< 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 Stuart Hotchkiss Baker Vaughan: A Novel Book blurb... This award-winning novel details a man's journey from loss to reckoning. It frames his transition from a hollow Madison Avenue advertising career back to his original spiritual calling in Boise, Idaho, capturing a story about grief, redemption, and second chances. Purchase here

< Back Lachlan Pirie The Resolution A dark, psychological thriller by debut author Lachlan Pirie Daniel Rodrigues is serving time in the Wolston Correctional Centre in Wacol for causing grievous bodily harm to his wife, Janet. It is his third prison sentence, and he has been incarcerated for thirty years in total, for numerous assaults on his wife. Janet visits Daniel in prison and he attacks her again, and threatens to kill her. His desire to kill his wife, has morphed into a chronic, cyclic obsession. Another prison inmate, Jonathon (Jon) Little, is an ex-lawyer, who was convicted of defrauding his wife of five million dollars. When his wife, Kay, serves Jon his divorce papers in prison, he is enraged. Daniel first meets Jon when he is transferred to his prison cell in Wolston, and the pair concoct an elaborate plan to kill their wives. Jon’s experience as a criminal lawyer, leads him to believe he has the perfect ‘murder exchange’ strategy. The plan involves each prisoner killing the others wife, while the husband is out of the country and has a solid alibi. There is no money involved, just a pact between two fellow inmates and disgruntled husbands. Their only ‘reward is purely their own satisfaction’ . When both inmates are released on parole, they set out to complete the task. But can each prisoner really trust their fellow inmate? And will each man fulfil their murderous pact? The Resolution by Lachlan Pirie is a dark, psychological thriller about a couple of disturbed prison inmates who plan to murder each other’s wives when they are released from prison. Written in the third-person point of view, alongside a collection of excerpts taken from the personal journal written by Daniel Rodriguez’s alternate personality Tinkler Rodriguez. The journal provides a narrative on the events the happen following Daniel’s/Tinkler’s release from prison. This is such a unique concept, and I was hooked from the first chapter. The characters are very well developed – vile, but at the same time, intriguing. The plot is clever, intricate and fast moving. The writing is excellent, and I particularly enjoyed the alternating perspectives of the main characters . There is a big unexpected twist at the end, which will make you question every little detail in book. Totally unexpected. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A clever and complex psychological thriller. I couldn't put this compelling debut down. Purchase here

< Back Hanna Marmalich Sustained: grieving in the hands of Jesus a devotional account of learning to live and hold onto faith in the midst of loss Book blurb... When our world unexpectedly shatters and it becomes immersed in unspeakable pain and grief, life can look empty and void of all reason to hope. As believers in Christ we are reminded that He is our living hope and the pain of today is “but for a moment.” Yet how do we reconcile our faith with the daily demands grief puts on us? Is it possible to both grieve well and live out our faith well at the same time? Can we live with both Jesus and grief being active in our lives and still thrive in the aftermath of loss? Can the same God that allowed this to happen still be trusted? In Sustained; grieving in the hands of Jesus, author Hanna Marmalich shares her personal experience and wisdom of trusting God in the midst of the unknown in grief. As she journeyed through her personal testimony of pain, her understanding of God’s loving comfort, along with the misconceived ideas she encountered about grief, helped give her insight into why there exists such a struggle for faith and grief to live harmoniously together. Hanna walks through snapshots in time where this struggle appeared in various settings and how God faithfully led her through each one. She addresses the practical interactions with grief that effected her everyday life, to the deep heart wrenching examples of learning to breathe through the waves of grief. Through each bite sized chapter, Hanna reveals how God’s nearness to the broken hearted is a sacred space. Purchase here

< Back Paul Kalbach The Great and Awesome Day of the Lord: The Opening of the Scroll Book blurb... What if the most important day in human history has been misunderstood? Paul Kalbach cuts through confusion and speculation to reveal God’s intentional plan for the end of the age. Written for serious students of Scripture, this thought-provoking work centers on the Day of the Lord as the key to understanding biblical prophecy. With clarity and biblical depth, Kalbach addresses the timing of end-times events, the Great Tribulation, the Antichrist, and the Lord’s coming wrath—without sensationalism. This is a call to discernment, readiness, and worship of the soon-coming King. For believers seeking truth, not hype, this book delivers. Purchase here

< Back Doug Einfeld In the Shadow of the Most High: Uncovering My Jewish Ancestors' Perilous Journey Through History Book blurb... For generations, the truth remained hidden—until Doug Einfeld uncovered a family history long concealed: his paternal ancestors were Jewish. Purchase here

< Back Chloe AH Lewis The Covenant of Saints A young art students life takes an extraordinary turn when she inherits a locket from her late grandfather . Twenty-five-year-old, Nola, is a gifted Fine Arts student from Kansas City, Missouri. She returns to Lockwood Manor, the seat of her paternal family line going back three generations. Her beloved grandfather, Nolan Lockwood, has passed away and Nola wants to pay her last respects. Her uncle gives her a small white box and a letter, an early birthday present gifted by her grandfather before he died. She does not read the letter immediately, but inside the box is a locket with a black polished oval cut stone, a precious family heirloom. Returning home, Nola is attacked in an alleyway by three mysterious figures. She is helped by a stranger named Cade, who fights off the attackers. Cade breaks into Nola’s apartment and follows her to her workplace. He explains that her life is in grave danger, and he has been sent to protect her and keep her alive, as a Guardian. Nola learns that she has descended from a longline of conjurers in the ‘Unseen World.’ The three mysterious figures were Hunters, sent by the Head of the Warlock Council to retrieve her. The Hunters need Nola and her precious locket to bring the Council’s ‘Final Solution’ to fruition. The Final Solution is infinite power and immortality, and they will stop at nothing to find her. Cade takes Nola away for her own protection, where she must crossover from the ‘Mundane Society’ into the ‘Unseen World’ to protect her people – a process of ‘Ascension.’ As Nola takes in the extraordinary news, she reads the letter from her grandfather. He asks her to continue the legacy of the family’s magick and answer her ancestors’ call. Will Nola fulfil her grandfather’s final wishes? Can Nola protect her people and secure the family bloodline? And can Cade keep her safe from the demon Warlocks and Hunters? The Covenant of Saints by author Chloe A.H. Lewis is a gripping urban fantasy fiction novel, with elements of historical fiction, romance and horror. The novel follows the journey of Nola, a gifted artist, whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she inherits a locket from her late grandfather. With multiple timelines and points of view, the past and present intertwine through the discovery of the family heirloom. This is a captivating and satisfying novel with an intriguing and multi-layered storyline, and deep, multi-dimensional characterisation. Lewis has created an exquisite slow-burner, packed full of magick and mystery. I was engrossed from cover to cover. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gem of a book, which will captivate readers with its blend of fantasy, magic, mystery, suspense and horror. Purchase here

< Back Kimberly Harms Are You Ready? How to Win a Legacy to Die For Are You Ready? How to Win a Legacy to Die For is part memoir, part guidebook by author Dr Kimberly Harms. Divided into three parts, the book is designed to help people maximise use of their time between birth and death. In part one, Dr Harms tells her personal story. She describes how she was born with only seven fingers and some spinal abnormalities, her mother’s mental health issues and later suicide, her father’s remarriage and experience of abandonment, her education and career successes, her marriage to Jim and motherhood, and the tragic loss of her son to suicide. Dr Harms believes that her ability to flourish and thrive as an adult, despite the losses she suffered, was as a result of her mother’s unconditional love. She discusses the importance of building legacies, such as love, hard work, resilience and laughter. Part two, focuses on the process of death itself and individual choices at the end of life. Dr Harms discusses how to work towards a good death and changing perceptions of death and dying, including research on near death experiences. In part three, Dr Harms explores the process of transition, and how to help and prepare loved ones to move forward following your death. She provides a number of tools and checklists to help prepare others, and how to create a positive legacy, through gratitude, legacy-love, reconciliation and apology letters. Are You Ready? How to Win a Legacy to Die For is a heartfelt and deeply moving memoir by Dr Kimberly Harms, and an insightful and inspiring guidebook to help people prepare for their own death. In many cultures death remains a taboo subject, but as Benjamin Franklin put it, there are only two certainties in life - death and taxes. Dr Harms goal is to pass on some of the learnings from her own life experiences, to help others through their own trauma, and to help them prepare others for their death. In doing so, Dr Harms opens up conversations about death and dying, helping to break down the barriers of this often taboo subject. Dr Kimberly Harms story is extraordinary, and her journey to finding peace, love and contentment, will help readers who may have experienced similar abandonment or trauma. Written with empathy, insight, and humor, the book is both a good read and a valuable resource. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A deeply moving and inspiring book about death and dying. An essential read to help individuals and their families take control of the end-of-life journey. Purchase here

< Back Romana King House Poor No More: 9 Steps to Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth Nine steps to build long term wealth and financial independence from the value of your home, from author and real estate expert Romana King House Poor No More is a handbook for homeowners that explains how to maintain your home, increase your property value, manage household expenses, take advantage of debt, and have a better quality of life as a homeowner. Romana King provides a range of practical tools and strategies for maintaining and protecting your home, and for increasing its value. With over twenty years of real estate experience, King explains the emotional and financial need for home ownership and sets out a nine-step plan to help homeowners make smarter and more strategic decisions. House Poor No More is a valuable resource and a perfect home-buying gift for those thinking about buying their first home, or those new to homeownership. It will also appeal to those who might be more seasoned homebuyers, looking to make the most out of their investment. The book provides practical tools, hints, and tips, which are easy to understand and use by the average homeowner. The book will help homeowners with planning and decision making to build long term wealth and financial independence. I reviewed a copy of this book for Readers Choice Book Awards, but this one is definitely a keeper! I am sure I will refer back to this book, time and time again. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An essential read for homebuyers everywhere. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back D.F. Kennedy The Last Time I Saw Her Charlotte’s story Wealthy heiress and author, Dahlia Frost Hughes, is missing presumed dead when the aircraft she boarded in Miami failed to arrive at its destination. Dahlia was travelling to Puerto Rico, for a private getaway with her husband, famous actor Roland Hughes. Dahlia’s best friend and business partner, Charlotte Moore, is questioned by detectives about her disappearance. The police have received information that links Dahlia to the earlier disappearance of Charlotte’s ex-husband, Guy Burke. They believe Dahlia hired a hitman to kill Guy, conspiring with Charlotte to stop him getting hold of her inheritance. Charlotte has connections to the Italian Mafia, and their involvement in the disappearance of her ex-husband cannot be ruled out. Charlotte and Dahlia had been friends for many years, and set up a successful publishing company together. The women were inseparable and supported each other through tough times. Dahlia was finally moving on with her life with her husband and daughter, after she was kidnapped by her ex-husband and harassed by an online stalker. Charlotte also had a difficult few years, following the tragic death of her parents, a miscarriage, and a bitter divorce from her abusive, ex-husband. Guy had attacked Charlotte and left her for dead, before his disappearance a year earlier. As Charlotte grieves for the loss of her best-friend, she tries single-handedly to keep the company afloat, whilst also navigating a new relationship. When an old acquaintance makes an appearance at her office, Charlotte is forced to travel to a remote, private island off the coast of Brazil, to find the truth about her best friends disappearance. The Last Time I Saw Her is the next instalment in this gripping, psychological drama series by D.F. Kennedy. The book follows on from where the last book ended, as Dahlia’s aircraft mysteriously disappears on route to Puerto Rico. This book tells the story from Charlotte’s perspective, an equally fascinating and enigmatic character. Full of chilling thrills, nail-biting suspense, and timely-placed twists and turns, the story keeps you invested as you read in eager anticipation of what's going to happen next. Just when you thought you had it all figured out, a new clue takes you in an entirely different direction! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An electrifying, page-turning, psychological thriller, with an intriguing plot, fascinating characters, and a multi-layered storyline. Purchase here

< Back Michael Bickel 250,000 NOs From rejection to riches, a memoir by the President / CEO of TableMation Studios, Michael Bickel. 250,000 No’s is a memoir by Michael Bickel, which chronicles his journey from childhood through to adulthood. Bickel describes how he managed to overcome trauma and rejection to establish two successful, digital, companies. Bickel experienced significant loss as a child, when his father died when he was just ten years old. His mother was absent from much of his youth, as she took over the family business and later re-married. Bickel discusses his personal relationships, the highs and the lows, and how he had to cope with two surprise pregnancies. He discusses with openness and honesty the break-up of his first marriage, which left him heartbroken and nearly bankrupt. He later found companionship and happiness with his second wife, Jeanelle. He documents his education and career, dropping out of college and then reluctantly working for his stepfather in a furniture store for fourteen years. He spent twenty-three years as a sales rep for the Yellow Pages, becoming a top seller and receiving numerous awards. In his fifties, Bickel established TableMation Studios – an ambitious, animated dining experience, and later invested in Proto Hologram, a holographic broadcast and communications company. Bickel describes how he was deceived by his business associates, and nearly lost everything during the Covid19 pandemic. During his life, Bickel estimates he received 250,000 rejections. But, through sheer hard-graft, ‘irrational persistence,’ and the support of a loving family, he found success later in life. Today, TableMation Studios is in cities all over the world and has sold over two million tickets. 250,000 No’s is a poignant and inspirational memoir by an extraordinary businessman who found success later in life despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks. Bickel refused to give up and worked relentlessly to achieve his dreams. The book offers practical insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders. Bickel shares his personal experiences and wisdom, offering readers a roadmap to achieve long term success. Overall, a compelling memoir of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. A must read for anyone interested in TableMation studios, or those seeking motivation and inspiration in personal or professional pursuits. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant and inspirational memoir by an extraordinary businessman who found success later in life. Purchase here

< Back Elizabeth H. Cottrell HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and INspire Author Elizabeth H. Cottrell demonstrates how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a guidebook by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell about how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Cottrell explains how handwritten notes have been effective, meaningful tools for connection throughout her life. She shares her experience of writing personal and professional notes, and offers advice and guidance to help readers find and write their own words. The book is divided into six key sections. In Chapter 1, Cottrell explains why she wrote the book, and discusses the history of note writing. In Chapter 2 she describes how note writing can build deeper and more meaningful connections with people. Chapter 3 describes her secret NOTES formula for note writing, and Chapter 4 examine how to apply the formula in different scenarios. In Chapter 5, Cottrell provides examples of notes in less common or difficult situations. Chapter 6 demonstrates how to apply the same principles to business and professional correspondence. The remaining chapters and appendices include a variety of tools and tips, and further resources to help readers on their personal note writing journey. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a beautifully written and insightful book by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell. Cottrell shares her own personal experiences and describes the power of note writing to connect, comfort, encourage, and inspire. The book provides insight, advice, hints and tips, and helpful tools, to help readers craft meaningful and impactful notes for any occasion. With a simple and easy to follow NOTES formula, the book will help develop readers confidence and skills in note writing. The book is a comprehensive and valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their note writing skills, and will appeal to any reader interested in note writing, in either a personal or professional capacity. I hope this beautiful book will inspire a love of this art-form. Cottrell’s expertise in note writing, and her passion for more meaningful communication, shines throughout this book. Cottrell speaks from the heart and this book is very special. Truly heart spoken. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A definitive guide to more meaningful and impactful communication through the art of note writing. Purchase here