Indie Scouting Report: September 2019
A roundup of some of the best-reviewed self-published titles from BookLife authors.
In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight a ranch-set romantic mystery, a guide to changing the world through writing, a cowboy detective novel, and others.
★ The Busy Woman’s Guide to Writing a World-Changing Book
Cynthia L. Morris
Synopsis: Novelist and creative writing coach Morris offers a feast of bite-size information, exercises, and encouragement.
PW’s Takeaway: A warm and uplifting guide to finding inspiration and finding writing time.
Comparable Title: Ann Handley’s Everybody Writes: Your Go-to Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content
Sample Line: “Books have inspired my imagination and grown me into the person I am today.”
★ Return to Ruby’s Ranch
Rhonda Frankhouser
Synopsis: Family secrets are revealed and childhood crushes revisited in the emotional first in the Ruby Ranch series.
PW’s Takeaway: Vulnerable characters, well-timed reveals, and passionate love scenes make this irresistible.
Comparable Title: Nora Roberts’s Come Sundown
Sample Line: “The same photos capturing a more innocent time continued to be displayed on the dusty river-rock mantle.”
★ The Double-A Western Detective Agency
Steve Hockensmith
Synopsis: The Amlingmeyer brothers triumphantly return.
PW’s Takeaway: A fine addition to a superior series.
Comparable Title: Austin Davis’s Shoveling Smoke
Empty the Pews
Chrissy Stroop and Lauren O’Neal
Synopsis: Stroop and O’Neal offer an essay collection on leaving the church.
PW’s Takeaway: An inspiring public testimonial.
Comparable Title: William Lobdell’s Losing My Religion
Lori Henriksen
Synopsis: A young woman comes of age during the Great Depression and WWII.
PW’s Takeaway: A luminous debut.
Comparable Title: Erika Robuck’s Fallen Beauty
