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< Back Julia Brewer Daily ;The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret A modern Texas ranch has an ancient secret. Twenty-two-year-old Emma Rosales has trained all of her life to take over ‘The Thorn’, a million-acre ranch in Texas. As sole heir to the property, Emma is ready to take over the property after recently graduating from college with a degree in veterinary medicine. Emma is fierce and headstrong, and follows in a long line of strong, female matriarchs. However, she is disheartened to learn that her boyfriend is more in love with the ranch than he is with her. While her parents, Josie and John, are out of the country on a trip to Europe, Emma decides to explore the vast ranch on her horse, Honey-Boy. But, when Honey-Boy falls and breaks a leg, she is forced to put him down. She takes shelter in a cave and discovers a group of people living there. The ‘People’ have been completely isolated from the modern world, and they live a primitive but peaceful life. Afraid that Emma might reveal their secret, they hold her captive in the secret cave. While her distraught parents search frantically for their missing daughter, Emma has an important decision to make. Will she try to escape and return to her beloved parents? Or will she live with the ‘People’ and remain hidden in the cave forever? The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch: A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret, by author Julia Brewer Daily, is a gripping adventure and romance novel set in the Texas wilderness. This is a unique and imaginative novel, with many twists and turns. Beautifully written, with a fascinating plot and well developed, believable and relatable characters, the book will appeal to readers who enjoy women’s fiction, adventure stories and romance. I particularly enjoyed reading the different perspectives of the two primary characters, Emma, and her mother Josie. With vivid descriptions of Texas, the book captures the breath-taking beauty and the vastness of the Lone Star State. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping adventure, with a fascinating plot and well developed, believable and relatable characters. Purchase here

< Back G.S. Carline Blood Dragon Rising An enthralling first instalment in the Dragon Shadows series, by author G.S. Carline On the fictional Caribbean Island of Los Peces Pequeña, the French aristocracy are attempting to secure their future as rulers of the island by arranging a marriage between Lisette, the twenty-year-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess de Lille, and Eric, the son of the Count and Countess of d’Auguste. It’s Lisette’s birthday and her betrothal to Eric will be announced later that evening. Lisette isn’t too happy about marrying Eric, but she accepts the arrangement and her role as a future wife and mother within the French nobility. During the engagement, Eric suddenly announces he cannot marry Lisette, as it would jeopardize the islands relationship with Spain, and future trade opportunities. Lisette is drugged and kidnapped, and awakes a day later on board the L’Implacable, a notorious pirate ship, led by Captain Rocco. Lisette learns that Eric and his new lover Lady Mercedes de Medina have sold her to pirates to make way for their own wedding. By uniting the d’Auguste and de Medina families they hope to secure Spanish control of the island. Their plan is to displace Lisette, kill off the remaining members of the de Lille family, and inherit the families’ wealth. Rocco confines Lisette to his cabin before delivering her to a wealthy Spanish gentleman. Lisette manages to escape, and flees back to the ship where she finds a Blood Dragon feather and develops a close connection with her Captain. She soon settles into pirate life, and learns key seafaring and combat skills, but is determined to seek revenge on those who betrayed her. Lisette learns that Captain Rocco is afflicted by an ancient curse, and turns into a Blood Dragon after dark, seeking vengeance on all those who have wronged him. But when Lisette is accidently stabbed by one of his feathers, she too becomes cursed by the ancient magic. The couple discover that their lives are inextricably bound by the ancient curse, but will their desire for vengeance destroy them or unite them? Blood Dragon Rising is a fantasy fiction novel by author G.S. Carline, about a young woman’s fight for survival, following the ultimate betrayal of her fiancé. As a gentle noblewoman, protected from the outside world, she doesn’t stand much chance, but she develops into a strong, confident and determined woman, and a pirate you wouldn’t want to cross paths with! With a strong female protagonist, a captivating plot with an unexpected twist, and a fabulous cliff hanger that will leave readers wanting more, this book is a super, swashbuckling, fantasy adventure set on the high seas. I was fully immersed and engaged in this book, and I look forward to reading the next instalment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A super, swashbuckling, fantasy adventure set on the high seas. Purchase here

< Back Ona Gritz Everywhere I Look A heart wrenching memoir by Ona Gritz about the tragic death of her sister, Angie Boggs. Ona Gritz’ older sister, Andrea (Angie) Gritz Boggs, her partner, infant son, and unborn child were brutally murdered by a couple that were visiting their home. Their bodies were dumped in a crawl space beneath their house and were not discovered until over six weeks after their disappearance. Several decades after Angie’s death and tormented by childhood memories and guilt for not standing up for her sister, Gritz set out to find out more about Angie’s life and tragic death. She examines court documents and official school records and decides to write a memoir, addressed to her sister. Gritz recalls her childhood, growing up with Angie, six years her senior. Angie was adopted by Gritz’ parents as a baby and Gritz always believed she was treated unfavourably by her parents, particularly her mother. Gritz recalls ‘Our roles were clear to us. I was our parents’ good girl. You were a devilish force. The sisters were close during childhood and Gritz describes her sister as both a ‘tormentor and protector.’ Gritz adored Angie, but the sisters grew apart during Gritz’ teen years, when Angie was frequently away from home. Through her research, Gritz learns about Angie’s birth and early years, her schooling, and how she was abused at a very young age. She learns that Angie spent time in mental institutions and correctional facilities during her teen years and had a drug addiction. As Gritz discovers the truth about her sister’s adoption, she uncovers family secrets that had been buried for many years. Everywhere I Look is a poignant memoir by Ona Gritz about the life and death of her older sister, Angie Boggs. Written as a letter to her sister, the first love of her life, the book allowed Gritz to connect with her sister, and come to terms with her own grief. The detachment and numbness Gritz experienced for many years was a symptom of PTSD and survivor syndrome. The process of writing the memoir helped Gritz find the path towards healing. The memoir is a loving tribute to Angie and a testament to the unique and unbreakable bond between sisters. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A stunning and deeply moving exploration of grief and healing, beautifully told by Gritz with raw honesty and vulnerability. Purchase here

< Back Christopher H. Volk The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Wealth Creation for Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Investors The ultimate guide to running a successful business, by Christopher H. Volk The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Wealth Creation for Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Investors, by Christopher H. Volk, financial writer, investor, serial entrepreneur, CEO, university lecturer and visiting professor at Cornell University. This is a comprehensive financial handbook about how to create wealth within business, and how to value a business. Volk explains how to drive business performance and maximize equity market value through six key variables: 1) sales, 2) business investment, 3) operating profit margin, 4) amount of other people’s money used (“OPM”), 5) the cost of OPM, and 6) the annual maintenance capital expense. Volk explains each variable in considerable detail and uses a simple restaurant business model as a case study example throughout. In addition, he uses many real-life business illustrations, including STORE Capital, the most recent publicly traded company he co-founded. He shares examples from global, multimillion dollar businesses, such as Google, and the hip-hop clothing brand, FUBU. Volk also shares his own personal experiences of finance, his role setting up and running numerous companies, and his experience of floating three companies on the New York Stock Exchange. Volk explains complex financial models, terms and concepts in a simple, straightforward and engaging way, that non-financial experts will easily understand. He uses images and visual illustrations throughout the book, to help guide those that might be less familiar with financial models. This book is a must read for business and economics students, and anyone interested in business, from investors, entrepreneurs and small business owners, to business leaders and CEO’s of big corporations. It will particularly appeal to those who are considering setting up a new business, those investing in a business, and those making important financial decisions about a business. Overall, this is an informative and insightful handbook, written by a credible and trusted author who is clearly an expert in this field. Through a simple but comprehensive framework, this book will help entrepreneurs and business leaders understand how to create and value wealth in business, and will help improve personal wealth opportunities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An informative and insightful handbook about how to create wealth in business. A must read for business and economics students, and anyone interested in business. Purchase here

< Back Angela White Stopping Time: Life After War Another thrilling instalment in the Stopping Time series, from author Angela White Marc and the mission team have left the protection of the Safe Haven Refugee Camp, to stop the great reset following the nuclear war. Leaving behind Angela, his pregnant wife, and leader of the Safe Haven, to maintain law and order on the island. As news arrives that Marc and his team have been captured, imprisoned, and brutally tortured, Angela faces increasing pressure to rescue the mission team, from her son, Charlie, and other camp members. Tensions rise and a rage illness spreads throughout the camp, threatening the survival of the entire community. Before Angela will agree to send a team to rescue Marc, she must first be assured that her leadership team are ready to lead, and that the community will follow their orders. As Angela prepares her leaders, she embarks on a cunning plan to give the ‘normals’ the freedoms they desire. She hopes that with greater freedom, they will make bad decisions and turn on each other, which will destabilise the community. If her plan is successful, the ‘normals’ will understand the benefit of the controls that have been imposed on them, and will succumb to the leaders demands. But as Angela’s plan unfolds, an adored camp member, Samantha, is kidnapped and taken off the island. Angela and the Eagles must leave the island to find Samantha and bring the kidnapper to justice. Angela knows that Samantha is simply the bait, and that she is the real target, but puts herself in danger to rescue her friend. Ultimately, their mission to bring Samantha home will be a crucial test of any future attempt to rescue Marc. Will Angela find Samantha and bring her home? Will the kidnapper capture his real target? And how will the camp fare, when their esteemed and feared leader is away from the island? Stopping Time: Life After War, is a post-apocalyptic, science fiction novel, and the seventeenth book in the Stopping Time series from author Angela White. Life After War is an intense and high energy book with a gripping and thrilling plot. Angela has built a rich and imaginative post-apocalyptic world with strong, complex, well-developed characters. Angela’s writing is intricate, but easy to read. The plot is complex, fast paced, and full of action. With many twists and turns, the book will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This is a mammoth read, which will appeal to committed readers of this series and fans of this genre. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Life After War is an intense and high energy book with a gripping and thrilling plot. Purchase here

< Back Marieke Lexmond The Magical Tarot Deck A spellbinding second instalment of the Madigan Chronicles, from author Marieke Lexmond In the second instalment of the Madigan Chronicles, Tara and her family are relieved when the Dagger of Consciousness, an artefact stolen by her evil twin sister Lucy, is recovered, and hidden safely away in a magical tarot card deck. The tarot deck, created by Tara’s husband Seamus, comprises twenty-two cards, and each card embodies a member of Madigan family. When someone draws a card from the deck, the card comes to life and the person painted on the card disappears from real life until they fulfil the question of the person who drew card. But, while Tara’s daughter Ceri is stuck in Fairyland, Lucy’s grandson, Cal, finds and steals the tarot cards and hands them over to Lucy. Lucy, set out on revenge, sees an opportunity to destroy the family and retrieve the dagger. The Madigan’s must stop Lucy before she uses their own tarot magic against them. The Magical Tarot Deck by Marieke Lexmond is an enchanting fantasy fiction novel, full of sorcery, mystery, and magic. Lexmond has written a truly unique and imaginative story, where the reader can escape to a wonderful, magical world of fairies and witches. This is a complex and fast paced story, but very easy to read. With a great plot and well-developed characters, each with their own distinctive personality traits, fantasy fiction fans will love this. You don’t need to read the first book in the series (although it is recommended) as the author provides a brief and useful summary of the previous events. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A unique and imaginative story, where the reader can escape to a wonderful, magical world of fairies and witches. A FINALIST Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker The Lady of the Mirrored Lake A sensational second instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy, by Jennifer Ivy Walker The Lady of the Mirrored Lake is the second book in the Sea Raven series, and picks up where the first book, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven, ended. Issylte leaves Avalon and her beloved Elf, Ronan, and travels to Bretagne with the Blue Knight of Cornwall, Tristan, and Lancelot. Issylte is given the name Lady Opale to hide her identity from her evil stepmother, Morag, and trains with Tristan to become a Warrior Priestess of the Tribe of Dana. Both Issylte and Tristan are determined to regain their thrones and prepare for battle with Morag, the Black Widow Queen, and the dark wizard, Voldurk. As Issylte grieves the loss of Ronan, she grows closer to Tristan and their relationship blossoms. When she kills the evil dwarf, Malvon, she becomes the Priestess of the Mirrored Lake and enters into an eternal bond with Tristan. Issylte is gifted new powers and sworn to protect the sacred waters of the lake . She embarks on a treacherous journey to find an enchanted orb that is imbued with special powers, and hidden in the depths of the mirrored lake. In Issylte’s absence, Princess Blanchine of Armorique tries to seduce Tristan and is tricked by Voldurk into casting a powerful enchantment on him to bind his love. Once the spell is cast, Princess Blanchine is murdered, and Tristan is wrongfully arrested and imprisoned in the castle of Tintagel . With her new powers, Issylte frees Tristan and blocks Voldurk’s evil enchantment. Issylte and Tristan rekindle their mating bond and are married in the sacred forest. But their lives and kingdoms are put in danger, as Voldurk and The Black Widow Queen try to capture and kill them. Issylte is forced to seek the assistance of her former lover, Elf Ronan, and convince him to forge a sword for Tristan that can slay the wizard and stop the evil queen. The Lady of the Mirrored Lake is a medieval fantasy fiction novel by author Jennifer Ivy Walker and the second instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy. The novel is a thrilling, action-packed and captivating adaptation of the A rthurian myth, with a passionate and steamy twist. With magnificent world building, wonderful characterisation and rich storytelling, this is a dark fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. I recommend readers start with the first book in the series, to get the full benefit of this unique and enchanting novel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A steamy adaptation of the A rthurian myth, with magnificent world building, wonderful characterisation and rich storytelling. Purchase here

< Back Brian R Estvander Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank An original and gripping sci-fi adventure, by author Brian R Estvander Inklebrawt (Ink) Winklehank is a Huply - a hybrid of a human and a biologically engineered species, created by humans using nanomachinery (the Plythi’i). The Plythi’i are a peaceful and empathetic species, and have psychokinetic abilities, called the Plythi’i Sense. Since their creation, the Plythi’i and Huply have lived in harmony with humans, in a world called Ply’. But the Shepherds, an exiled group of half-breeds and humans, want to eliminate any type of artificial speciation, threaten to attack Ply’ and eradicate all Huply and Plythi’i. Ink has always struggled to balance his advanced Plythi’i abilities and empathic temperament, with his wild human emotions and desires. But, when threatened by the Shepherds, Ink must learn to come to terms with his true identity to locate his Plythi’i siblings and safeguard the future of the human race. Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank by author Brian R Estvander is an original sci-fi adventure about a group of hybrid siblings and their fight for survival against a rogue group of Shepherds who want to eliminate them, and all artificial speciation. It is an epic battle of good versus evil, nature versus technology. The story interweaves effortlessly across galaxies and between past and present, revealing the complex backstory of the species and the characters. Overall, an expertly crafted sci-fi adventure, which brings together science, technology, and human evolution. With a fast-paced and gripping plot, authentic and believable characters, and excellent world building, this book will appeal to fans of action, adventure and science fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic sci-fi adventure about a group of hybrid siblings and their fight for survival. Purchase here

< Back Jim Lichtman Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle between the Secret Service and Ken Starr Author Jim Lichtman presents fascinating new insights into the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle Between the Secret Service and Ken Starr is a political, non-fiction book by author Jim Lichtman about the investigation into the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. In 1998, independent counsel KenW. Starr, issued a motion to compel Lewis Merletti, the former Director of the US Secret Service, and agents on the president’s protective detail, to testify about what they had heard or seen in relation to President Clinton’s intimate relationship with Lewinsky. It was the first time in history a director of the Secret Service was asked to testify against a sitting president. Merletti challenged Starr’s motion, arguing that due to the nature of the job, the President must have absolute confidence and trust in the agents of the Secret Service. Compelling an agent to testify against a President on anything other than a criminal act, would undermine trust and confidence, the basic tenet of the Secret Service, and threaten the very survival of the agency. With the support of all living former directors of the Secret Service, the upper echelon of the Department of Justice, and the former president George H.W. Bush, Merletti battled Starr’s Office of Independent Counsel for six months, taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court. The book is a tense political drama, presenting fascinating new insights into the legal battle between Starr’s Office of Independent Counsel and the upper echelon of the Department of Justice, following the Clinton-Lewinsky affair. Based on over twelve years of research by the author Jim Lichtman, including interviews with Lewis Merletti, documents from Merletti’s personal files, and other documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, well-written and extensively researched book, which will appeal to readers of political drama and historic non-fiction. Purchase here

< Back Felicia Taylor E. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale Poet, Felicia Taylor E, shares her memories of childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a collection of poems by Felicia Taylor E. centered around her childhood memories, adolescence and young adulthood. There are four distinct collections: ‘Beginning’, ‘Piney Woods Time’, ‘Blues of Life and Love’ and ‘Grateful’. The first is a collection about her early childhood, with sweet memories watching and learning from television, her love of books and her imaginary friends, movies, and her adventures with her mom and dad. But also, some traumatic memories of discrimination, random strangers touching her hair, the cruelty of her early years’ teacher, and a terrifying encounter with the Klu Klux Klan. The second collection is about her time growing up, spending time with her grandmother and grandfather, her love of music, playing out with friends, and the joy of singing in the church choir. In the third collection, Felicia describes her youth, her growing understanding of the world around her, the stories of others who fought every day for survival in an unjust society, the cruelty of dementia on patients and their loved ones, her growth as a young woman and a poet, a blossoming love with a ‘brown eyed Knight’, and thoughts about death. In the final collection, Felicia shares beautiful memories of lost loved ones. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a beautiful and poignant collection of poetry by Felicia Taylor E. The poems are both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as Felicia takes the reader on a journey through her life, and shares her experiences of growing up as a Black girl and woman in the South. The diverse collection of poems shows the authors ‘multilayers’ of womanhood and being a Black woman. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and poignant collection of poetry that are both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Purchase here

< Back Carter Fielding Murder in the Marshes The Blake sisters are back to solve another murder mystery. Finley Blake is travelling home to Charleston with her life partner Max Davies for her sister’s wedding. Whitt is marrying David Quinn, and Finley is looking forward to spending time with her family and friends. Whitt has rented a stately mansion for the wedding party, and guests are due to arrive soon. As Whitt and David check the house before the guests arrival, they find a dead body wrapped inside a sleeping bag in the closet. Whitt thinks she recognises the man but cannot place him. The police are called, and a murder investigation opens when they discover the man has a blunt force trauma to the head. Whitt and David, and the wedding party, are relocated to Whitt and Finley’s aunt’s house, while the police search the property. The body is later revealed to be Whitt and Finley’s estranged cousin, Tommy. As the wedding party settle into the house, and preparations for the wedding begin, Whitt and Finley take a trip with their parents to their rental property in Beaufort. As they examine the house that has been left empty for many years, they find another dead body. Inside an old army issue duffle bag, they find a skeleton and thousands of pounds in cash. The police are called again, and another murder investigation opens. As Whitt and David find themselves under suspicion, their upcoming wedding is put in jeopardy. As the police fail to make any progress, Whitt and Finley start their own investigation, starting with enquiries into their own family. Their investigation reveals dark family secrets, a sinister blackmail plot, and a web of deceit and lies. But as the sisters get closer to the truth, they find themselves caught up in a dangerous situation. Will the sisters find a connection between the murders? Will they identify the culprit? And will Whitt and Davids marriage go ahead? Murder in the Marshes is the fourth instalment in the Blake Sisters Travel Mystery Series by Carter Fielding. The book sees the return of the Blake sisters, as they return home for Whitt’s wedding, and find themselves embroiled in another murder investigation. The sisters become unlikely amateur detectives as they discover not one, but two, dead bodies. This is a gripping murder mystery, full of mystery and suspense. While the book successfully embodies the cozy mystery genre, it also explores the sisters personalities, personal lives, and relationships. This adds depth to the characters and enhances the readers emotional investment into the series. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, readers will benefit from reading the previous books to get the full enjoyment of this cosy murder mystery series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enjoyable read, perfect for fans of cozy murder mystery. Purchase here

< Back Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self A collection of heartfelt poems from author Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self is a collection of twenty-five poems by author Kyli Santiago. This is an inspiring and heartfelt collection of poems, based on Kyli’s own lived experience. The poems were written during the authors darkest moments and follow her personal journey from the depths of depression towards recovery. Kyli experienced significant trauma, as a child and throughout adulthood, and the cathartic process of writing poetry supported her healing process. This is an emotional, touching and deeply personal poetry collection, which deals with issues of abuse, rape and suicide. One cannot fail to be moved by this book – Kyli’s words are powerful and will remain with me for a very long time. The book will provide comfort and encouragement to anyone who has experienced trauma or depression, and hope that one can find true happiness and fulfil their potential, if they move forward in life, rather than look back. Kyli’s bio states she is a poet and performer, and I can imagine these poems would be even more impactful in the spoken word. The poems have a wonderful lyrical quality, and I would love to hear these poems performed on stage. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written collection of poems about one woman’s journey from the depths of depression towards recovery and healing. Purchase here