Author J. E. Weiner kicks off her debut novel, The Wretched and Undone (HTF Publishing 2025) with a rattlesnake falling from the rafters of a church onto the congregation below. That’s a tough scene to follow, but Weiner keeps ramping up tension and introducing unexpected events, each scene propelling the story forward as we follow […]
“That Which Binds Us” by Cathy Rigg
September 2, 2025 by Leave a Comment
In an exploration of the influences that bind us to people and place, to conviction and dream, Cathy Rigg’s That Which Binds Us makes a tumultuous journey from 1854 to 1866. Set in the mountains of southwestern Virginia and told from the perspective of five first-person characters, the novel rings with intimacy and authenticity, deftly […]
Jennifer Lewis
September 1, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Jennifer Lewis is an English graduate student focusing on creative nonfiction at Marshall University, WV with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre. She’s had her work published in the 2023 and 2024 issues of Et Cetera and was nominated for the Maier award in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Jennifer presented at Marshall’s 2024 COLA Conference and their […]
“Shattered Sanctuary” by Nancy Mehl
September 1, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Nancy Mehl’s Shattered Sanctuary (Bethany House 2025) is a Christian mystery novel for anyone who enjoys suspense, crime dramas, psychology, or all the above. The story begins with ex-police officer turned novelist Erin Delaney going on vacation to a cabin in the small town of Sanctuary, Tennessee, at her friend’s request. Her friend, Kaely Quinn-Hunter, […]
“Peace Like A River” by Scott Gould
September 1, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Scott Gould can be forgiven for plot structures that are a little too on the nose and convenient. The events that unfold in his book, Peace Like A River (Regal 2025), are neatly stacked, making the story feel a bit contrived. He can also be forgiven for being a trifle too liberal with endowing […]
