What They’re Saying

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR ACTS OF ACCEPTANCE

“S.W. Leicher’s gift for storytelling invites the reader to embrace a novel both global in scale and heartbreakingly intimate in detail. Acts of Acceptance is crafted with living, breathing characters whose service to one another is astonishingly human. As the novel catapults through time, it contends with a world forever altered by pandemic, but unable to escape ancient grief. Riveting and worthy of a deep read.”

Amy Cook, author of “Where There’s Smoke, There’s Blue Sky: The Hallmarks of 9/11’s Imagery in Prose”

“S.W. Leicher’s latest novel, Acts of Acceptance, rings out with heartfelt compassion and invention, examining the complexity of family life and the demands of close friendships, both of which can be simultaneously painful and joyous. Among other things, it’s the story of two very unlike families forced together by the loving relationship of the protagonists, Paloma and Serach. Of note, Leicher has set her novel in the early years of the Covid pandemic, reminding readers of the immense difficulties of that dangerous time. You will love Acts of Acceptance. It will make you think and cry, often at the same time and for the same reasons.”

Bruce J. Berger, Award-Winning Author of The Flight of the Veil, The Music Stalker, To See God, and Forgiven: A Novel

PRAISE FOR ACTS OF ATONEMENT

“There is a lot going on in these pages and these intimate conditions set the story up for intense character confrontations and dives deep into intensely personal dilemmas.... Leicher, a married woman, believes "we are all somewhat gender- and sexually-fluid," and impressively strikes a fine balance between the interpersonal melodrama of daily life and the ebb and flow of a contemporary lesbian coupling strained by relationship dynamics and bruised by family discord and cultural unrest…. Employing emotion and a bevy of unique and outspoken characters, this novel is best suited to readers who enjoy their fiction interwoven with aspects of religious credence, social justice, and cultural relevance, all secured with a fitting bittersweet ending, of course.”

Jim Piechota, bay area reporter

Read the full review

“The core beauty of Ms. Leicher’s brilliantly written Acts of Atonement lies in how deftly it draws us into the pain, irrationality, and joy of family, captures the nuances of love between two women, and tests our personal capacity for tolerance, acceptance, and empathy. Read this book, and, in addition to getting treated to a heartwarming story with wonderfully flawed characters, brace for a dive into your own life—and what at the bottom you hold most precious.”

Michael J. Coffino, author of the multi-award-winning novel Truth Is in the House

“Acts of Atonement is the story of two women, Serach Gottesman and Paloma Rodriguez, who sever very different family ties to build a life together…. Embedded with compelling character profiles that represent changing times, faiths, and perceptions of the world, Acts of Atonement closely examines religious and cultural principles and the love that ultimately guides the couple both from within and away from their upbringing and basic perceptions of right and wrong. Replete with these transformation moments and the challenges which overlay them, Acts of Atonement is filled with powerful insights and revelations.

 D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“Clever, satisfying… a complex, touching story about the difficulties of navigating one’s identity [and] accepting yourself and others for who they are, not who you want or expect them to be.”

Eileen Gonzalez, Foreword Review

Read the full review

“Acts of Atonement … proves just how vibrant and connected the lives of New Yorkers are.”  

Sonia Manzano, Author of Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx, Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for her portrayal of Maria on Sesame Street

“In Acts of Atonement, S.W. Leicher has produced a compelling, engaging, and fast-paced narrative that offers masterful insights into New York City’s social and ethnic diversity and its criminal justice system.”

Jules Stewart, Author of Policing the Big Apple: The Story of the NYPD

“Leicher leads her dynamic characters, each with their distinctive narrative voices, through complex psychological, sexual, philosophical mazes and ominous adventures…providing a deep understanding of the dilemmas and ambiguities of their respective lives. She …displays a talent for empathy, writing persuasively about deeply sensitive issues and intelligent awareness of two diverse cultures. This is [an] informed …and vivid work.”

Norm Goldman, Bookpleasures.com

Read the full review and an interview with the author.

PRAISE FOR ACTS OF ASSUMPTION

“. . . The people and worlds in Acts Of Assumption are singular and universal at once, and vividly drawn. Leicher is a novelist to watch.”

SJ Rozan, Award-winning author of Ghost Hero

“In her debut novel, Leicher presents a sweeping tale of faith and family that explores the abiding love between two independent women. . . Readers will find joy in the passion and depth of their commitment.”.

Susan Gregg Gilmore, author of Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen

“[Acts of Assumption] is a rare book that can be read by everyone who wants to understand the richness of diversity in contemporary America. . . . Compulsively readable. I highly recommend this book.”

Dr. Rosa Gil, author of The Maria Paradox: How Latinas Can Merge Old World Traditions with New World Self-Esteem

“Serach’s and Paloma’s voices are so eminently engaging and alive that …despite the toll of living against expectation…the novel assumes their right to a happy ending—together.”

Letitia Montgomery-Rodgers, FOREWORD REVIEW