Growing up in Germany and starting her career in the hospitality industry, Schuhmann was no stranger to hard work and pursuing her dreams. After getting her first sale, by selling her own home that had been struggling on the market, Schuhmann discovered and nurtured a talent and passion for this work. Schuhmann explains in layman's terms much real estate jargon and pertinent knowledge that will arm any novice real estate agent with the tools needed to understand what goes into succeeding, what pitfalls to avoid, and why “Every sale achieved is as thrilling as the next one.”
This engaging self-help book is an invaluable resource guide that includes exercises and motivational quotes. With the support of her husband, a move to Australia, and the prospect of a newfound career path, Schuhmann reached "remarkable heights" over a career spanning more than twenty years. With much practical, concise detail and advice (she now knows to say “That is entirely up to you,” when a prospective buyer asks if a building inspection is necessary), Confessions of a Woman in Real Estate breaks down the ins and outs of becoming a prosperous real estate agent and starting your own company.
Takeaway: Empowering memoir and guide for women in real estate.
Comparable Titles: Ashley L. Wilson's The Only Woman in the Room, Farrah Ali's Diaries of a Female Real Estate Investor.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Calvin’s coming-of-age is sweet to behold, though as that setup suggests it’s fraught with moments that will tug at readers’ heartstrings. He takes in the sage wisdom of the other trees (“take your vitamins” BellaBrush counsels, while the greenest tree, FinkleBark, emphasizes the need for water to make Calvin’s branches grow) and tries his best to ignore GrumpMeyer’s naysaying that he’ll never make it as a Christmas tree. When Farmer Stumpstinkle’s wife finally notices Calvin’s pizzazz, he’s thrilled to find himself at the Christmas tree store at last, but his unwavering determination takes a major blow when no shoppers even look his way.Calvin’s painful abandonment is difficult to watch, but it sets him up for his own Christmas miracle that will warm the hearts of even the Grinchiest readers.
Dudarenka’s quaint illustrations evoke warm nostalgia for traditional visions of Yuletide cheer, particularly young Calvin’s attempts to puff out his cheeks to look bigger—and the climactic scene of Calvin knocked into the snow on the empty tree lot is starkly rendered with convincing emotions and desolate scenery. Younger readers will be swept into Calvin’s tale and cheer loudly for this tiny titan’s eventual victory, and the enduring message that “a Christmas tree is more than just branches” peals loudly through the pages.
Takeaway: An unwanted Christmas tree discovers its true purpose in this holiday treat.
Comparable Titles: The Curto Family & Rusty Fischer’s One Little Christmas Tree, Anthony Merrill & Michael Bast’s A Little Christmas Tree.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
In a world dominated by technology and gadgets, this book’s suggestion that kids interact with the natural world around them feels refreshingly simple and enticing. When Ria points out that the leaves look like they’re dancing, Vik responds, “You’re right. It’s so cool!” His enthusiasm will inspire kids to see what is interesting about their own outdoor spaces. The wind chimes are also delightful, using sticks and common items such as buttons, seashells, and bells to create a beautiful, interactive work of art. Kids will be able to do a similar project at home with minimal help from an adult, which will allow them to feel empowered while making their own windy-day music.
Nia Kurniawati’s vibrant illustrations mostly show dark-haired Ria and blonde Vik playing together, first standing in awe gazing up at the treetops and then excitedly working with their friendly, smiling teacher to make their chimes. The pictures also show the magical chimes hanging amid a backdrop of flowering bushes and a bright blue sky. Most importantly, the kids’ joy in learning how wind can make music will allow young readers to imagine how they might find pleasure in similar discoveries.
Takeaway: Heartwarming story encouraging kids to explore simple natural wonders.
Comparable Titles: Cale Atkinson's Explorers of the Wild, Grahame Baker-Smith's Rhythm of the Rain.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: B
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
"[T]he more self-esteem a person has, the less likely they are to make such errors of judgment," Mildred tells George, and Devens artfully crafts the characters and story to be both lifelike and to demonstrate that truth. Upon beginning his sessions with Mildred, George finds community amongst an eccentric group of characters. When George befriends Tony Blangiardo, Tony promises to help George get his money back from the Vegas scammer, but more urgent is how George must continue to do the work to eradicate the parts of himself that allowed him to be taken advantage of in the first place.
The protagonist, George, is an artist (a pianist) seeking love and companionship, which he finds in the most unlikely places as he opens himself up to the people around him. Devens keeps the sessions unpredictable, as the conversations touch on a host of issues like the ethics of revenge, the role of rats and vermin in creation, how “most of the pain that results from the consequences of our mistakes is self-imposed.” This is a unique, thought-provoking portrait of a character, a therapy relationship, and what it means to be human.
Takeaway: Healing discussions between a therapist and a man facing depression.
Comparable Titles: Alex Korb’s The Upward Spiral, Martha Beck’s Diana, Herself.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
A majority of exercises featured are performed from a seated position, and Miller includes easy modifications that lower or increase the difficulty, like opting for fewer reps or incorporating hand weights. Starting with the feet and moving up the body to the head, Miller’s routines target all the major areas that require strength and flexibility to maintain balance, and though it may seem overwhelmingly comprehensive at first, the author outlines helpful, practical ways to fit healthy movement into any life, such as how to structure an exercise routine into increments of 30 minutes per day. Along with detailed instructions of individual exercises, Miller also includes helpful, clear illustrations that assist readers in perfecting their form.
Beyond its practical uses, Miller’s guide also serves to educate readers about “how the many parts of our bodies interweave with each other to play a combined and crucial role in helping us balance.” For example, in Chapter 10, Miller includes a brief but detailed explanation of how arm-swinging affects walking efficiency, while in Chapter 8, she discusses the role of core strength in preventing back pain. Senior readers seeking a true beginner’s guide to improve balance and maintain independence will find all they need and more in Miller’s inviting guide.
Takeaway: Inviting exercise guide for seniors or anyone facing balance issues.
Comparable Titles: Carol Clements’s Better Balance for Life, Cindy Brehse and Tami Brehse Dzenitis’s 5-Minute Core Exercises for Seniors.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
“Something bad is going to happen,” Joseph said to his wife, Hilda, in October, 1996. That proved a self-fulfilling prophecy as life as he knew it seemingly changed overnight. LaPera recounts during the early stages before diagnosis her father began to act differently—talking to himself, believing family was plotting against him, and more. After multiple stays in a mental facility, Joseph's psychosis prompted him to leave his family behind and embark on a 30-country journey, believing himself a "prophet of God.” He limited his communication to phone calls, postcards, emails, and Bible verses for years at a time.
“If my family had understood anosognosia and the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, our story could have turned out very differently,” LaPera notes, and her gripping, touching account ensures that other families facing similar travails will know. Losing Dad pays homage to the father that LaPera once knew and also the one she had to learn to accept. It offers a visceral, often heart-rending portrait chronicle, with welcome attention paid to the rippling effects of mental illness. Readers will be emotionally affected by this story that contributes much that’s wise and healthy to the ongoing conversation.
Takeaway: Wise, emotional memoir about the devastating effects of mental illness.
Comparable Titles: Norah Vincent's Voluntary Madness, Roy Richard Grinker's Nobody's Normal.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
First and foremost, Shah’s poems are a sensory treat, clearly describing the sounds, smells, and textures that surround her—the cold wind stinging her cheeks in the fall, the scent of lavender on the breeze in the spring, the feeling of smooth blades of grass beneath her fingertips. She also demonstrates her compassion and preternatural wisdom through heartfelt verses that delve into more difficult subjects, such as the rapid passage of time and overcoming depression. In this way, these poems will encourage kids and adults to slow down and appreciate the world around them—and maybe open up about challenging feelings of their own.
Occasional repetition, as in the concluding stanza “The home / Home, Home / Home is Home,” suggest that perhaps these are best read aloud, though they also serve as a reminder that writing poetry need not be intimidating. The poems are lovingly illustrated by Shah’s grandfather, Nandkumar Parab. His colorful sketches effectively capture the essence of each verse: a poem about the power of being female is accompanied by a grinning, dark-haired girl about Shah’s age, and a verse celebrating a perfect day at the marina shows boats on the water with mountain peaks and seagulls in the background. Ultimately these poems written by a kid, for kids, will inspire other young people to look around, consider their own surroundings, and perhaps pick up their pens.
Takeaway: A nine-year-old’s poems on nature, home, and diversity.
Comparable Titles: Naomi Shihab Nye’s Salting the Ocean, Kwame Alexander’s How to Write a Poem.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
Growing up in North Carolina, near the county known as “Klansville, USA,” Edwards was exposed to racism and "the talk" at an early age. Edwards explores how "the talk" is a rite of passage for young children of color at differing stages of their adolescence, ultimately concluding that its clarifying benefits outweigh his concerns. Edwards takes care not to diminish the realities of racism, and he emphasizes that he’s benefited greatly from “the talk,” calling it “effective but also important, necessary, and valuable.” Still, he calls for “self-honesty and vigilance” when it comes to making judgements, and he shares moments in his life when he has misjudged someone's character and intentions based on preconceived notions and biased judgements.
Filled with colorful illustrations and Edward's personal narration, Snap Judgment is a quick, thought-provoking read that argues “It’s way easier to recognize racial bias in others—but not so much within ourselves.” While the book never digs into why the realtor embraces the Stars and Bars, a symbol it’s reasonable to consider threatening, Edwards offers tips on ways to be mindful and compassionate, while calling for the “hard and fast rules of identifying racists, racism, and racial bias” to be re-evaluated.
Takeaway: Surprising consideration of “the Talk” about race—and avoiding bias
Comparable Titles: Monica Guzman's I Never Thought of it That Way, Tanya Kateri Hernandez's Racial Innocence
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: B+
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Lovett’s twisty plotting and brisk storytelling will keep readers on their toes, as Liberty now must add another item to her long list of challenges—find out who murdered Sam, while taking care of Emmy, determining what her next steps are in life, and trying to decide if she can trust and forgive Dallas. As she digs for the truth, she uncovers secrets, lies, violence, and genuine surprises that upend all expectations. Throughout, writing in swift but feeling-packed prose, Lovett demonstrates canny understanding of the moment-to-moment choices a woman like Liberty faces, the thriller elements never diminishing the tragic reality of abuse.
Lovett has made a name writing stories through the eyes of strong, complex female characters, something still too rare in this genre. A believable darkness lingers throughout, but Liberty’s strength and heart lighten it. Readers will cheer on Liberty as she makes hard decisions to figure out her own life’s path and what cut short her dear friend’s—who it turns out, she barely knew at all. Loves of emotionally-driven mysteries will find much to enjoy here.
Takeaway: Swift, emotional mystery of murder, abuse, and a woman finding her path.
Comparable Titles: Kimberly Belle’s Dear Wife, Rowan Coleman’s The Runaway Wife.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
With an approachable tone, clear action steps, and an emphasis on neuroscience, positive reinforcement, and the “alive and active” power of “God’s Word,” Cooney explores the ways in which readers can shift their mindsets through building healthy thought patterns and "go[ing] to God" when feeling oppressed. Unstick Your Mind implores anyone who feels stuck to allow themselves time, forgiveness, and grace to free themselves from their "stuck" story or past traumas, but also to dive deep into the healing process of letting go of past hurts that trigger negative thoughts or responses.
With ample self-reflection exercises, insight into how the brain works, and clarifying considerations of the difference between emotional and mental health, Cooney demystifies tangled thought processes and lays out a practical rebooting process for the brain. Readers of faith seeking motivation and the chance to get out of their own ways will especially respond to this compact, flexible guide to preparing “to do the work of getting unstuck.”
Takeaway: Potent, practical motivational guide blending faith and neuroscience.
Comparable Titles: Jackie Beere's Grow, James Clear's Atomic Habits.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Davidson is a master of the slow burn. He does an effective job of interspersing Chris's daily life in rural Virginia with the "dark side" of his life, centered on the treasure. We get a thorough introduction to Chris's large and often oddball family, such as his mother taking food to her soon-to-be-ex son-in-law since, as an artist, he couldn't take care of himself. Best of all is the growing romance with Sophia, described with tenderness. The large cast and complex plot will often prove challenging to keep up with for readers who haven't read the first book, but the setting and main characters are always engaging.
As the treasure plot gradually unspools, the book gets darker, with Chris's life becoming more complex and hints that something is very wrong here ramping up the tension. Davidson toys with readers’ expectations, leading us to believe that a seemingly inexplicable death is a tightly held secret, but then jolting us with the truth, all as greed threatens to tear the family apart and Chris comes ever closer to collapse. The resolution is a great surprise and perfectly plotted—a wonderful catharsis that will have readers cheering for Chris.
Takeaway: Sharply plotted thriller of family, treasure, and secrets.
Comparable Titles: K.P. Gresham, Reavis Z. Wortham.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
The texts center on the existence of a woman who, disguised as a man, was Pope during the 9th century. While this is a legend in real life, McAvoy presents it as true in the Vatican Secret Archives universe, as one of the key texts is the diary of Pope Joan herself, which reveals that her tenure ended after she gave birth to her son in public. Another text is the "lost" gospel of Saint Salome, which advocates for women having an equal role in the church. Michael, who struggles to keep his relationship with his investigative journalist friend Hana platonic in order to keep his vows, fully understands how much of a game-changer this could be. Opposing him is Lord Pelham, the head of a secret group devoted to suppressing this information. In a series of schemes involving murder, elaborate museum heists, car chases, sabotage, and other skullduggery, Michael and his associates race to outwit Lord Pelham and find a way to bring the books to public attention.
McAvoy's focus on what he imagines would be a message of greater inclusiveness and compassion is at the heart of the narrative. He spices this up with puzzles, action sequences, technological wizardry, and passionate self-discovery from a key villain. The result is a clever, uplifting, and detailed imagining of what could be regarding his historical legend.
Takeaway: Hopeful, fastidiously researched thriller of lost religious texts and secrets.
Comparable Titles: John Lyman’s God’s Lions series, John I. Rigoli and Diane Cummings’s The Mystery of Julia Episcopa.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B+
Their goal: not to prevent the apocalypse but to help usher the faithful into the peaceful and welcoming void when the event occurs. O’Farrell uses religious allegory to tell a story about faith, friendship, and family in a world shattered after atomic wars and a “silent phase,” a period when humanity could no longer hear the guidance of the “silent one.” The children bring renewed hope to humanity that the “silent one” has not abandoned humankind. O’Farrell explores other surprising elements, like the survival of some Earthly tech (an “IBM orb”) and artifacts (the Holy Grail itself), and the dichotomy between the Inner City, a technology-rich haven for the wealthy, and the desolate Outer Zone, which leads to tension between the rich and poor.
O’Farrell comments on the relationship between science and faith and the importance of family and friendship. He also provides a glossary as a reference to help readers navigate the new angelic language spoken by the L’amie. Readers looking for intriguing religious allegory, expansive worldbuilding, and inventive takes on fantasy archetypes will enjoy this tale.
Takeaway: Epic fantasy blending allegory, surprise, and chosen-one tradition.
Comparable Titles: Andrew Peterson’s On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, Donita K. Paul’s Dragon Keepers Chronicles.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B
Cromwell’s story provides valuable insights into prison life for everyone, specifically details of the work of correctional officers. She doesn’t assume that the reader has existing context but spells out definitions, including a helpful glossary. Photos of Cromwell and the places she worked through her career also help humanize her and her coworkers. As her story continues, the reader begins to feel the stress and emotional exhaustion rising in themselves as well, making her desire to retire very relatable. She is rightfully proud of her career, advancing up the prison hierarchy and building a secure life for herself and her daughter.
Through her years working in prisons, Cromwell faced challenges of many types, and Time Served is a compelling record of how she overcame them. She took on difficult jobs, opted for more responsibility, tried to be fair to those she managed and to inmates. Even though she felt disrespected and physically overmatched at times, she built a strong emotional armor to keep doing her job. Her story is an inspiration: as a Black woman in a field without many role models, she succeeded and built a community for other women to follow. Readers interested in California prisons from the perspective of a correctional officer will appreciate this memoir of one Black woman’s career.
Takeaway: Gripping memoir of life as corrections officer in California prisons.
Comparable Titles: George Gregory’s Alcatraz Screw, Ronnie Thompson’s Screwed.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: B
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A
With the hopes of impacting not only their situations, but the community’s, the two embark on this political journey, but readers know from the opening pages what the protagonists only suspect: politics can be a deadly business. Rich with insight, feeling, and playful wit, Tears in God's Own Country is a heart-breaking story of unfulfilled dreams, colorism, politics, status, and hard choices, set in a town that had long “celebrated all religious festivals as one people, which made Chenda smile and play the kettledrum every day” but now faces sectarian violence. Anthony shines at memorable characterization and a fast-moving plot. Through Chenda's life and story, a touching exploration of what one person will dare to better his lot and help his village, readers are immersed in local history, politics, and economic standards.
Knowing Chenda’s fate creates suspense, while Anthony still crafts unexpected plot twists and betrayal. Fans of politically charged historical fiction and contemporary works rich in cultural narratives will find this captivating.
Takeaway: Emotionally charged tragedy of Indian politics and village life.
Comparable Titles: Manoranjan Byapari; Annie Zaidi’s Prelude to a Riot.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
Cheerfulness saunters through Keillor’s daily routines and sifts through past recollections, even those that bring pain with the remembering. He touches on the fallout from Minnesota Public Radio cutting ties with him in 2018—it was “oddly liberating to be canceled,” in his words—and recalls the death by suicide as an adult of a childhood girlfriend, a tragedy that still leaves him breathless. His willingness to examine aging under the microscope is laudable, as he explores the feelings of obscurity that come with growing older and especially the change in status that comes with aging in America (once you’re past 70, he writes, you become ”a waste of good shelf space”).
But, as the title suggests, good cheer prevails. The more touching moments involve Keillor’s deep devotion to his wife and his musings on the lucky breaks he’s had throughout life—including the wonders of modern medicine that have gifted him longevity in spite of an inherited heart condition. His gratitude is often expressed through his spirituality, and his desire for meaning in his later years is palpable, as is his encouragement to fully embrace life. In his own words, “You’ll never get a life if you wait until you’re ready.”
Takeaway: Upbeat but clear-eyed look at aging and gratitude, with tongue in cheek.
Comparable Titles: Michael Kinsley’s Old Age, Jamie Varon’s Radically Content.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A