FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERIVERVIEW, NB – December 21, 2025 – Donovan Street Press Inc., an independent publishing house based in Riverview and owned by WFNB member Joe Mahoney, is pleased to announce that its recent release, The Gates of Polished Horn by Mark A. Rayner of London Ontario, has been named to the Toronto Star’s "20 Favourite Fiction Books for 2025."

https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/our-20-favourite-fiction-books-for-2025/article_bf10853c-f614-4b5b-8a8b-18f0ed7b76d9.html

The annual list, curated by Toronto Star critics, represents a cross-section of the most notable fiction published in Canada. The Gates of Polished Horn, a collection of short stories exploring the boundaries between the real and the unreal, was selected alongside titles from major international publishing houses including Penguin Random House, Knopf, and McClelland & Stewart.

Toronto Star contributor Alex Good described the collection as "delightful," noting that it raises "the sort of moral questions we’ll soon be having to deal with more frequently."

"This recognition by a major national daily validates the editorial and production standards we strive for at Donovan Street Press," says Joe Mahoney, Publisher. "It demonstrates that independent, Atlantic Canadian presses can compete at the highest level of the national literary conversation."

The achievement reflects a collaborative effort within the independent publishing community. The collection was edited by Cal Chayce and Joe Mahoney and features cover design by Avery Olive of Bibliofic Design.

For Donovan Street Press, this accolade serves as a significant milestone in its mission to publish high-quality, thought-provoking fiction. The press anticipates that this national endorsement will increase the visibility of its entire catalog with librarians, booksellers, and readers across Canada.

About Mark A. Rayner: Mark A. Rayner of London Ontario is an award-winning author of several novels and short story collections. His work often blends elements of satire, science fiction, and contemporary philosophy.

About Donovan Street Press Inc.: Donovan Street Press Inc. is an independent publisher located in Riverview, New Brunswick. The press focuses on literary and genre-bending fiction, providing a platform for unique voices and professional production standards within the Atlantic Canadian media landscape.

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Media Contact: Joe Mahoney Publisher, Donovan Street Press Inc. [joemahoney@donovanstreetpress.com] [289-671-7622] [https://www.donovanstreetpress.com/]