Outstanding Reads from the BookFest Awards

Luna Lovebucket by Zachary Timm, illustrated by Francisco Duenas-Serrano

This gentle picture book follows Luna, a small, abandoned puppy who receives an unexpected gift: a bucket filled with love. As Luna shares her gift with others in need, she builds a caring community around her. When someone tries to destroy her Lovebucket, Luna responds with compassion rather than anger, revealing the healing power of kindness. Through warm illustrations and simple storytelling, the book explores empathy, forgiveness, and emotional connection.

A heartfelt read for young children learning about generosity, forgiveness, and the power of love.

A Memory Not Mine by Rebecca Byron

After the sudden death of her parents, Mira is left with grief, unanswered questions, and a discovery she cannot explain. Hidden among her father’s belongings is a portrait miniature nearly 250 years old, and the face staring back at her is her own. As vivid visions and haunting dreams take hold, Mira finds herself drawn into the life of Agnes Garvie, an eighteenth-century woman entangled in danger, desire, and forces that refuse to stay buried.

A compelling pick for readers who love award-winning supernatural fiction, gothic atmosphere, and stories where identity, memory, and fate are deeply intertwined.

The Secret of Spirit Lake by Jane Haltmaier

Set in a haunted Victorian home, this young adult mystery connects two girls from different eras through a shared tragedy. In the present day, Amy struggles with displacement after moving into the old house and discovers a tower room echoing with secrets. Decades earlier, Penny, an orphaned young nanny, fights to protect the children in her care while hiding her own fears. When a ghostly presence links their stories, long-buried truths surface, revealing courage, friendship, and the power of facing the past.

Perfect for young readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries, dual timelines, and stories that blend suspense with heart and resilience.

Cinders Burn at Midnight by Kara M. Zone

Kaitlin Gilbert is headed to college when her estranged father offers her a doorway into a hidden world of magic, shifters, and secrets buried in her bloodline. Crossing that threshold awakens disturbing memories and a powerful force she cannot yet control. Finn Avery understands magic all too well, and when their paths collide, he realizes they are bound by a rare, fated connection. As danger closes in, Kaitlin must master her power before someone else claims it.

An excellent pick for readers who enjoy dark fantasy, portal worlds, and slow-burn supernatural romance.

When Blood Burns by Andrew Stevens, illustrated by Sutthiwat Dechakamphu

In a world where magic is fading and ancient races are nearly lost to time, a fragile peace stands between humans and dragons. Twins Kai and Mara know the cost of that uneasy truce all too well. Orphaned by a rogue dragon, they have sworn themselves to the Order, warriors who once wielded dragon blood magic against their enemies. But as that power dwindles, so does their certainty about their purpose.

A standout choice for readers who gravitate toward epic fantasy with rich worldbuilding, moral tension, and award-winning storytelling driven by vengeance, loyalty, and destiny.

A Clan Chief’s Daughter: She Who Rides Horses (Book Two) by Sarah V. Barnes

Set six thousand years ago on the vast Eurasian steppe, this historical novel continues the story of Naya, a young woman bound by fate to a red filly through a mysterious and powerful encounter. Their connection carries the promise of transformation, not just for Naya’s own life, but for the world around her. As the consequences of that bond unfold, Naya is forced to confront forces beyond her control and question what she is willing to sacrifice for destiny, duty, and love.

Ideal for readers drawn to women-centered historical fiction, ancient worlds, and stories that blend mythic resonance with emotional depth and high-stakes choice.

The Red Road: Book One of the McGinn Family Saga by J. E. McCarthy

Based on actual events, this historical novel opens with the suspicious death of Jim McGinn on a rural Maine road in 1933. Though police rule it an accident, Jim’s tight-knit Irish family refuses to accept that answer. As his brothers and relatives search for the truth, they find themselves up against the most powerful man in the county and his son. Tense and emotionally driven, the story explores loyalty, justice, and the cost of standing up for family.

A compelling choice for readers drawn to historical fiction rooted in real events, family sagas, and mysteries driven by moral conviction.

Chronicles of the Grim Reaper: Volume 1 by Griz Calderon

This collection of short stories reimagines the Grim Reaper not as a figure of fear, but as a quiet, compassionate guide through moments of transition. Told from the Reaper’s perspective, the stories span encounters with humans, animals, and mythical beings, each reflecting on love, loss, and the choices that shape a life. Thoughtful and emotionally rich, the book invites readers to consider death not as an ending, but as part of a larger, meaningful journey.

This is a reflective read for those drawn to philosophical fiction, introspective storytelling, and short stories with emotional depth.

Break Free From Your Dirty Little Secrets by Gretchen Hydo

Many women carry unspoken truths that quietly shape how they live, lead, and love. In this candid and empowering guide, master coach Gretchen Hydo examines the internal rules that pressure women to be perfect, do more, and hold everything together. Through her ten-stage Secret-Breaking System, she offers practical tools to dismantle those beliefs and reclaim clarity, confidence, and joy. Grounded in real stories and coaching insight, the book invites readers to move beyond good enough and step into a more honest, purposeful life.

Especially resonant for women ready to release self-imposed pressure, speak their truth, and create meaningful personal transformation.

Down to Earth: Demystify Intuition to Upgrade Your Life by Nil Demircubuk

Intuition is often misunderstood as vague or mystical, but this grounded guide reframes it as a practical skill anyone can develop. Nil Demircubuk breaks down how intuition works and shows readers how to distinguish it from conscious thought, then intentionally combine it with intellect for better decision-making. Through the concept of priming, along with clear exercises and real-life examples, the book offers accessible tools to improve relationships, navigate challenges, and support personal growth with clarity and confidence.

A strong fit for readers interested in self-awareness, personal transformation, and practical approaches to intuitive living.

Climb Greater Heights by Tony Jeton Selimi

Designed for entrepreneurs and leaders ready to scale with intention, this business guide blends strategy with personal transformation. Tony Jeton Selimi draws on decades of coaching experience to present his 12-Step Growth Accelerator Method, a framework shaped by resilience, emotional intelligence, and real-world leadership. Through practical tools, mindset shifts, and success stories, the book helps readers break through plateaus, amplify impact, and build businesses rooted in purpose and long-term significance.

Well suited for business owners, executives, and professionals seeking sustainable growth and a legacy-driven approach to success.