The Rose Queen, by Alison McBain, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Princess Mirabelle was a striking beauty with wit and wisdom to match.  She was young, and defiantly brazen, despite the duties to which was bound.  Just one year after her mother's death, her father the king announced her betrothal to a man twice her age.  It was a marriage of alliance, arranged by a man who regarded her only as a pawn to use to his advantage to seal a treaty.  But despite her obligation, she defiantly refused to marry the duke, an evil sorcerer, and entirely grotesque man.  Taken aback by her refusal to marry him, the duke cast a spell upon the princess, turning her into a hideous beast.  Only love could reverse the spell, and she had only three-years-time before it would all be too late.

Author Alison McBain puts a clever spin on the familiar Beauty and the Beast tale with this utterly enchanting retelling of the classic story.  Wonderfully penned and altogether a joy to read, The Rose Queen, is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Recognitions has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Amelia, a recent divorcee and mother of two teenage children, seeks hypnotherapy to help her deal with insomnia.  But she’s surprised when her session reveals a past life, that of an 18^th century French girl at odds with her mother and resistant of the life set before her.  Soon after, she encounters a man with whom she feels a familiarity which she cannot explain.  And then there’s the Shaman in a small African village.  Amelia finds a sense of calm in accepting these parts of her past, if in fact that is what they are.  Fragments of lives once lived that she’s never before considered in her present life, all of which seem comfortably intertwined.

Recognitions, by Daniela Norris is a pensive tale, one of reflection and introspection. Well written, genuine and entirely riveting, this book is a fascinating read and one that will appeal to a myriad of audiences, most especially those fascinated with the topic of past lives.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Recognitions has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Tupelo Honey, by Lis Anna-Langston, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

When it comes to allies, Tupelo Honey is in short supply.  Her mom’s only real focus is on instant gratification.  So, Tupelo Honey (named after the place where Elvis was born) is often left floundering as her mom explores one after another of her self-serving ambitions.  Her grandmother, known to all as Marmalade, would be there for her if she could, but she’s already got her hands full with two grown sons who are both touched with mental afflictions, one quite a bit more than the other.  Her mom’s boyfriend, Nash, could be her one saving grace, only his drug-dealing business is an occasional hindrance in his ability to serve as a true father figure.  Thankfully she has Moochi, an imaginary friend that always seems to pop up when she needs him most. 

In this coming-of-age tale of a girl armed with an innate sense of self-preservation and a great deal of spunk, Tupelo Honey is a character with whom readers will feel an instant connection.  This beguiling girl rolls with the punches, as she muddles through a delightfully charming and entirely dysfunctional adolescence.  Author Lis Anna-Langston is a remarkable story-teller who paints wonderfully vivid details in this novel of a pragmatic young girl who, despite all odds, manages to land on her feet time and time again.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Tupelo Honey has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Shattered Lies, by S.J. Francis, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Shattered Lies is the riveting tale of a young woman who tragically lost both her parents on the day she was born.  Raised by her grandmother on a Mississippi horse ranch, Kate has lived her entire life believing the stories of her family as they’ve been presented to her.   But when she discovers her mother’s journal exposing a dark secret, everything she has ever believed to be true about her family changes.  As she digs into their past she learns the lengths to which they have gone to bury secrets that, when unraveled, will lead to an alternate reality for Kate.

Author S.J. Francis has written a compelling novel which skillfully addresses a sensitive topic, causing readers to consider the ways in which truths are often distorted to the detriment of others for all the wrong reasons. Shattered Lies is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

A Secret Music, by Susan Doherty Hannaford, earns our Seal of Approval

Set in Canada during the 1930s, A Secret Music is the story of a musical prodigy born into an extremely dysfunctional family.  Each member of the family has their own drama. One son is the focus of the mother to the exclusion of her other two children, while the ignored daughter seeks attention in any way she can. Another young son develops a fatal medical problem which is ignored by everyone around him. The father is driven by the need for money and success. And in the midst of it all, music is the glue holding everything together despite the chaos.

Author, Susan Doherty Hannaford, takes readers through a gamut of emotions as she describes, in detail, the tensions and fears of a true perfectionist.  Depression in many of its frightening aspects is presented in this revealing glimpse into the delusions of a person struggling with mental illness. Powerful prose brings swelling emotions to the forefront with swings from deep sadness to ecstatic elation, moments of intense love and contentment, as well as elements of deep melancholy.

An appreciation and knowledge of music (especially classical music) would enhance the reader’s experience; but even without a grasp of the classics this story presents music as a pervasive influence quite beautifully.  A Secret Music is highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Second Chances, by Lincoln Cole, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Nichole is an underprivileged young Black American woman who aspires to become an attorney. Despite the many obstacles she must overcome to do so she is determined to succeed.  But with the odds already against her, she is hit with a hard blow when her mother goes missing.  Now, on top of her many other commitments, she finds herself caring for two younger siblings who are counting on her to make sure they are given every chance at a good life.   Nichole knows all too well that racial bias can sometimes dictate the outcome for families in situations such as her own.  Maintaining a cautious reserve she does her best to juggle her many responsibilities. Not knowing who to trust, she struggles to find a balance between muddling through on her own and learning to trust and accept help from others.

Lincoln Cole offers a heart-rending perspective into the struggles realized by those who are oppressed by prejudice and bias.  Cole addresses relevant concerns facing so many people today.  His book, Second Chances, brings the reality of such issues to light, helping readers observe that the opportunities many people take for granted may not come as easily to some.

 Second Chances, is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

To Swallow the Earth earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Wade Foster has returned home after a long absence only to find his ranch has been taken over, his sister is catatonic, and it would appear everyone in town is out to get him. When he meets a young lady who is new to town the two get off to a rough start, but eventually they become cohorts and come to rely on each other for their ultimate survival.

To Swallow the Earth is a western mystery turned love story. This intensely thrilling novel boasts a healthy dose of action interspersed throughout.  With great skill and finesse, author Karl Beckstrand has brought completion to this book which was a partial manuscript inherited from the late Ransom Wilcox.

Beckstrand’s mastery of the written word provides such tangible moments you can nearly feel blood splashing in the fight scenes in this dramatic novel which is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.  The story transports readers to the magnificent landscapes of Nevada, California, and Montana. Extreme shoot-outs, brawls, and challenges of strength and endurance are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. While the book does have some strong graphic scenes, for the most part this is a book which we wholeheartedly recommend for mature young readers.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org