Jewish boy is sent to New York in 1939 to escape the Holocaust. Zibart emphasizes the insensitive resistance to immigrants in an era of upheaval.
ForeWord Review - The Silver Lotus
June/06/2013 10:06 AM
Two culturally diverse lovers do business on the developing Northern California coast. This literary masterpiece is an exceptional portrayal of an early feminist struggling with an oppressive society near the turn of the twentieth century.
ForeWord Review - Silk
June/05/2013 09:56 AM
Fashion and pandemonium meet in this glitzy mainstream romance. Rough and demanding, these are protagonists with an attitude, coupled with an unrelenting desire to succeed. Written by London journalist Rupert James.
ForeWord Review - Sand Dollar
June/04/2013 11:15 AM
Destiny and realism are a heady mix in this debut romance. Sebastian Cole tells his story through intermittent flashback. Fans of Nicholas Sparks will enjoy his style.
ForeWord Review - For the Sender
June/03/2013 11:05 AM
Songwriter Alex Woodard looks beyond the mere idea of fame in this candid glimpse of the music business. An altruistic twist on a competitive profession.
ForeWord Review - Adaptability
May/31/2013 10:15 AM
Learn the difference between coping and winning. Adapt. McKeown’s ingenious approach makes this book useful in all endeavors, even in correcting a personal outlook that may be self-defeating.
ForeWord Review - Knowing Who I Am
May/30/2013 08:54 AM
Read this motivating autobiography by South African songwriter Nianell. Recommended for people who have put their lives on hold and need assistance in pursuing a latent dream or a stifled aspiration.
ForeWord Review - Her Name Is Grace
May/29/2013 04:49 PM
An orphan survives in alien arms to be trained as an angel. This fantasy, loaded with symbolism and myth, is an exploration of human character and resiliency.
ForeWord Review - Lawman's Dilemma
May/28/2013 02:38 PM
Enjoy this action-oriented trek into the American Wild West as a lawman restores order to ravaged towns. With a story light on romance and heavy on action, emphasis remains on the marshal’s attempts to find the bad guy and bring him to justice.
ForeWord Review - The Immune
May/24/2013 10:52 AM
A genetically engineered, reproductive monster with tentacles threatens the world in this science fiction thriller. Only a small number of remarkably immune individuals can endure the onslaught of an attack, making them saviors of humanity.
ForeWord Review - So L.A.
May/23/2013 10:20 AM
Read this journal-style exploration of a grieving artist’s mind by an award-winning writer. In a candid, first-person story broken into lyrical entries, a flawed, beautiful heroine reinvents herself after the tragic rock-climbing death of her brother and the demise of her marriage.
ForeWord Review - Where the Heart Lives
May/22/2013 09:41 AM
Explore a glamorous alternative to metropolitan living set in the mid-1990s on the California Central Coast. This is the second installment of Purl’s Milford-Haven series. The contrast between a “should do” approach to living and a “must do” need to override one’s so-called voice of reason is a significant thread running throughout these interwoven novels.
ForeWord Review - Journey to Oxford
May/21/2013 09:52 AM
Set during the tumultuous 1800s, this is the story of a gifted apprentice doctor and his forbidden relationship with a Native American teenager who remains faithfully at his side. Vibrant characters come to life in a situation we can only imagine in our contemporary society of advanced medicine and high technology. A love for the ages.
ForeWord Review - Limping through Life
May/20/2013 10:36 AM
Read this inspiring story of a man’s battle with polio. Fortitude and spirit are evident on every page as he recounts regaining use of his paralyzed leg. An excellent reference for historians seeking information on Wisconsin life in the late 1940s and 1950s.
ForeWord Review - Swiss Made
May/19/2013 09:31 AM
Switzerland is an incubator for success and controversy. Breiding explores every facet of the country’s economic environment, from the earliest beginnings in the Middle Ages to the intense competition in the twenty-first century. This quality hardcover will appeal to an audience far removed from business, reaching into the arts and sciences.
ForeWord Review - Executive Advantage
May/18/2013 11:00 AM
Grey dispels the myth of the greedy ogre in the corner office. She demystifies and humanizes people at the head of corporations. This title is for everyone who needs to organize, delegate, and stabilize a tumultuous environment. Recommended for entrepreneurs and anyone in a position of leadership.