< Back Margaret Tran The ACTIONS A seven-step model to help deal with grief and loss, by author Margaret Tran The ACTIONS: 7 Steps To Powerful Change is a self-help book by life coach and author Margaret Tran, to help readers change their habits and build a new purposeful life. Based on the authors personal, lived experiences, and many years working as a life coach, Reiki master, universal energy healer, and acupressure practitioner, Tran presents a new model to help guide readers make meaningful changes in their own life. Tran discusses her early childhood growing up in Vietnam with her adoptive mother and being bullied as a “mixed-race outcast”. She discusses her move to the United States in the 1980’s, where her family built a new life in the land of opportunity. Tran married and had two children, but her life changed significantly when her beloved adoptive mother took ill and sadly passed away. Tran was consumed with grief and battled with acute depression for over four years but rebuilt her life by discovering the person she wanted to become. Tran built on her personal experiences of grief and trauma to develop the ‘ACTION’ model to help others in similar circumstances. The model includes seven-steps: 1) Aim for self-management , 2) Commit to writing things down , 3) Take control of your time , 4) Identify your integrity and preserve it , 5) Open your mind to uncover your strengths , 6) Nurture relationships to stay connected , and 7) Share passion and success to inspire others . She explains that “the key to changing your life is to change your habits” and provides readers with a range of coping mechanisms to help manage grief and alleviate fear and anxiety. She discusses the importance of having short term goals, and focusing on the good things in life, such as developing meaningful relationships. Tran provides a number of free resources for readers who might require further support. The ACTIONS: 7 Steps To Powerful Change is a deeply personal and heartfelt book by Margaret Tran. Tran’s story is inspiring, and she provides valuable insights and strategies for dealing with grief and loss. Tran’ s writing is authentic, thoughtful, sensitive, and compassionate. The book will provide comfort and hope to readers who may be going through similar experiences. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and heartfelt self-help book, and a valuable resource for readers experiencing grief and loss Purchase here

< Back Paula Welch A River of Fortune An ordinary woman, in an ordinary town, finds her extraordinary self, from debut author Paula Welch Maggie Malloy, an ordinary and predictable young woman, is made redundant from her job along with her friends. Months later, while taking a hike by the river, she stumbles across a discarded security case and takes it home. She opens the case and finds 1.2 million pounds inside. Maggie decides to fulfil a promise to her late, dear friend, to be adventurous and spontaneous, and decides to keep the money. She seeks the help of her closest friends to set up a charitable fund, and uses the cash to bring much needed investment to their small town in Devon. Meanwhile, the criminals who stole (and lost) the case, and greedy, corrupt politicians, are desperately searching for the security case. Unbeknown to Maggie, a small electronic pocketbook is hidden inside a black box within the case, and is far more valuable than the money. The towns rapid regeneration eventually brings unwelcome attention to the charity’s finances. Maggie and her friends’ lives are put in danger as the criminals try to retrieve the pocketbook. However, the British intelligence Service GCHQ are also searching for the pocketbook and must catch the culprits before the secrets of the British government are exposed. A River of Fortune by Paula Welch is an enthralling, action packed novel, where a series of accidental events turn one woman’s life from ordinary to extraordinary. Set in a small provincial town in England, Maggie's determination brings her back to life, but in doing so, she is unwittingly exposed to danger. Maggie’s character is well developed, and her confidence grows throughout the book, as she fulfils her friends dying wish to be extraordinary. Overall, this is an action-packed crime fiction book, with a charming protagonist, a smattering of romance and a feel-good factor.  Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enthralling, action packed novel, where a series of accidental events turns one woman’s life from ordinary to extraordinary . A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Marlene M. Bell Lies to Forever Book blurb... First they stole her trust. Now they want her life. April Manning’s generous nature has always been a gift, and her greatest weakness. After being scammed out of her life savings by a trusted friend, April is left with an eviction notice and one last hope: reclaiming her position as an interior designer at her old architectural firm, even if it means a showdown with head architect Hunter Ellis, her cheating ex. But that’s not the only hitch. When the owner of the firm turns up dead, the last thing April expects to find is the bloody murder weapon on her doorstep. Now the killer sets a plan for April and suspicion flares at every turn…from the mysterious new handyman, to an estranged family member she’s tried to forget. Chased from her dream home and cornered like prey, April is hemmed by the wintry forests of Tennessee with few options. As chilling memories of childhood abandonment haunt her, it seems everyone has a hidden agenda to take April down. Only one thing is certain. A monster is stalking Smoky Creek, and April must unmask them before they land the fatal blow. Purchase here

< Back Shawn Callaway Hays and Stephen Callaway Hays What Light Was What Light Was is a dialogue novel by authors Shawn Hays and Stephen Hays. The book interweaves the stories of two famous authors, Mary Shelley, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The authors reconstruct their worlds, drawing connections between their personal lives, relationships, and their literary masterpieces. Mary Shelley, the nineteenth century English author of Frankenstein, whose personal life was as dramatic as her iconic novel. Her story is not just about her literary creations, but of the devastating losses she experienced throughout her life. Shelley’s writing became a form of healing, a way of finding her voice and making sense of her grief and heartache. A century later, American author F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby. The Great Gatsby represents Fitzgerald’s disillusionment with the Jazz Age – a period marked by excess, wealth and prohibition. Fitzgerald drew from his own personal experiences, his relationship with his wife who initially rejected him because of his lack of wealth, and led him towards the lifestyle he loathed. What Light Was is an extraordinary novel written in dialogue by authors Shawn Hays and Stephen Hays. The stories of Shelley and Fitzgerald are beautifully retold through of blend of dialogue, poetry, and meditation. The book captures a writer’s life, their fears, anxieties, self-doubt, and inspiration. It highlights the emotional and artistic parallels between the two authors, and explores the impact of the creative process on the artists. It examines the relationship between suffering and creativity. Do you have to endure heartbreak, tragedy and turmoil to produce something extraordinary? This is a fascinating and unique novel, and nothing like I have read before. I was totally engrossed from the very first page to the last. The book offers a fresh perspective on two literary icons and will appeal to readers of literary fiction, and fans of Shelley and Fitzgerald. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A masterpiece of literary fiction by Shawn Hays and Stephen Hays. Purchase here

< Back Carolyn Clarke And Then There's Margaret Meddlesome mother-in-law Margret moves into the Montgomery home, from debut author Carolyn Clark Mother of two, Allison Montgomery, always had a fractious relationship with her mother-in-law, Margaret. Margaret doted on her dear son, Hank, and no-one could ever live up to her lofty standards and grand expectations, let alone Allison. From the moment they first met, Margaret was dismissive of Allison, condescending and interfering. Even after two children and many years of marriage, Allison dreaded spending time with her cantankerous mother-in-law. But Allison’s life is turned upside down when her kind and loving father-in-law, George, passes away and Margaret is forced to move into the family home for a while. Allison tries her hardest to welcome and support her grieving mother-in-law, but Margaret’s constant criticism and interference drive her close to the edge. As Allisson and Hank’s marriage spirals downhill, the two women must learn to get along and co-exist to avoid the breakup of the marriage and the entire family. And Then There’s Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is a captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. As the women learn to live with one another, following the heartbreak of losing their beloved George, they find a new connection and a new lease of life. The book is a refreshing take on the typical monster-in-law narrative. This is an entertaining, witty, and sharp read, with relatable characters that many readers will connect with. The book was a joy to read, and helped me escape from the dramas of my own life for a few hours! And Then There’s Margaret will appeal to readers of women’s fiction, comedy, and family sagas. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Dillon W. Buck The Stonecaster: A Modern Parable About Intention, Response, and the Ripples We Create Book blurb... Clarity creates freedom. James is stuck. He feels misunderstood and mistreated, captive to patterns he cannot escape. Every setback feels personal. Every day is beyond his control—until he encounters a mysterious mentor. Through a series of subtle lessons and quiet revelations divulged in his dreams, James realizes how his thoughts, assumptions, and emotional reactions have shaped his experiences all along. He begins to unroot deep-seated beliefs and release the weight of perceived injustice to expose an invaluable truth: accountability creates peace. In The Stonecaster, Dillon W. Buck invites readers to join James on his journey and look inward, recognize themselves, and reconsider the narratives that quietly govern their lives. This contemporary parable illustrates how to focus on what counts and stop tying self-worth to achievement. Reflective, transformative, and a powerful examination of breaking free from destructive patterns, The Stonecaster is the story of learning to replace the pursuit of perception with the discovery of true fulfillment. Purchase here

< Back Melissa Fors Shackelford Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer's Guide to Inspiring Connection Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection is a marketing and leadership guidebook by Melissa Fors Shackelford, a seasoned marketing executive and advisor with over two decades of experience. Shackelford explains that marketing is not just about selling products but about aligning a brand’s values and mission with its strategies to foster trust, loyalty, and societal impact. She highlights the importance of discovering a brand’s purpose, which serves as a guiding force for decision-making and customer engagement. Through real-world examples, Shackelford illustrates how purpose-driven brands build loyalty, enhance reputation, and achieve sustainable growth. Leadership is presented as the cornerstone of purpose, with leaders inspiring teams, making ethical decisions, and fostering authenticity. Shackelford provides actionable strategies for crafting purpose-driven campaigns, such as storytelling, social media engagement, and community-focused initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of measuring the impact of purpose through metrics like brand sentiment and customer loyalty. The book advocates for marketing as a meaningful profession and urges leaders to embrace purpose as a compass for creating lasting connections and driving positive change in their organizations and communities. Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection is a comprehensive and engaging guidebook, for marketing professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs. Shackelford masterfully combines real-world insights, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories to show how purpose-driven marketing can transform businesses and foster authentic connections. With its focus on inclusivity, resilience, and ethical leadership, this book is a powerful resource for anyone looking to align their work with their values and create lasting change. A must-read for both new and experienced marketers and business leaders seeking to foster meaningful connections and lead with authenticity and purpose. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A practical and insightful guidebook that empowers marketers and leaders to build authentic connections, drive societal impact, and achieve sustainable growth. Purchase here

< Back Sergio Salas Love in the Fine Print Book blurb... Love in the Fine Print is a contemporary romance about control, consent, and the quiet moments where power shifts. Han Jae-in is a contracts manager who believes everything in life can be negotiated. Kang Dohyun is an idol whose image is tightly managed, but whose private choices are not. When a dating agreement binds them together under strict rules, what begins as a professional arrangement slowly fractures into something real. Told with restraint and emotional precision, Love in the Fine Print explores modern relationships, vulnerability behind public personas, and the cost of choosing honesty over safety. Purchase here

< Back Ralph L. Bayrer Liberty, Science and Wealth: The Evolution to Modern Society An essential read for historians, sociologists and economists, by author Ralph L. Bayrer Author Ralph L. Bayrer reposes a question asked two centuries ago, about why some countries prosper and others remain poor, despite having access to science and international capital markets. He describes the key features that are prominent in developed countries and stunted in undeveloped ones, and why America has become the wealthiest nation of our time, through free market systems and reduced government spending, regulation and taxation. He explains how societies are in constant competition with one another and fight for survival in an evolutionary dynamic process. He e xplores the American way of life, and the role that human cooperation and freedom has played in the creation of a modern affluent society. The book explores these issues in eight chapters. Chapter 1 explores the economic development gap between developed and less developed countries. Chapter 2 presents the theory of societal evolution. Chapter 3 describes man’s propensity for enterprise and commerce, and in Chapter 4, how commerce and enterprise led to the evolution of political institutions. Chapter 5 describes the emergence of science in the West, and how the west evolved into a culture of individual empowerment, in Chapter 6. In Chapter 7, Bayrer explores how other cultures have responded to the west’s advancements, and Chapter 8 explores why some countries have failed to advance. Liberty, Science and Wealth: The Evolution to Modern Society by author Ralph L. Bayrer is an engaging and thought-provoking non-fiction book, which provides a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of modern society. Well written and extensively researched, this book provides interesting new perspectives on humanity and society. This is a fascinating and insightful work of non-fiction, which will appeal to readers of educational and reference books, and students of the political and social sciences. This is an essential read for historians, sociologists and economists, and anyone who would like to learn more about modern society and its evolution. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A well written and extensively researched non-fiction book, which provides a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of modern society. Purchase here

< Back Lisa Towles Terror Bay Detective Kurt Farin investigates a case with a mysterious twist. Detective Kurt Farin wakes up in a Californian hospital with no recollection of how he got there. While drifting in and out of consciousness, he has a recurring vision of a woman deep in the ocean, trapped under the wreckage of a two-hundred-year-old ship. The woman’s name is Genevieve Lucas, and Kurt is determined to find out who she is. Kurt learns that he has sustained a traumatic brain injury, after been shot-at while investigating the murder of a young woman named Leticia Ames. The suspect is a dangerous assassin named Jimmy Breslin, who is believed to have killed Leticia as a warning to her boyfriend, who witnessed Jimmy at a crime scene in a federal case. Kurt is forced to take a leave of absence from work due to his brain injury and begins his search for the mysterious Genevieve. He finds a woman with the same name, who is a Marine Biologist and professional diver located in Bainbridge Island, Seattle. Kurt decides to pay Genevieve a visit and persuades his partner, Vaughn, to accompany him. Kurt arrives in Bainbridge Island, and meets Genevieve’s daughter, Anabel. Anabel explains that Genevieve died tragically in a diving accident and Kurt is convinced she is the woman in his vision. As Kurt learns more about the life and death of Genevieve, Anabel is attacked by a man they believe to be Jimmy. Kurt discovers a peculiar connection between Genevieve, her daughter Anabel, and the hitman, and decides to travel to the site of the shipwreck where Genevieve died. Every strange encounter on his journey brings him closer to solving the case and unravelling the mystery of the woman in his visions. Terror Bay is a gripping, edge of the seat, psychological thriller by author Lisa Towles. Detective Kurt Farin’s life changes as he begins to experience vivid visions of a mysterious woman, following a bump to the head. Driven by an inexplicable force, Kurt sets out on a mission to uncover the truth behind his apparitions. As he goes on a journey across the country, he discovers a strange connection between his visions and the case he was investigating prior to his injury. Towles seamlessly blends crime fiction, psychological thriller, and a touch of supernatural intrigue. With plenty of action, plot twists and spine-tingling suspense, this novel will appeal to readers of both crime fiction and psychological thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, edge of the seat, psychological thriller, packed full of intrigue, mystery, and suspense. Purchase here

< Back Kat Miller The Sarcophagus Scroll Book blurb... When Ellie Meikle moves to the picturesque seaside town of St Andrews to study for her PhD, she soon feels as if she has made a mistake. She has no friends here, her replacement tutor seems to despise her, and book she needs for her research is constantly unavailable. But when she does get her hands on the book, her problems become a whole lot worse. Because this book contains a secret – a secret that someone is prepared to kill for. Purchase here

< Back Rozsa Gaston Margaret of Austria “Fortune, misfortune, fortifies one.” Margaret of Austria, born in Brussels in 1480, was the only daughter of the great Habsburg Roman Emperor, Archduke Maximilian I of Austria, and the Duchess Mary of Burgundy. She was raised to become Queen of Austria, and betrothed to Charles, the Dauphin of France. As a young girl she was sent to France to experience life at the French court. But, when King Charles married another woman, Maximillan forms an alliance with Spain. Margaret marries Juan , the Prince of Asturias and heir to the Spanish throne. But their marriage is short lived, when Juan becomes ill and dies just a few months later. Four years later, Maximillan arranges a marriage between Margaret and Philibert II, the Duke of Savoy. The Duke has little interest in state affairs, and Margaret begins to manage the Duchy, where she develops skills in leadership and diplomacy. After Philibert's death, Margaret's becomes the governor of the Netherlands in 1507, as Regent for her nephew, Charles V, who was too young to rule the country. Margaret of Austria: Governor of the Netherlands and Early 16th Century Europe’s Greatest Diplomat is an engaging, historical fiction novel by author and art historian, Rozsa Gaston, about one of Europe’s great, but often overlooked, leaders. The book follows the life, fortunes, and misfortunes of Margaret, from her early life, her two marriages and her role as Governor of the Netherlands, through to her death in 1530. Gaston describes her many connections to European royalty, and how she became an accomplished leader and diplomat, negotiating disputes between various foreign parties and maintaining peace in the Netherlands. During a significant period in European history, when women seldom had a voice or role in politics, Margaret became one of the most prominent figures of her time. This is a rich, insightful, and entertaining historical fiction novel, with a captivating cast of historical figures. Meticulously researched by Gaston, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those interested in early European politics. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: With a captivating cast of historical figures, the book sheds light on the fascinating life of one of Europe’s great leaders. Purchase here