Page 34 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 53

EDITOR’S CHOICE
WISHES ARE FREE
by Diana Mercedes Howell
A masterfully crafted tale that touches hearts, teaches empathy, and reminds us that friendship comes in unexpected, beautiful forms.
Cover by Moran Reudor
Wishes Are Free is a heartwarming tale that masterfully captures the emotional landscape of childhood friendship, loss, and healing. Diana Mercedes Howell has crafted a touching narrative that resonates with both young readers and adults alike.
The story centres on ten-year-old Rose O’Reilly, who faces the devastating departure of her best friend Linney. Through her special Sunday kitchen chats with her recently widowed grandfather, Rose embarks on a journey of emotional growth and discovery. The parallel between Rose’s loss of her friend and Grandpa’s loss of his wife creates a beautiful symmetry that adds depth to their relationship.
Howell’s writing style is refreshingly authentic, captur- ing the voice of a ten-year-old with remarkable accuracy whilst maintaining a sophisticated emotional undertone. The introduction of diverse characters, including a boy with cerebral palsy and a classmate dealing with troubling circumstances at home, adds layers of complexity to the narrative without overwhelming young readers.
The book excels in teaching valuable lessons about friendship, empathy, and resilience without being preachy. The metaphor of wishes being free serves as a powerful reminder that hope costs nothing but can yield remarkable results.
The cover illustration by Moran Reudor complement the story beautifully, enhancing the emotional resonance of key moments throughout the book.
This award-winning book is particularly suited for children aged 8-12, but its universal themes of love, loss, and friendship will touch readers of all ages. It’s no sur- prise that it has garnered multiple accolades, including the Bronze Medal in Readers’ Favorite Children’s Coming of Age Category.
A truly memorable read that handles complex emotions with grace and sensitivity.
34 II Reader’s House
CAGED
by CC Robinson
A gripping, fast-paced dystopian sequel with high stakes, compelling characters, and relentless tensi- on—Caged keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
Caged, the second instalment in CC Robinson’s Divided series, is a gripping YA dystopian novel that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. Picking up where Divided left off, we find protagonist Rose in an even more dire situation—stripped of her freedom, trapped in a literal prison, and cut off from those who once stood by her side.
Robinson crafts a tense, claustrophobic at- mosphere that mirrors Rose’s predicament, making every chapter pulse with urgency. The stakes are higher than ever, as Rose not only fights for her own survival but also for the future of her city. Her journey from helpless captive to determined fighter is compelling, showcasing resilience and the power of hope in the face of tyranny.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its pacing. The action never falters, and as Rose unravels the sinister schemes of her captors, the tension builds masterfully. The story is interwoven with moments of reflection and character growth, ensuring that it’s not just about high-stakes action but also about the emotional depth of its heroine.
Readers who enjoyed Divergent or The Giver will appreciate the familiar dystopian themes, yet Caged maintains its own unique identity. With a well-de- veloped world, gripping suspense, and a protagonist worth rooting for, this sequel solidifies the Divided series as a must-read for fans of the genre.
An electrifying read that delivers both heart and adrenaline—Robinson does not disappoint.
DELICIOUS SURRENDER
by Luce Sutherland
Intensely passionate, thrillingly suspenseful, and irresistibly steamy—Delicious Surrender delivers fiery chemistry, gripping tension, and a deeply satisfying romance.
Luce Sutherland delivers a steamy, high-stakes ro- mance in Delicious Surrender, the first instalment of the Dominant Billionaire Series. With a tantalising mix of power play, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth, this novel is an enticing read for fans of the grumpy-sunshine trope.
Brynne Larimore, an independent and headstrong writer, finds herself entangled in the dark allure
of Club Dominus, a world ruled by the icy and domineering Gage MacLeod. Their dynamic is elec- tric—Brynne’s defiance sparks fire against Gage’s relentless control, making for an intoxicating push- and-pull. The tension is palpable, with Sutherland masterfully balancing fiery exchanges with moments of raw vulnerability.
While the romance is undeniably steamy, what sets this book apart is its suspenseful undercurrent. The presence of a dangerous Russian club member adds an element of intrigue, forcing Gage to con- front not only his protective instincts but also his own vulnerabilities. The stakes rise when betrayal threatens his business, pushing both characters to their limits.
Sutherland’s writing is crisp and immersive, painting a vivid picture of London’s elite club scene while delving into themes of trust, power, and emotional surrender. The pacing is tight, keeping the reader hooked through every twist and turn.
If you enjoy passionate, angst-ridden romances with dominant yet redeemable heroes, Delicious Surrender will not disappoint. The hard-fought hap- py ending is well-earned, making this a satisfying start to what promises to be a compelling series.
NOVEL • STORY • LITERATURE