< Back Dr. Trent W. Smallwood Lethal Decree Sebastian Storm overcomes childhood trauma to become an elite super soldier, from author Dr Smallwood. Thirteen-year-old Sebastian Storm’s life is turned upside down when he tragically loses both of his parents within a forty-eight-hour period. First, his beloved mother is killed after apparently falling down the stairs, but Sebastian is convinced his abusive father pushed her. Sebastian is grief stricken but his father shows no emotion. Sebastian is determined to punish his father and shortly after, Sebastian’s father dies in a gruesome and equally suspicious manner. Sebastian is sent to an orphanage for a while, before he is taken in by an older friend James, and goes to live on his farm. James mentors Sebastian and teaches him soldiering and combat skills. Sebastian channels all of his grief and energy into his combat training, and years later, he is noticed by the US government and trained to become an ‘elite super-soldier’. But, a fellow trainee, Tobias Teague, holds Sebastian responsible for his wife’s murder, and sets out to avenge her death. For years, the two men manage to avoid each other, but when Tobias plans a horrific terrorist attack, Sebastian must find a way to stop his old enemy. Lethal Decree is a testosterone-fuelled, suspense thriller. It is an enthralling and gripping novel, filled with action and violence. Sebastian is a well-developed, complex, and likeable character, despite his sadistic tendencies. There is one particular scene that reveals the complexity of his character, when he leaves his father to die in a bear trap, but then sets a rabbit free. The book will appeal to those who enjoy gripping, suspense thrillers, but the gratuitous violence and sex scenes are not for the faint hearted. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A testosterone-fuelled, and gripping suspense thriller. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl A fascinating journey of self-discovery, by author Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl is an intimate memoir by Canadian author Jackie Ewing about her life, loves and adventures, from a small town to the big wide world. The book follows her journey from student to teacher, mother and wife; and across the globe as she travelled extensively from Canada to Kuwait, Mexico, London and beyond. Ewing talks about her experiences of teaching all over the world, her love of children and her passion and dedication to the profession. She recalls fond and funny memories of teaching ‘her kids’, and how even in the most challenging times, she attempted to bring joy into the classroom. She talks about many challenging situations throughout her life, including the breakup of her marriage, and a terrifying scare with breast cancer. All told with love, affection, and lots of humour. There are many wild and funny moments, including her first foray into a strip club, and an encounter with a wild bear while pregnant. The book comprises ten chapters, each with a life lesson at the end of the chapter. The key life lessons are: Embrace yourself; Choose people who value you; Go the extra mile; Adapt and be flexible; Suck all the marrow out of life; Get down off that high horse; Bet on yourself; Just keep getting back up; What other people think of you is none of your business. For many of us, life can be tough, unforgiving, demanding and relentless, and these are wise lessons to live by. As a forty-something woman myself, I wished I had this advice twenty years ago! Overall, this is a light-hearted, fun and inspiring self-help book, full of anecdotes and useful advice from a woman who has lived life well. Ewing writes with such honesty, warmth and humour, and it was a joy to read. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy self help books, humorous fiction and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A light-hearted, fun and inspiring self-help book. A joy to read and highly recommended. ​ Purchase here

< Back Roni Robbins Hands of Gold A fictional memoir about a Jewish man born in 1905, who records his extraordinary life story for his children. Eighty-five-year-old Jewish American, Shimshon (Sam) Tzvi Fox, moves into a nursing home with his wife of sixty-five years, Hannah . When his youngest daughter buys him a recorder and a set of blank tapes, Sam decides to record his life story. He knows he doesn’t have much time left and he wants his children and grandchildren to know the truth about his life. Born in Hungary in 1905 Sam was one of thirteen children, in a close-knit Jewish family. Raised on a farm in a small Jewish community he and his siblings had a modest but happy childhood. Relations with the goyim (non-Jewish community) were generally friendly, but tensions grew following the outbreak of the first world war in Europe. Sam describes the impact of the war, as schools were forced to close, and it became increasingly difficult to make ends meet on the farm. Many of Sam’s elder siblings emigrated to America in search of a better life. Sam longed to join his siblings, but was forced to stay in Hungary to take care of his mother and younger siblings following his fathers death. To avoid conscription at the age of 18, Sam travelled across Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Germany, and found employment on a ship headed to North America. He arrived in Montreal, Canada, where he found work as a cobbler and first met his wife. When Hannah found a job and moved to New York, Sam soon followed, crossing the border illegally in 1926. As the couple settle down and make a new life for themselves, Sam describes the highs and lows of raising a family in the New York melting pot. Hands of Gold: One Man’s Quest to Find the Silver Lining in Misfortune is a fictional memoir inspired by real events, by author Roni Robbins. This is an enlightening and poignant novel about one man’s life and journey from Eastern Europe to New York. Set against a backdrop of war, and rising social and political tensions across Europe, the book captures the experiences and challenges faced by Jewish people during the first half of the twentieth century, to more recent times. Whilst this book deals with some difficult issues, such as the atrocities of war and antisemitism, it is primarily a book about love and family, hope and resilience. Robbin’s storytelling beautifully captures the Jewish faith, culture, customs, language, food, and identity. It will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those interested in the Jewish immigrant experience. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enlightening and poignant fictional memoir about one man’s life and journey from Eastern Europe to New York in the early twentieth century. ​ Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven A wonderful adaptation of a medieval French fairy-tale, by Jennifer Ivy Walker Fourteen-year-old Issylte, the Emerald Princess of Ireland, is forced to flee her home, when her father, King Donnchadh of Ireland, marries Princess Morag of Scotland. Queen Morag, unable to conceive a child of her own and fearful of the heirs’ future claim to the throne, orders her death. Issylte is lured into the forest, but she is spared from death by two loyal guards. She is taken to the enchanted Hazelwood Forest, where she is sheltered by Maiwenn, a wizened witch, and the forest fairies. Issylte’s identity is hidden and she lives an idyllic life, where she learns how to wield the herbal essences of the forest and develops her powers of healing. After several years living in Hazelwood, Issylte’s true identity is discovered. Queen Morag is furious to learn the princess is alive and sends an army to find and kill her. Issylte is forced to flee again, leaving behind her dear Maiwenn, who is brutally murdered by the Queens army. Issylte finds sanctuary on the mystical island of Avalon, with Maiwenn’s friend and mother of Lancelot, Viviane. Her identity is changed once again and Issylte becomes an acolyte and gifted healer. She meets and falls in love with Ronan, an Avalonian Elf. When Queen Morag’s army savagely attacks the Kingdom of Cornwall, the Blue Knight of Cornwall and heir to the Cornish Crown, Tristan, is severely injured and sent to Avalon for treatment and recovery. Issylte heals Tristan and discovers a deep and powerful connection with the warrior. Queen Morag, now betrothed to the King of Cornwall following her murder of King Donnchadh, learns of Issylte’s and Tristen’s location on the protected Isle. She sends her army to kill both Issylte and Tristen, as the heirs to the Irish and Cornish crowns. Issylte must decide whether to leave the safety of Avalon and her beloved Ronan, or flee with Tristan to France, avenge her father’s death and become the rightful Queen of Ireland. The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a sensational, well-crafted, medieval fantasy fiction novel by author Jennifer Ivy Walker. The novel is an adaptation of a medieval French classic, with a perfect blend of magic, mysticism, romance, tragedy, drama, and suspense. This novel will captivate and enthral readers from the outset. I was fully immersed in this wonderful story and invested in the two main characters, whose lives and journeys are seamlessly interwoven in this beautiful magical, fantasy world. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sensational, well-crafted, fantasy fiction novel, with a perfect blend of magic, mysticism, romance, tragedy, drama, and suspense. ​ Purchase here

< Back Tony Jeton Selimi A Path to Excellence A self-help book by author, entrepreneur, coach and motivational speaker, Tony Jeton Selimi. Selimi shares his formulae of success to help readers feel more confident, empowered, and accomplished while working on their aspirations, goals, and dreams. The book is based on Selimi’s personal, professional, business, and client breakthrough experiences and thirty years of research, lessons, study, and transformations. Based on decades of teachings, Selimi developed an easy-to-follow method, a simple eight-step process, and scientifically proven principles to guide people onto the path of excellence in their chosen areas of life. The principles are - Principle 1 : To break free from ambiguity, clarify what you want, why you want it, and when you want it. Principle 2 : Awakening your astronomical vision requires committing to something bigger than yourself. Principle 3: To build your resilience, it is wise to immediately confront any issues that arise and respond mindfully and objectively. Principle 4: Making mistakes is human; correcting them awakens your excellence. Principle 5: For better, more efficient, and more effective results, seek expert advice . Principle 6: To grow on the inside and expand on the outside, collaborate. Principle 7: To unleash the power of gratitude, graciously give and accept compliments. Principle 8: Continuously celebrating small wins can change your physiology, strengthen your psychology, and maximize your potential. Alongside each principle, Selimi offers a number of tips and tricks, practical advice, and exercises to help readers practice these principles. Selimi encourages readers to practice these eight key principles daily and willingly, to see positive changes in personal, professional, and business life. A Path to Excellence by Tony Jeton Selimi is an enlightening and transformative self-help book, which aims to help readers achieve their own goals and success in life. With an easy to follow, eight step method, this book offers practical solutions to help readers make positive changes in their personal, professional, or business life. This is an authentic and credible book as Selimi shares his own journey and the significant challenges he experienced throughout his life. Selimi’s journey is inspiring, his teachings are simple yet profound. The book will appeal to any reader interested in personal development. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enlightening and transformative self-help book, which will help readers gain a deeper understanding of themselves through a simple eight step process. ​ Purchase here

< Back Danny Holst The Harlem Story A harrowing and moving account of a young African American man growing up in Harlem, from debut author Danny Holst The Harlem Story is an intriguing novel, originally written as a musical screenplay. The novel follows the lives of James Harris and Diane Smith, who witness the murder of their parents at the age of six in 1963, outside their church, by the Klan. James’ great aunt Millie takes the children inside the chapel for safety when it is set on fire. Luckily, the children escape, and they leave with Aunt Millie from their home in the South, to Harlem. The children are raised by their aunt, and they grow up in the Christian faith, singing in church choir. James and Diane become accomplished singers and win an amateur singing contest, singing ‘Lift Every Voice.’ Diane goes on to be a successful recording artist, but James’ singing career is short lived after he is wrongfully arrested and imprisoned for murder in 1983. James is finally exonerated in 1990, but he has lost all of his faith in God. He struggles to reignite his passion for singing and his life spirals out of control. James faces unimaginable pain and hardship, but ten years on from his first singing contest, he reunites with his sister to sing again. This is a beautifully written and profoundly moving story about a young African American man and how he triumphs over adversity. The book deals with painful issues of hate and discrimination, murder, and sexual assault, yet there are wonderful and joyous moments of happiness, love, and romance. The harrowing events are told sensitively and with compassion, and the author does a remarkable job at developing a real connection and empathy for the main characters. The book gives hope that out of darkness, one can find light; and out of hate, one can find love. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully written and profoundly moving story about a young man and how he triumphs over adversity. A SILVER WINNER and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Lisa Towles The Ridders A young private detective is thrown into the murky depths of the LA underworld, by author Lisa Towles Private Investigator, Brock ‘BJ’ Janoff is investigating the disappearance of eighteen-year-old Anastasia Bergman, a student, model and celebrity, and heir to the Bergman multibillion dollar estate. Hired by her parents, and with no solid leads, the case is a mystery to BJ and his brother and business partner, Jonas. As BJ starts to investigate the case, he is faced with a dilemma. He is approached by a stranger and offered one million dollars to take an envelope to the reception desk of a luxury hotel within 72 hours. He is warned that if he opens the envelope, or if he fails to deliver it on time, he will be killed. He knows his brother would disapprove, but BJ decides to take the money anyway. But rather than take the envelope to the hotel, as agreed, he decides to hold on to it for a while. He is determined to find out why he was chosen for the dangerous task, and what could be in the envelope that is worth one-million dollars. BJ sets up surveillance on the hotel, and enlists his old college friend, Jay, to help find out what is in the mystery envelope. Jay X-rays the envelope and discovers a folded piece of paper and unknown particles in a Ziplock bag. When Jay is later found dead in his garage, BJ decides not to return the envelope, and instead returns the one-million dollars to the hotel. BJ knows his life is in grave danger and goes into hiding, with help from Jonas and his neighbor Lacy. As BJ sets out to uncover the truth about the envelope, he recruits a former associate Miki Fine to help him replicate the envelope and its contents. As his investigation continues, BJ meets a homeless man and he is unexpectedly thrown into the LA underworld, where he discovers an extraordinary connection between the envelope, the Russian Mafia, a secret society, the missing teen, and his estranged father. The Ridders by author Lisa Towles is a captivating novel about a young private detective who is thrown into the murky depths of the underworld and must use his investigative skills to try and solve his own case. This is a fast-paced, tense and gripping murder mystery / political thriller / science fiction novel, that was hard to put down. The book poses an interesting question, and I was gripped from the first chapter. With excellent, well-developed characters, and a complex but believable plot, this book will appeal to readers of thrillers, political fiction and murder mystery stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An excellent, fast paced and action-packed novel, part murder mystery, part political thriller, part science fiction. Highly recommended. ​ Purchase here

< Back Jonnie Ramsey Brown You Promised To Do No Harm: A True Story of Love, Loss, and the Horror of Healthcare Disparity for One African American Family Author Jonnie Ramsey Brown tells the heartbreaking story of the loss of her beloved husband and her fight to uncover the truth about his hospital treatment during his final days. The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 The Life, Part 2 The Loss, Part 3 The Fight. In Part 1, Jonnie describes her relationship with Thomas, how they met and built a happy home with their two children. Jonnie first met Thomas in 1972, aged twenty-three. After meeting by chance at a night club one evening, the couple fell deeply in love. Jonnie describes a fairytale romance and how from the moment they met, Thomas never left her side. The couple married in 1979. In Part 2, Jonnie describes how Thomas was suddenly taken ill during a family reunion in Florida. He was rushed to hospital and treated in an ‘unofficial’ ICU, when they couldn’t find out what was wrong with him. Jonnie recalls in graphic detail the neglect and subpar treatment her husband experienced, and her own experiences trying to navigate the hospital system and communicate with medical staff. Thomas’s condition deteriorated and he was moved to a hospice where sadly he passed away. Following his death, Jonnie describes her fight to uncover the truth about her husband’s illness and his treatment. She discovered that Thomas did not receive basic medical care and that the hospital had several opportunities to save his life but did not. Jonnie filed a lawsuit against the hospital in 2018. In Part 3, Jonnie describes the court case that ensued, and her struggle to get justice for her husband. You Promised To Do No Harm: A True Story of Love, Loss, and the Horror of Healthcare Disparity for One African American Family, is a poignant and heartbreaking memoir by Jonnie Ramsey Brown. This is a deeply moving book, written by Jonnie with such love, care, tenderness and compassion for her husband. Jonnie’s ability to put down in words this horrific experience is inspiring, and a true testament of her love for Thomas. The book highlights many failures in care, due to incompetence and racial discrimination. Sadly, Jonnie and Thomas’s story is not unique. Throughout the book Jonnie draws similar comparisons to the murder of George Floyd. Like George Floyd, Thomas did not receive the standard of care or compassion due to the color of the skin. This is a deeply personal and deeply distressing memoir, but it is a story that needs to be told. It gives a much-needed voice to Thomas and all those who do not have a voice. I hope this book will draw attention to racial discrimination in the healthcare system, and racism all its forms. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and deeply distressing memoir that shines a much-needed spotlight on racial disparities in the healthcare system. ​ Purchase here

< Back Raejean Kanter Who Held the Door Open?: Mentoring Through Life's Challenges Author, Raejean Kanter, discusses the positive impact of mentoring. Raejean Kanter has mentored over fifty people in her lifetime. She shares her own personal experience of going through a troubling time. She explains how she hit rock bottom, and the only thing that kept her going, was to focus on the positive things that happened to her that day. As a mentor, she questioned how she could mentor others when her own life was falling apart. She recalls that she became involved in mentoring as a result of people that mentored her, and ‘held the door open’, believing in her, encouraging her. One of those mentors was her father, and another, the owner of a weight loss business who gave her a job following breast cancer. Kanter presents the true stories of three women she mentored. Each story is written by the mentee in her own words. The first story is from Stacey Kent. Stacey met Raejean whilst at university, at a time when she was having lots of fun, but her grades were slipping. Raejean helped Stacy define her aims and establish some life goals. Stacey remains friends with RaeJean to this day. The second story is from Rhonda Ronsman who describes Raejean as a mentor and number one friend. RaeJean supported Rhonda through one of her most difficult times, including following a period of heavy drinking. In the third story, Vân Thanh Nguyễn, a student from Vietnam discusses her relationship with Raejean and other mentors during her studies in the United States. Raejean even visited her home in Vietnam when she struggled to adapt to life back home. In the final story, Theresa Nemetz, describes how Raejean became her first professional mentor, and she uses her experience of working with many mentors to encourage readers to take action and challenge themselves. Raejean shares four beautiful stories of four incredible women. In each story, each woman shares their personal life journey, and how mentors supported them through challenges and helped them to achieve their goals. They describe their friendship with Raejean and other mentors, and how they made a positive difference to their lives. Each story is unique, powerful, and inspiring. The book demonstrates that we all need a friend and mentor, and we are all capable of opening the door to others. As Theresa Nemetz says, ‘I wish everyone could have a Raejean in their life’. I do too! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational woman shares four beautiful stories of women she has mentored. Each story is unique, powerful and inspiring. ​ Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight Tristan and Issylte return in the third instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy series by author Jennifer Ivy Walker Tristan, the banished Blue Knight of Cornwall, and heir to the Kingdom of Lyonesse, and his wife Issylte, the Emerald Princess and heir to the Irish crown, have fled from Issylte’s wicked stepmother, the Black Widow Queen Morag, and taken refuge on the island of Avalon. As heirs to their respective thrones, Tristan and Issylte pose an intolerable threat to Queen Morag, and her sovereignty over those two kingdoms. The Queen poisoned her first husband, Issylte’s father, the King Donnchadh of Ireland, and also attempted to murder Issylte, to secure her position on the Irish throne. She is poisoning her second husband, the King Marke of Cornwall, Tristan’s uncle, to maintain her rule over the Cornish Kingdom. The Queen is still raging from the death of Morholt, her beloved Black Knight who was killed by Tristan during a failed Viking invasion of Cornwall. She vows to find Tristan and avenge Morholt’s death. When Queen Morag and her cronies discover that Issylte is pregnant with Tristan’s child, she is further enraged. With her ally, dwarf Bothor, she plans an elaborate plot to kill Tristan, and capture Issylte and her unborn child. The Queen plans to imprison Issylte until her baby is born, and then sacrifice the royal infant during the winter solstice, to break a curse that has plagued the Queen for many years. Issylte is captured and imprisoned in a tower on the top of a rocky cliff edge. Tristan and his army of knights must journey back to Tintagel to rescue his wife and unborn child. Will Tristan save his wife and child from the murderous queen? Will Tristan and Issylte ever regain their thrones to their kingdoms? And will Queen Morag ever be punished for her crimes? The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight is a fascinating medieval fantasy fiction novel by author Jennifer Ivy Walker. In this third instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy, Tristan and Issylte’s journey to reclaim their rightful positions on their respective thrones, comes to a breathtaking climax. With gruesome and bloody battle scenes, hot and steamy love scenes, and many unexpected twists and turns, this is an electrifying conclusion to a magnificent trilogy. The book, and the series, is a super addition to the medieval fantasy fiction genre and will captivate readers who enjoy Celtic history and folklore. I could not wait to read this final book and I am gutted the series had concluded. I am hopeful that Tristan, Issylte and their son might return for a new adventure very soon! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic medieval fantasy fiction novel, comes to an electrifying conclusion. ​ 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

Autumn 2022: Best Adult Book (fiction) Regan Walker Bound by Honor Tobin Marks Ark of the Apocalypse Juliet Rose Do Over Jerry Gundersheimer Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love Paula Welch Cloud Piercer B.V. Glants Half Notes from Berlin S. C. Eston Deficiency Katie Jay A Murder Most Vegan Paula Dail Fearless KJ The Forever and The Now Carol Amorosi Death on the Line Juliet Rose We Don’t Matter DF Kennedy The Truth Angela White Stopping Time Juliet Rose Through the Surface C.J. Hudson Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street George R. Hopkins When Secrets Come to Light G.S. Carline Blood Dragon Rising: Dragon Shadows Book 1 Brian R Estvander Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank S. Graham Vacant Lukman Clark The Alexandria Scrolls: Book Two - The Transfiguration of Brandon Blake Jennifer Ivy Walker The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven John Bartell The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience Juliet Rose Prick the Needle