Best Reviewed Books of April

SURRENDER MY HEART by L.G. O’Connor

Genre: Romance

IR Verdict: L.G. O’Connor’s clever use of structure and pacing creates a gripping story that follows a colorful cast of well-developed characters, including Kitty and her on-again-off-again love interest, John Henshaw. Through high school breakups, decade long absences, and bittersweet reunions, their relationship ultimately culminates in a rich and dramatic ending that leaves readers craving more.

Read the full review.

 

LUNACY & DEATH by Tom Dombrock

Genre: Memoir

IR Verdict: LUNACY & DEATH is full of straightforward common sense, wry humor, intelligence and wisdom, and is worth a read for anyone who might be confronted, some day, with their own unexpected human vulnerability.

Read the full review.

 

 

RECONCILIATION: HEAVEN AND EARTH by Diane de Simone

Genre: Paranormal

IR Verdict: Inventive and well-written, RECONCILIATION: HEAVEN AND EARTH is a fascinating story about theoretical physics, ET phenomena, and New Age beliefs relative to both of the aforementioned.

Read the full review.

 

MIGUEL TRAVELER # 1: THE MAN FROM TEXAS by Daniel McFatter

Genre: Science Fiction

IR Verdict: Daniel McFatter’s MIGUEL TRAVELER # 1: THE MAN FROM TEXAS is an ambitious, albeit imperfect, adventure story about the good and evil in a ruined future.

Read the full review.

 

 

THE BUILDING by Richard Snodgrass

Genre: Literary Fiction

IR Verdict: The construction industry seldom is the topic of serious literature, but in THE BUILDING it rises to great heights, a distinctly American tragedy destined to endure on college reading lists.

Read the full review.

 

 

THE BIOGRAPHIES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE: Volume 1: 1989–2000 by Nicole Dieker

Genre: Literary Fiction

IR Verdict:  By focusing on the mirroring physical and emotional growth of a mother and daughter, author Nicole Dieker places the experience of two middle-class women center stage and invites the reader to reflect on subjects ranging from coming of age and domestic concerns to the larger themes of education and opportunity.   

Read the full review.

 

THE GIRL ON CAMERA by Morgan Dun-Campbell

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

IR Verdict: THE GIRL ON CAMERA feels like a chilling reality-horror novel on the surface, but like its characters, it has layers beneath that surface that make it more than it appears to be. 

Read the full review.

 

THE FIVE WISHES OF MR. MURRAY McBRIDE by Joe Siple

Genre: New Adult

IR Verdict: THE FIVE WISHES OF MR. MURRAY McBRIDE is an emotional story that will leave readers  meditating on the life-saving magic of kindness.

Read the full review.

 

THE TRAIL RULES by Melanie Hooyenga

Genre: Young Adult

IR Verdict: In a must-read book a target audience of teenage girls will coast through, the hilarious yet drama-fueled book THE TRAIL RULES follows one girl’s adventure into self-discovery and security, leading to a goose bump-inducing conclusion that will inspire young adults to take worthy risks in their own lives that could reap a handsome reward.

Read the full review.

 

CONTINENTAL DRIFT by G. Burton

Genre: Literary Fiction

IR Verdict: CONTINENTAL DRIFT wishes to be a Great American novel. In Burton’s own foreword, he declares this book a literary swing for the fences, an attempt at a Great Statement on life’s lessons. Burton misses the home run, but does hit a triple. That’s a pretty good effort, and one most readers will appreciate.

Read the full review.

 

UNTIL FOREVER by Luisa Cloutier

Genre: Memoir

IR Verdict: UNTIL FOREVER, Luisa Cloutier’s tribute to her husband Brandon, is a beautifully written and engaging “coming of age” journey, and the author’s distinct personality and perspective are evident throughout, creating a warm and moving memoir.

Read the full review.

MANAGING BUBBIE by Russel Lazega

Genre: Biography

IR Verdict: Funny, tragic, and touching, MANAGING BUBBIE is a stirring memoir of an extraordinary woman and her legacy.

Read the full review.

 

THE PRESERVATIONISTS by Jason Daniels

Genre: Young Adult

IR Verdict: In its exuberance, THE PRESERVATIONISTS feels like a bit of Kerouac, but with a lot more detail and localized conservatism. As part of this process, the author paints an illustrative and moving portrait of millennial vexation and teenage angst.

Read the full review.

 

BLINDING FEAR by Bruce Roland

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

IR Verdict: BLINDING FEAR is a thrilling ensemble tale of an existential threat to humanity, but the author focuses instead on the different ways people react to something they can’t change or even fight.  

Read the full review.

 

THE BISHOP BURNED THE LADY by Bill Percy

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

IR Verdict: THE BISHOP BURNED THE LADY is a well written and entertaining book, and one which readers who like the quirks of aging gracefully tucked into their detective narratives will especially enjoy. 

Read the full review.