2027 ENTRANTS
Added as our first-round reviewers read them, find the latest verdict blurbs for the 2027 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June 2028!
Rajat Roy's THE TRAITOR'S BARGAIN is a sweeping story filled with intrigue, deception, and the struggle for power in 18th Century India. Elegant prose and vibrant descriptions capture a time of the Western European trade and colonization and the price of ambition and deceit. It is historical fiction at its finest that flows like decadent fabric, words woven with beauty and power.
Children live in the fantasy world created for them by their parents, but is it really a fantasy? In TOOTH FAIRY CONFIDENTIAL: Investigations of JoJo P. by Johnna Patrick, a little girl sets out to learn more about the Tooth Fairy—does this “magical person” really exist? With an engaging curiosity, young JoJo sets out to discover the truth about mythical beings like the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, and the Easter bunny. With Sweetly colorful illustrations, TOOTH FAIRY CONFIDENTIAL comes to a conclusion but doesn’t spoil any childhood fantasies.
Anthony J. Mohr’s memoir EVERY OTHER WEEKEND demonstrates the love and respect he felt for his father (an actor) and his stepfather (a businessman). The memoir is both a romp and a heartfelt exploration of different approaches to love, romance, and parenting. Much of it is set in Hollywood of the 1950’s and 1960’s, with energetic anecdotes and fond remembrance, even for difficult incidents, now seen through a retrospective lens. Mohr grew up to be a judge, liking the quiet, balance, and order he was often denied growing up. EVERY OTHER WEEKEND is both a tribute to two important men in his life, and a poignant exploration of them.
DOING THE WORK OF EQUITY LEADERSHIP FOR JUSTICE AND SYSTEMS CHANGE by Decoteau J. Irby and Ann M. Ishimaru, presents a timely and practical exploration of how district leaders overcome challenges while transforming policies, routines, and relationships to promote educational justice. Combining research with real-world examples, it will particularly appeal to PK–12 administrators, equity leaders, educators, and community stakeholders who are pursuing systemic change.
FATHERING STRONG is a sincere, faith-driven exploration of what it means to show up fully and responsibly as a father. Blending personal reflection with Christian values, Bruce Stapleton centers his message on courage, consistency, and moral leadership rather than unrealistic ideals of perfection. The book’s strength lies in its grounded tone, offering encouragement that feels earned through lived experience rather than theory alone. By focusing on presence, character, and long-term influence, FATHERING STRONG provides thoughtful guidance for men seeking to lead their families with intention and grace.
BETWEEN THE LINES by Tracey Magruder is an impactful contemporary romance that’s deep, quiet, and meaningfully intense. Sadie and Corbyn, two characters with a difficult past, the book encourages readers to introspect, come to terms with what has been, and move forward in life. All in all, BETWEEN THE LINES is a warm and engaging read, perfect for fans of love stories with depth and heart.
NO MAN'S LAND: Unpacking One Woman's Worth on the Colorado Trail is the true story of how being out on the trail brought healing to one woman, so she was able to overcome her depression and suicide, and she was able to seek help with a therapist to begin a new life; and for that reason, it's worth reading!
Guilt, anxiety, and the pain of loss ooze through every word in this spectacular mix of coming-of-age and mystery. BETWEEN THE SUN AND RAIN by Leighton Kirby Richards is a down-to-earth fictional story- it doesn't aggrandize or make itself seem spectacular, instead being driven by the honest human emotion felt throughout the novel. BETWEEN THE SUN AND RAIN is a moving, melancholic tale of survivor's guilt, mystery and maturity, sure to pull on the heartstrings of anyone who reads.
In THE MONARCH ALLIANCE, Jessica James delivers mystery with slow-burn romance, creating a puzzle-driven adventure when old love letters begin to expose long-buried secrets that threaten the agenda of the present day power players.
Law firm politics interfere with nascent love as partner Emma Smythson cancels a Thai vacation and steamy romance with former tech CEO multimillionaire Aiden Jargen to quell work chaos. Readers will cheer for both protagonists, both thoroughly appealing, though with different personalities, as they fight through lies and misunderstandings in THE ESCAPE, the fifth in Eve M. Riley’s Techboys series.
THE FLORENTINE ENTANGLEMENT is a scintillating mix of romance and a hint of historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of Washington DC in the late 1900’s, Pamela Norsworthy’s story mixes political intrigue with romance and married life, creating scandals with both a political and personal edge. This dramatic novel is perfect for readers who love thrillers and romances alike.
Introspective, irreverent, and a tad spicy at times, THE IMPROBABLE ROAD OF RETURN is a story of recovery, self-forgiveness, and finding love after a period of solitude. Nath Jones writes with the anger of a woman scorned at times, and with the passion of a woman in love at other times, putting together a tightly-knit story that’s strikingly honest. THE IMPROBABLE ROAD OF RETURN is an impassioned tale, marked by regrets and self-forgiveness, that will move or entertain you.
Catherine Matthias’s WHEN THE SKY TURNED TO DUST tells the story of Caroline’s resilience during the Dust Bowl with heartfelt narration and historical accuracy. This novel is ideal for younger readers who are drawn to themes of bravery, family, and survival.
In Blackpool, England, people vanish one by one. There are no obituaries, no rites of passing. The same thing happens to buildings and apartments. In J.J. Noad’s FRACTURED ECHOES, journalist Alice Whittaker begins investigating – with uncertainty well captured by Noad’s staccato prose.
Terri Chrisman's FABULOUS HEALTH: A Simple Plan To Get Well And Stay Well presents a practical and encouraging approach to personal wellness, blending accessible health guidance with an upbeat, motivating tone. By emphasising achievable lifestyle changes and holistic well-being, the book speaks effectively to readers seeking sustainable improvements rather than quick fixes.
EDUCATED OUT: How Rural Students Navigate Elite Colleges—And What It Costs Them by Mara Casey Tieken offers a candid examination of contemporary education and its unintended consequences, inviting readers to question long-standing assumptions about schooling and success. Thought-provoking and clearly articulated, the book will resonate most with educators, parents, and readers interested in systemic critique and reform-minded discussion.
With a story that excites and a well-written cast, Daniel Meier Jr’s TO KNOW GOOD AND EVIL delivers on many fronts. Meier fleshes out his main character and supporting cast with deep backstories, while delivering a narrative steeped in research from the aviation, farming, and pharmaceutical industries. TO KNOW GOOD AND EVIL is a dramatic blend of mystery and action, and Meier blends diverse backgrounds into one blockbuster story.
Ted Hart’s THE DAF REVOLUTION: Making a Difference in Our Modern World breaks down the world of donor-advised funds in a manner that is both comprehensible and actually beneficial. Hart’s straightforward, down-to-earth style makes this guide an excellent choice for anyone looking to give with greater purpose and impact.
THE DRUM TECH AND OTHER STORIES by Monte Crabbs is a collection of sharply imagined short fiction that transverses science fiction, speculative ideas, and human drama, often starting with an ordinary situation that quietly slips into something strange and unsettling. Each story focuses less on spectacle and more on people—how they adapt, fail, or change when confronted with unexpected technology, altered realities, or moral pressure. Thoughtful, inventive, and restrained, the book rewards readers who enjoy idea-driven stories.
UNEARTHED is a striking tale of growth and relearning one's identity. Chanchal Garg tells us her brutal journey into womanhood, built on the ideas instilled in her from childhood but reshaped by the difficulties of adult life. UNEARTHED is a deeply spiritual memoir written for women who grew up under constraints of tradition and faith.
CONFESSIONS OF A PROBLEM SEEKER is a memoir of generational trauma and the effect it can have in the later years of a boy's life. Howard Steinberg writes about his life as impersonally as a child raised under his conditions can, highlighting and examining his family's emotional reactions towards his ailments, setbacks and achievements throughout his life. CONFESSIONS OF A PROBLEM SEEKER is a personal journey of self discovery set against the backdrop of a mid-life crisis, perfect for readers in their middle years.
Asher Frend's A SECOND CHANCE is a tender, hopeful story about faith, friendship, and starting over, centered by Mikaila's genuine progress. Its approachable tone and redemptive focus make it an ideal choice for readers who appreciate emotionally charged, coming-of-age stories.
David Catuhe's MENILMONEA is a coming-of-age story woven into a riveting adventure, perfect for teenagers and young readers. Catuhe builds a world that's vibrant and full of life, imbuing even the flora and fauna with emotion and speech in a way that's reminiscent of Disney classics from the 2000s. MENILMONEA is an epic adventure that takes readers on an adventure of peril and self-discovery.
Mitchell Raff’s LITTLE BOY, I KNOW YOUR NAME is a brutal yet compassionate narrative of generational tragedy, enhanced by evocative portrayals of those who showed him warmth and understanding. Raff enables readers to see the residual impacts of Holocaust trauma on his own youth, particularly in quiet moments of connection with figures such as Issa and Sally. His story stands out for its honesty and delicate exploration of inherited grief and healing. Readers who enjoy stories about resilience and intergenerational compassion will find Raff’s work compelling and memorable.
SECOND POCKET FIRST is an amusing and meaningful novel that follows a gentleman burglar whose optimistic, habitual worldview is shaped and transformed by loss and experience. Gregory Grosvenor writes with confidence and originality, using humor not merely for effect but to explore themes that reach beyond simple comedy. The novel’s distinctive voice and highly unusual characters make it engaging and entertaining from beginning to end. SECOND POCKET FIRST will appeal to literary fiction readers looking for a character-driven story with warmth, originality, and a touch of wit.
Joanna Wolford’s I KEPT A PIECE OF YOU amalgamates long-beloved elements of traditional horror with the fast-paced exhilaration of a crime thriller. The writing is tender and immersive, with an indelible cast of well-rounded characters. Honest, original, and thoroughly engaging from start to finish, it is a panoramic exploration of love, loss, and the darkest corners of the human mind.
EVERY STEP OF THE WAY is a must-read for anyone looking to feel all the feels in a story. Noah is a woman who focuses on her music, meets her partner, Derek, and feels, that as long as Derek is by her side, life will be perfect. Until it isn't. Noah is a strong woman who overcomes great tragedy when she moves in with her grandmother and learns how to heal and rebuild her life and, for that reason, it's worth reading!
Because of the Waffle Barn’s great coffee and conversation, undercover alien spy Anton-7, alias Roy McDonald, fails to reach the extraction point for his home planet, Xylodon. Stranded in small-town Mississippi, he begins to violate Xylodon's non-interference code by forming close human relationships. However, when he witnesses a shocking incident involving his friend, Ezra, Anton/Roy completely breaks protocol and uses Xylodon’s advanced technology to intervene in Earth’s problems.
Playful and provocative, LEFT by Paul McGrath is not only an amusingly satirical sci-fi romp boasting an array of surreal sidelines and creative twists, but it also offers a sobering commentary on socio-political issues. McGrath writes with humor and a light touch as he unfolds his entertaining story in this readable debut novel.
Thank you to the 2027 IndieReader Discovery Awards Sponsors!
