Critiques and Reviews

An unsolicited critique of Crossing Charry Ridge from Mainspring Books of Los Angeles:


Review excerpts from Readers’ Favorite on July 21, 2023:

Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers’ Favorite

Crossing Charry Ridge by Suzann Albright offers a wonderfully imaginative, profoundly touching, and often humorous … view of contemporary life in Southern Appalachia along the Blue Ridge Parkway … The coming-of-age narrative is engaging, entertaining, educational, and impossible to put down once one has begun reading.

In the fashion of all finely crafted tales, readers will finish Suzann Albright’s Crossing Charry Ridge, wishing that the characters and their stories could continue many generations into the future. Just as Suzann Albright has given us characters we can genuinely care about, she has issued, in Crossing Charry Ridge, a compelling wake-up call and an invitation to connect with and perpetuate the rich and time-honored Southern Appalachian culture that is sadly on the threshold of being lost forever.


Review excerpts from Readers’ Favorite on July 28, 2023:

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers’ Favorite

5 star logo

Crossing Charry Ridge by Suzann Albright is a wonderful coming-of-age novel for young adult fans of the fantasy genre and nature lovers of all ages.

In her incredible debut novel, Suzann Albright touches on many significant topics, like the protection of the environment, abusive behavior by a parent, or the death of a loved one … This is a profound and almost philosophical book …The book highlights the value of forgiveness and understanding, ending on a high note and giving us food for thought. The cover illustration by the talented Pamela Murphy reflects an intense scene described in this fascinating tale.


Review excerpts from Readers’ Favorite on August 2, 2023:

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite

5 star logo

With fantastical flavors, Suzann Albright spins a heartwarming yarn that showcases the rich heritage and diversity of the flora and fauna of the southern Appalachian Mountains in the United States … Albright’s characters display a range of layers, vulnerabilities, and strengths that keep you invested in their storylines and sympathize with their plight. They all have likable personalities, but Jet was especially a favorite of mine. The underlying elements of magical realism make the narrative even more intriguing. Overall, I loved the book and feel it’s a must-read for young adult readers.


Review excerpts from Booklife (a division of Publishers’ Weekly) on August 29, 2023

Albright mixes wildlife, history, and coming-of-age into this medley of Southern Appalachian folklore. The tales are narrated and delivered from a unique perspective, with strong themes that deliver a heartfelt message … The characters explore their place in nature as well as learn to deal with relatable issues that many youth face. In the process, readers will learn much about the nature and history of Southern Appalachia.