From Thebookrevue:

"The novel expertly balances the weight of societal concerns, such as gun violence and social justice, with very personal themes of bereavement, perseverance, and self-reflection. What struck me the most was how the author nailed the intricacies of healing—how memories of the past can both torment and guide us. The protagonist's journey, described with genuine honesty and deep contemplation, reminded me of storytelling's ability to promote change.

"I liked how the story had a good mix of action and thought. The slow but steady pace gives the reader time to fully understand the story's emotional depth and creates moments of excitement. The reporter's search for the truth and to remember a friend who has died makes for an interesting story that skillfully connects the social and personal issues at play. The pen name and its historical significance are rather mysterious. It kept me curious and eager to learn the entire narrative.

"The setting—both atmospheric and evocative—serves as a character in its own right, reflecting the themes of loss and redemption that permeate the book. The way the town grapples with its own ghosts, both literal and figurative, mirrors the protagonist’s internal struggle beautifully. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics but handles them with grace and sensitivity, making the reader feel the weight of each moment while offering hope and resolution.

The most important thing about Ghosts for me was how honest it was. The characters have flaws and are human, so you can relate to their battles and understand how hard it was for them to win. It makes me think about how personal and political issues are often linked and how even small acts of bravery can have a big impact on other people.

This book is a lot more than just an exciting mystery or a trip of self-reflection. It's a call to action, a reflection on loss, and a story about how strong people can be. When I finished reading Ghosts, I was moved and inspired, and I'm sure it will connect with readers who want a story that challenges and inspires them at the same time."

-Editorial Book Review by Michael Beas

From Onlinebookclub.org:

"Becky Bronson does an excellent job of describing the casinos' demographics and each character's characteristics. Before each chapter, there is a portion of a letter to "Dear Gambling" expressing someone's feelings about the entertainment and giving you an idea of the next chapter's content. While reading, I could hear the bells and whistles that go off every 30 seconds in casinos that make players think someone won. Some readers may think gamblers are stupid, so I appreciate that the author clarifies that gambling is like any other addiction, and the tendencies are inherited. Although this is a fictional book, the author has included actual statistical data concerning addictions and the government's involvement in keeping the gambling industry profitable. The author has listed 16 questions at the end of the book to be used in book clubs to discuss this book.

I found no negative aspects in this book. A professional editor has done an excellent job editing this 338-page book. The book was thought-provoking with a fast-paced plot that kept me turning the pages to learn more about how the gambling industry manipulates players to keep playing. The book’s dynamics and exceptional well-editing allow me to give this book 4 out of 4 stars. I am still thinking about some of the things I read in this book about political corruption, and my perception of casinos has changed. I have always thought they were a fun place to go, but now I see the manipulation used to make players continue placing their bets like "hamsters on a wheel," which Geraldine's father told her when she was a young girl. I recommend this book to mature readers of crime thrillers aimed at political activities surrounding our health and welfare."

Solar flares accelerate the reversal of the Earth’s magnetic poles, causing worldwide power outages that make most electronics technology impossible. Weakening magnetic fields allow fatal levels of solar radiation to pass through to the Earth’s surface, making large swathes of the planet uninhabitable. Entire countries empty out as millions migrate towards the Equator, where the magnetic field temporarily preserves a zone of habitability in which the last functioning human settlements cluster. Eventually, everyone is forced to confront the possibility of seeking refuge underground as the magnetic field weakens further – but there isn’t room for everyone.[Click to read full article in aescifi.ca here]

The idea for Becky Bronson’s debut novel, When North Becomes South, came from a trip she and her husband made to the Liberian village where their son was serving as a Peace Corps volunteer. Bronson loved the experience, and it shed light on her own life, in which electricity and running water are taken for granted. “When we returned, I began thinking deeply about the impact of technology on our lives and the lives of our children,” she says. [Click to read full interview on KirkusReviews.com]

Inevitably, when the superstorm arrives, there are things that even survivalists aren’t prepared for. Bronson manages to give the proceedings a sense of eerie familiarity, which has the effect of making her story utterly magnetic….the author also provides a number of details that will hit readers close to home in a narrative that takes place in what is essentially a thinly veiled version of our own everyday reality—complete with pandemics, border disputes, and an omnipresent media. As if to emphasize this point, Bronson makes this even clearer with the words of one of her characters: “This is not science fiction. This is real.”

An engaging triptych on the subjects of borders, climate change, and technology dependence.”

-Kirkus Reviews