Autumn 2023: Best Teen Book Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #2: When Darkness Tries to Hide Renee Hayes The Girl Who Broke the World Rande Goodwin The Witchfinders Serpent Terry Overton The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society Marsha Tufft The Sea Turtle Spy Project: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures Book 4

< Back Karen K. Brees Crosswind The adventures of a female spy during WWII, by author Karen K. Brees It’s June 1940, and MI6 Agent, Katrin Nissen, a Danish-American Professor of Botany, is sent to Nazi Germany to investigate the disappearance of a missing MI6 operative. Dieter Weiss, a German operative working for the Allies, has gone missing along with a top-secret microfilm believed to be in his possession. Dieter was last known to be searching for his estranged sister, Kristine Trautmann, a staunch Nazi Party member and a photographer working with Heinrich Himmler, a leading member of the Party. Using her academic research as a cover story, Katrin attends a horticultural conference at the University of Berlin to deliver a research paper, putting her life and reputation at risk. The conference is organised by Heinrich Himmler, to showcase the Nazis' plans to redesign nature and eliminate undesirable plants, aligned to Hitler’s social policies of eugenics. At the conference, Katrin m eets Weiss’ sister and discovers more about the Nazi’s horrific plans. But as Katrin lear ns of a number of mysterious deaths amongst the university faculty, she soon realises that the Nazi’s aren’t the only ones to fear. Crosswind: The WWII Adventures of MI6 Agent Katrin Nissen, is an excellent and satisfying World War II spy thriller, by author Karen K. Brees. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and gripping novel about a female spy on a secret mission to solve a mystery for MI6. Set in Berlin during the early days of World War II, the book is extensively researched and historically accurate. While a work of fiction, the novel was inspired by the remarkable stories of the many female spies who risked their lives during World War II. Beautifully written by Brees, the narrative slowly builds tension as it shifts between Katrin’s point of view, and other perspectives. With a well-developed and authentic character, and a gripping plot with plenty of twists and turns, this book will appeal to readers of historical fiction, espionage and political thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An excellent and satisfying World War II spy thriller, about a female agent on a secret mission to solve a mystery for MI6 during World War II. ​ Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle Can Princess Gabrielle and her lover Bastien save the Kingdom of Finistère. Princess Gabrielle, ‘the Viking Princess’ and daughter of the King Guillemin of Finistère, has returned home from Paris due to her father’s rapidly declining health. French law proclaims that a woman can neither inherit the throne or rule as queen in her own right. If her father dies before she marries, the throne and Kingdom of Finistère would be lost. The Marquis de Nantes is pressurizing the King to arrange a marriage between Gabrielle and his son, Ugolin Cauchon. Ugolin is a wicked and ruthless man who seeks control of the Breton seas and plans to revoke the Maritime Treaty which ensures safe passage along the coast. Rather than reject the offer outright, the King announces a Yuletide Joust, where members of the nobility will compete to win Gabrielle’s hand in marriage. Gabrielle is distraught and seeks comfort in the arms of Sir Bastien de Landuc, her equestrian tutor and royal personal guard. Bastien has secretly loved Gabrielle for many years and the relationship soon becomes intimate. Bastien dreams of marrying his Viking Princess, but without a title of nobility, he is unable to compete in the joust. Meanwhile, Ugolin is determined to become the King of Finistère, and will stop at nothing to win the contest. He has a wicked plan to win the contest, marry the princess, and then enslave her in the castle so he can take control of the Kingdom. Ugolin and his cronies attempt to kidnap Gabrielle, but she is saved by her beloved Bastien. The King rewards Bastien with a fiefdom and a title of nobility, which makes him eligible to compete in the joust. As Bastien prepares to enter the contest and win Gabrielle’s hand in marriage, Ugolin has another devious plan to take the princess, her royal dowry, and the Kingdom of Finistère. Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle is the first in a new ‘Christmas in the Castle Series’ by author Jennifer Ivy Walker. Set in the mythical Arthurian period, the book features familiar characters, such as Sir Lancelot du Lac, and other characters from Walkers’ Sea Raven trilogy series. With a beautiful, star-crossed love story, an enchanting fantasy world set within the royal courts, and a wicked villain, this medieval fantasy fiction novel was a joy to read. The book transports the reader to a mythical realm of kings and queens, armoured knights, and horses. A delightful read for those seeking escapism from reality. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A perfect cosy, medieval fantasy book to snuggle up and escape with over the holiday period. ​ Purchase here

< Back Cristiana Pinciroli Sport : a Stage for Life - How to Connect with the Touchstones of Elite Performance and Personal Fulfillment Lessons in sport and life from professional athlete, Cristiana Pinciroli Sport: A Stage for Life: How to Connect with the Touchstones of Elite Performance and Personal Fulfillment is a self-help / handbook written by Cristiana Pinciroli, with her father Pedro Pinciroli Junior. Cristiana is a former professional water polo player who captained the Brazilian national team for over a decade, and her father Pedro represented Brazil at two Olympic games. Cristiana shares her memories of her father’s sporting achievements, and how his success and legacy inspired her to achieve her own goals in the sport. She shares her own personal experiences of sport, the successes and failures, the challenges and rewards, the highs and the lows. There are twelve chapters, divided into four parts (dimensions). The dimensions follow the ‘WeTeam’ method, which includes the things that motivate us, move us, and enable us to act intentionally (self-knowledge, purpose and values, and happiness). In each chapter the authors explore the key elements needed for a fuller and more successful life. They show how they applied the lessons from sport in building successful corporate careers. In addition, there are contributions from other athletes, coaches, psychologists, and academics, who share their own personal stories of the impact of sport. This is an inspiring and captivating book which will appeal to both professional and amateur athletes, parents of athletes, sport coaches, and anyone interested in sport. It provides a fascinating insight into water polo and other sports. For water polo enthusiasts, or those new to the sport, the book provides plenty of valuable hints and tips on how to play the sport. For athletes, she provides advice and guidance on how to balance the demands and pressure of high-performance sport and other aspects of life. The authors show how everything we learn in sport applies to life and they provide many life hacks that will help readers live a more fulfilled and happy life. This is a well-written, and entertaining book. The writing is warm, funny, and engaging. The book demonstrates the positive role and impact of sport on individuals, and on society as a whole. It will help readers develop more positive mindsets and behaviors to live a happy and more fulfilled life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring and captivating book about the positive role and impact of sport on individuals and society. ​ Purchase here

< Back Aimee Hill All The Gray In Between Two clients, two deaths, one month apart . Thirty-year-old therapist, Lexi, specialises in cases of child neglect and parental alienation, a form of abuse where one parent is intentionally negative towards the other parent. Lexi had a good childhood, but everything changed when her wealthy stepfather abused her during her teenage years. Lexi’s mother stuck with her husband, and abandoned Lexi when she reported the abuse to the police. Following her stepfathers conviction, Lexi was awarded millions of dollars in compensation, which meant she never had to work again. However, as a result of her own trauma, she was determined to help other children, and qualified as a therapist. Lexi has had an on-off relationship with Beau, a detective for the Key Sebastian Police Department, for many years. Beau was also neglected by his mother and abused as a child. Lexi loves him deeply but is scared of commitment due to their troubled upbringings. When one of Lexi’s clients commits suicide, she wonders whether she could have done more to save her life. One month later, another client also commits suicide in similar circumstances. Lexi becomes suspicious and questions the cause of both deaths. Lexi believes there is foul play and starts to investigate the case with Beau. They find a connection between the deaths and a police officer, her own brother, and the son of one of her clients. Is there a serial killer on the loose? Or is someone targeting Lexi’s clients to get to her? Meanwhile, Lexi thinks she is being followed, and her estranged mother pays her an unexpected visit. Will Lexi and Beau solve the two mysterious deaths? Will Lexi forgive her mother? And can the couple leave their past behind them and move forward with their lives together? All The Gray In Between is a harrowing, psychological thriller / crime mystery by author Aimee Hill. Hill weaves a chilling tale of a therapist whose life takes a dark and twisted turn when two of her clients are found dead in mysterious circumstances. As Lexi, and her on-off partner, Beau investigates the case, old wounds are opened, and their relationship is put to the test. With strong characters, and an original plot with plenty of twists and turns, this is a captivating read that was hard to put down. The twist at the end of the book was totally unexpected and made me reevaluate the whole story. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A harrowing, psychological thriller about a therapist whose life takes a dark and twisted turn when two of her clients are found dead. ​ 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 Alison Jean Lester The Sound of It Two families come together to build their dream home. Just four months into a relationship, serial entrepreneur Jeremy Markwick-Low and sound engineer, Su Watkins, decide to sell their houses and move in together. Su, a divorcee has one teenage daughter, Caoimhe. Caoimhe uses Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) videos to help her relax. Jeremy is a widow and has two sons, Ned and Tom. The two families move into a large rental property, while their dream house on farmland outside the city of Worcester is being built. The new house is a beautiful, modern, energy-efficient home, large enough for their blended family. It’s a fresh start for both families, as Su seeks stability and security following her divorce, and Jeremy sees an opportunity to impress his father. The family move into their lavish new home, and as the children adapt to their new family life, Jeremy proposes to Su. Meanwhile, Jeremy’s father buys Tom a gun for hunting. But as costs of the house build spiral out of control, Jeremy gets further and further into debt, and considers alternative ways to make some quick cash. With just under a week to their wedding, Su checks Jeremy’s laptop to get an update on the family finances and makes a surprising discovery. Su makes the difficult decision to leave the house and takes Caoimhe with her. But as she has no legal responsibility for Ned and Tom, she makes the heart-breaking decision to leave them behind. Will Su ever see the boys she loves so dearly again? Can Su ever forgive her fiancé? And what will happen to the beautiful dream home they built together? The Sound of It by author Alison Jean Lester is a compelling, modern-day family saga, which examines the unique challenges and complexities faced by blended families. This is a heartrending, and at times disturbing novel, told by Alison Jean Lester with authenticity and compassion. Many readers will relate to the families experiences and will empathise with Su as she discovers the truth about her fiancé. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and heartrending family saga, about the complexities of modern families, told with authenticity and compassion. ​ Purchase here

< Back Adam Saint The Transfer Problem Adam Saint’s novel explores the future of AI technology and its impact on humanity. Ethan, a financial analyst at First Global Bank, is undertaking work to optimise financial algorithms, algorithms that enable computers to crunch data and make split-second investment decisions. Ethan’s parents died when he was a child, and he has a fraught relationship with his older brother, Robert. Robert bullied Ethan throughout his life, and they had become estranged in recent years. Robert is a top-notch hacker, whose crimes have resulted in a ban on using technology. Ethan meets Anna, a Russian citizen and a junior biomathematical researcher, at a university conference and they fall in love. Anna is conducting research, that if successful, would transfer human consciousness into a machine or a computer. Robert reappears, and Ethan introduces him to Anna. Robert persuades Ethan to use the pattern recognition technology that Anna has developed on First Global Bank’s high finance supercomputers. Together, they hatch a plan to make money on the stock market with neural network algorithms. Anna gets a job as a cleaner at Ethan’s bank and starts to integrate her work into First Global Banks systems. Their experiment is a success, but their technology triggers a global financial crash. With the economy in meltdown and society on the brink of collapse, Ethan is forced to go on the run to escape the authorities.The Transfer Problem by author Adam Saint is a fast-paced, gripping novel, with a blend of AI technology, espionage, and crime thriller. The flight scenes in the opening chapter grabbed my attention, and I found it hard to put this book down. The story does move backwards and forwards in time, which I did find a little confusing at times, but otherwise this was a fascinating story and very easy to read. This is a well-written, credible and thought-provoking book about runaway AI. It raises important questions about the future of AI technology and its impact on humanity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, gripping novel about runaway AI. A fascinating story and hard to put down. ​ Purchase here

< Back Isra Sravenheart Her Dark Love A young witch faces the ultimate betrayal, by author Isra Sravenheart Seventeen-year-old Isra joins Wingdom's Academy of Ancient Magic, to develop her witchcraft skills. She meets another young witch, Everilda, and the two soon become good friends. As they settle into school, the two young women have fun tormenting Magnus Wingdom, the Head Warlock of the school. One evening, whilst enjoying a walk in the forest, Isra encounters a mysterious young man, named Jonathan. Isra learns that Jonathon is the son of the King, but has lost his entitlement to the throne, in favour of his brother, Prince Valien. Isra and Jonathon develop a close connection, and they meet in secret at every opportunity. U nbeknownst to Isra, Jonathan is already in a relationship with her friend Everilda. When Isra discovers the betrayal, she is heartbroken. Then, when she learns that Jonathan is under a fateful curse and forever bound to Everilda, she is enraged. Little does Isra know, she is part of a dark prophecy that has not yet been realised. According to the prophecy, Isra will turn dark and become ‘ Lady Isra of the Dark’. ‘Light bringer’, Astrid is tracking her every move, concerned her heartbreak might unleash her darkness. But, with no hope to salvage her friendship with Everilda, and no chance of a reconciliation with Jonathan, Isra sets out on revenge. Will Isra turn dark and release her darkness on the world? And can the light bringers, keep her on the light path? Her Dark Love, by Isra Sravenheart, is a dark fantasy fiction novel, and part of the Dark Spell Series. I understand Her Dark Love is a prequel to the other books in the series, and tells the back stories of the main characters. This is a gripping novel, which starts slowly but quickly builds momentum, as the characters and their relationships develop over the course of the story. This is an original concept, with a magical fantasy world, interesting characters, and an intriguing plot. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but I was captivated and would love to read more about Isra, and how her character develops following this prequel. The book will appeal to adults and young adult readers, who enjoy dark fantasy fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping novel, set within a magical fantasy world, with interesting characters, and an intriguing plot. ​ Purchase here

< Back Jim Malloy Raptor's Revenge A thrilling, fast-paced, novel, about a heroic privateer who seeks vengeance following the brutal murder of his entire family, from author Jim Malloy Raptor’s Revenge is a historical novel set in Elizabethan England. The book follows fourteen-year-old Jamey Fallon as he returns home to find his whole family murdered. The only clue left behind is a severed finger with a gold ring attached. Jamey pockets the ring and is determined to find and destroy the nine fingered murderer responsible. Jamey sets out on a heroic journey across the high seas, as he seeks revenge on the culprit who murdered his entire family. In doing so, Jamey takes command of his own pirate ship, the ‘Raptor,’ and takes on the persona of a pirate ‘El Raptor.’ For over a decade, Jamey and his one-eyed friend sail the Caribbean Sea and hunt down Spanish ships in search of the murderer. When he arrives in Jamaica, Jamey falls in love with Maria, but they are soon captured and turned over to the inquisition. The lovers escape and intercept the killer’s ship. Jamey finally comes face to face his family’s killer, and faces a brutal and bloody duel to the death. This is a thrilling, fast-paced, novel, jam packed full of action and swashbuckling sea adventures. With a blend of history, mystery, revenge and romance, this book will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction and pirating adventures. With well-developed characters, an elaborate plot with plenty of gruesome battles, and numerous twists and turns, the book will keep readers captivated and on the edge of their seats. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating, swashbuckling pirate adventure on the high seas. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Karla Huebner In Search of the Magic Theater Two women embark on a creative journey of self-discovery, by author Karla Huebner. Twenty-two-year-old Sarah has lived with her aunt since her mother passed away when she was a little girl. Sarah is an ambitious and talented celloist, but she is introverted and socially awkward, and has lived a largely sheltered life. Sarah is dealing with significant, unresolved childhood trauma, and is still processing her mother’s tragic death. When Kari, a forty-something divorcee, rents a room in her aunt’s house, Sarah is intrigued by the mysterious new lodger. Kari is on the verge of a mid-life crisis following her divorce, and is seeking fun and adventure. Sarah takes an unhealthy interest in Kari, and fantasizes about her life and relationships. Kari develops a relationship with a much younger man, re-awakening her sexuality and creativity. Meanwhile, Sarah meets new friends, explores new musical collaborations, and is exposed to new temptations. As Sarah and Kari each embark on their own creative journey of self-discovery, their lives intertwine through their relationships and through their art. In Search of the Magic Theater, by author Karla Huebner, is a well written, multi-layered and intelligent novel about two very different women, who both embark on a creative journey of self-discovery through music, art, and performance. The plot develops at a gentle pace, and the main action doesn’t happen until the last quarter of the book, but it is well worth the wait. This is an original novel, written in the first-person perspective, which alternates between the points of view of the two main characters. With authentic and intriguing characters, rich and honest dialogue, and a unique and unusual plot, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy theatre, music, art history and classics. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A well written, unique and unusual novel, which will appeal to readers who enjoy theatre, music, art history and classics. ​ Purchase here

< Back K.c. LaSaga Dragum One young woman’s search for self-love and self-acceptance, by author K.c. LaSaga Kali Colombe is an ambitious young woman, desperate to leave Vancouver, Canada, in search of independence, romance, travel and adventure. As she sets out on a journey of self-discovery, and plans an epic trip to Europe, she meets and falls in love at first sight with another woman. Kali purchases a new condo and settles into life with her new love, stalling her plans to travel to Europe. But Kali’s parents are not happy about the relationship, and want her to return to the family home in Newfoundland. Torn between her lover and her family, her home and her desire to travel, Kali falls into a depression, despite the intuitive energy ‘Dragum’ gifted to her by her grandfather. Conflict and loneliness overwhelm Kali, and she falls into a deeper depression, as she loses sense of her own identity. Kali must fight to find her true self and break free from family preferences, social norms and cultural expectations. Dragum is an intimate, coming of age story about a young woman who must learn to break free from her family and find self-love and acceptance, by author K.c. LaSaga. LaSaga wrote the book based on her own experiences of depression in early adulthood. LaSaga explains ‘ I’m writing for the adults who are still treated like kids, the queer folk who have been brave enough to come out of the closet but are not accepted and the adventure seekers who are scared to take their first steps alone.’ This is a beautifully written novel in the first-person perspective, and an honest portrait of depression and its enduring aftermath. K.c. LaSaga’s prose is raw, emotional and moving, capturing Kali’s love, passion and inner turmoil. Many readers will relate to Kali’s experience, and I hope this book will provide comfort and support to those experiencing similar troubles. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy character-based novels, and romantic fiction. It will also appeal to those from the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone who has experienced, or has been impacted, by depression or mental health. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: This is a beautifully written, intimate and heart-rending novel, which shines a light on mental health and depression. ​ Purchase here