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< Back Stacy Natzel Simply Still Simply Still: Finding Peace in the Storm by author Stacy Natzel is a deeply introspective and heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, healing, and the pursuit of inner peace amidst life's challenges. The book is structured into thematic chapters, each addressing a different aspect of personal growth, emotional resilience, and spiritual alignment. Natzel's writing is poetic and reflective, inviting readers to pause and immerse themselves in the quiet spaces within. The book begins with an introduction that sets the tone for the journey ahead, emphasizing the importance of surrender and self-worth. Natzel shares her personal experiences and struggles, offering a vulnerable and authentic perspective that resonates with readers seeking solace and understanding. Throughout the book, Natzel delves into themes of forgiveness, letting go, and the dangers of seeking external validation. She critiques societal norms, such as the pervasive influence of social media and cancel culture, which often prioritize appearances and division over authenticity and connection. Her insights encourage readers to embrace their true selves, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and love. Natzel's personal experiences, including her family relationships, childhood trauma, and her journey toward sobriety, add depth to her message. She shares her struggles with vulnerability, rejection, and self-doubt, and how she overcame them through faith, forgiveness, and self-compassion. Simply Still is not just a book, but a guide to living a more intentional and peaceful life. Natzel's words are comforting for the soul, reminding readers that peace is always within reach. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautifully written and deeply moving book that offers valuable insights for anyone navigating life's storms. Purchase here

< Back Christina Ford In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt In The Pursuit of Happily Ever After Real-life Bridget Jones meets Sex in the City In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt in The Pursuit of Happily Ever After, is a memoir by businesswoman and blogger, Christina Ford, exploring love, sex, marriage, parenting and divorce. Divided into seven books, each book tells the story of a phase in her life, defined by her relationships with men. The names of her lovers are changed, i nspired by characters in Jane Austen novels. Growing up on a diet of romantic novels and Disney princess movies, Ford hoped one day to find enduring love and live ‘happily ever after.’ In the first book, Ford describes her relationship with her beloved father, the impact he had on her life and her relationships with men. In the ‘Book of Brandon,’ Ford discusses her first marriage and her early career in television production. The marriage lasted just over a year. After her divorce, Ford concentrates on her career and begins a relationship with Jackson, a handsome and charming client. But the relationship with Jackson ends when his alcoholism spirals out of control. In the ‘Book of John,’ Ford meets her future husband. The marriage is happy, and the couple have two daughters, but the transition to motherhood is not easy, and Ford experiences post-partum depression. When Ford discovers her husband has been unfaithful, the marriage ends in divorce. In the ‘Book of Edward,’ Ford discusses her relationship with a married man, becoming a stepmother to his daughter, and moving from Toronto to London to be with her man. As Ford builds a life for herself in a new country, she discovers Edward has cheated on her. In her fifties, Ford embarks on a new journey of independence and self-discovery. In Search of Mr Darcy is an intimate, moving, and funny memoir of one woman’s life, and her search for love and happiness. Spanning four decades of her life, Ford describes her tumultuous relationships with honesty and humor, recalling the good and the bad, the highs and the lows of her romantic escapades. From the euphoria of a new relationship to the crushing heartbreak of separation – this memoir covers it all, warts and all. With each relationship experience, Ford learns valuable lessons about herself. This is a fascinating memoir by an inspirational woman who has had an extraordinary life. A life well lived, full of love and lots of laughter. For any woman searching for ‘happily ever after’ - you might find you are searching in the wrong place! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An intimate, moving and funny memoir of one woman’s extraordinary life, and her search for love and happiness. Purchase here

< Back Lucy Kovaliv Stars of the North A race across Alaska, and a hunt for priceless treasure Ten-year-old Patricia “Puck” O’Malley lives with her brother, dad, Bill and grandparents in Moose Ridge, Yukon, Canada. Her mom, Cindy, died of leukaemia when she was just seven years old. Puck’s dad, Bill, owns and trains twenty-four working sled dogs, and prior to his wife’s death, he was a dog-sled racer. Bill had to abandon his last race, the Iditarod, when Cindy became seriously ill. The Iditarod is a dog sled race across Alaska, from Anchorage to Nome. Bill promised Cindy that one day he would finish the Iditarod and signs up for the next race. As Bill prepares for the race, Puck is curious to know what is in an old, abandoned house in their neighbourhood. She persuades her friend, Mary, to explore the spooky house and they take the sled dogs along for the ride. As they search the house, the girls find a painting of a mysterious man, with the name Romanov scribed on the plaque. They find a number of other paintings, locked doors and cabinets, weapons, hidden keys and secret trap doors, which further sparks their curiosity. As the girls investigate further, they discover that the paintings and artefacts could be worth millions of dollars. Bill sets off for his race in Alaska. He has a slow start and faces a number of obstacles along the way, including a severe snowstorm, a treacherous icy lake, and a devious competitor determined to interfere with the race. Meanwhile, the girls go back to the house to find Mary’s lost scarf, but they are apprehended by an intruder. No-one knows their whereabouts and the girls are in serious danger. Pucks grandparents report the girls missing and have no choice but to call her dad in Alaska. How will the girls escape? Will the thief find the priceless treasures? And will Bill have to abandon the race again to find his daughter? Stars of the North is a thrilling, action-packed, mystery novel for middle grade readers by author Lucy Kovaliv. The author has seamlessly woven two parallel stories into one, which makes this an exciting and captivating read. The characters are well developed and likeable, and I was routing for father and daughter throughout. I particularly enjoyed the setting of this novel in the snowiest parts of the Yukon and Alaska and learning more about the majestic husky dogs. This is a fabulous read for middle grade readers and young adult readers alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling, action-packed, mystery novel for middle-grade readers set in Yukon and Alaska. Purchase here

< Back Sara V Robinson Walter Bilingual Edition English/Spanish Author Sara V Robinson, tells Walter’s story Walter is a black Labrador mix dog, who didn’t have the best start in life. In his first home, his owners didn’t allow him inside the house. He was locked outside in the backyard, unloved, alone, and cold. His whole life was restricted to a patio, doghouse, and a fence. But Walter was a curious dog, and he wanted to explore beyond the confines of the fence. One day, Walter jumped so high he could see the lights and the bustling city in the distance. As he jumped high into the sky, Walter grabbed onto the fence with his front legs, and fell into the street below. Walter explored his surroundings, and was dazzled, by all the new sights, sounds and smells of the city. After a night exploring the city alone, Walter was tired, hungry, and scared. He found a parked car for shelter, and fell asleep. Walter was woken in the morning by strange sounds, and was quickly captured by dog wardens and taken to the city dog pound. He was taken to a new home, but this time locked inside a kennel, and surrounded by many other frightened and abandoned dogs, also in desperate need of a loving home. Walter soon settled into the pound, but longed to be adopted by a loving family. One day, a couple named Sofia and Christian visited the pound and spent time with Walter outside his kennel. Walter felt an instant connection with the couple and hoped they might adopt him. Will Sofia and Christian choose Walter and take him home? And will Walter ever find his forever home? Walter, by author Sara V Robinson, is a sweet and charming story for younger readers, inspired by a true story. The book tells the story of Walter, a young dog who was rescued from a dog pound in Atlanta, Georgia. Told from the unique perspective of Walter, this book will engage and entertain readers of all ages. With valuable messages about the importance of showing care and compassion for all living creatures, this book will help educate readers about responsible dog ownership. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming story with valuable messages about the importance of showing care and compassion for all living creatures Purchase here

< Back Bryan David Murphy Nanite Evolution Set in the far distant future, the uber-rich Dunk family have ambitious plans to dominate the universe by acquiring new planets beyond the Solar System. Blayden Dunk, heir to the Dunk family dynasty, has bought himself a new toy - a one trillion Dunk dollar, state-of-the-art gaming yacht (spaceship) named the Dominator. When Blayden attempts to ‘jump’ the Dominator to the opening of his father’s new casino, the ship is involved in a catastrophic collision with a freighter ship. Many of the crew and passengers are killed and the Dominator is stranded light years away with only emergency battery power. As the remaining crew try to repair the ship, they discover Dunk nanites have been released. Dunk nanites are tiny machines engineered to inhabit the body to keep it healthy and prevent attacks. The nanites are part of the Dunk’s plan for immortality, but they are evolving at an alarming rate, and tearing the ship apart bit by bit. The crew’s only option is to tame the nanites before they destroy the ship and kill everyone in it. Meanwhile, a spy named Cher from an independent colony, has infiltrated the Dunk family. As she helps the Dunk family try to rescue their son, she is on a special mission to stop the Dunk’s domination and save her home planet. Nanite Evolution is a thrilling science fiction novel set in the far future, by author Bryan Murphy. The novel imagines a future universe where the Dunk family’s quest for power and control threatens the balance of life across the galaxies. But everything changes when the heir to the family’s fortune is involved in a catastrophic spacecraft collision. What appears to be a tragic accident is quickly revealed to be a meticulously staged event, engineered by a group of crusaders intent on bringing the Dunk dynasty down. Murphy delivers a fascinating and chilling sci-fi epic about power and authority, and the human impact of technology and bioengineering. Nanite Evolution is not just a story about space conquest; it is a cautionary tale about how far those in power will go to preserve control. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and chilling sci-fi epic about one family’s quest for power and control. Purchase here

< Back K. I. Knight and Jane R. Wood Finding Family Treasure A group of fifth graders research their family histories, by authors K. I. Knight and Jane R. Wood Ms. Johansson is teaching her class of fifth graders about the history of America, and has a special family history project planned to engage the students. She has invited a genealogist, Ms Tucker, into the school to show the students how to research their family histories and produce a family tree. While most students are looking forward to the project, there are a couple of students who are a little worried about the task. One boy, who was adopted as a baby, knows little about his birth family and is anxious about sharing his story after he was teased by a classmate. Another boy refuses to participate in the project, as his father does not like to talk about his past. With a little help from Ms. Johansson and Ms Tucker, the students research their own family histories and learn about the early immigrants to America, and major historical events that happened across the world, including the holocaust, the slave trade, and the trail of tears. One student learns he was descended from one of the earliest documented Africans to arrive in Virginia in 1610, after the ship he was travelling on from Africa to New Spain was hijacked by English pirates. Another student discovers that a distant relative helped the colonists and provided supplies to the troops when the war broke out against England in 1775. While the students learn about their own family histories, they also learn about their commonalities and shared history. Finding Family Treasure is an entertaining and fun book for middle grade readers about the history and culture of America, expertly researched and written by authors K. I. Knight and Jane R. Wood. Told through the perspective of a diverse group of young students, the book brings American history to life for young readers. With additional resources and information about researching family history, this book may encourage readers to conduct their own research and produce a family tree. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful book, providing a fascinating insight into American history for young readers. Purchase here

< Back Danny Holst Promised Land Author Danny Holst provides a moving insight into the experiences of African American men during the Great War Robert Johnson migrated from Maryland to Harlem in 1913, with his daughter Belinda, who was born blind. Robert falls in love with Mary, a teacher at Belinda’s school, and they start to plan a future together. But, following a violent incident at a peaceful, democratic protest, Robert and his friend Clifford are wrongfully arrested. They know they will face racial discrimination if the case goes to trial, and so they reluctantly agree to sign up for the army to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. Mary takes care of Belinda and Clifford’s six children, as the pair are sent to the South for military training. Robert and Clifford face racism and brutality throughout their training, and during their military combat in the Great War. Both are sadly lost in action, but receive posthumous bravery awards from the French government. Meanwhile, Belinda is hit by a car and spends fifty years in a coma. When she finally awakes in 1969, her whole family is gone, and she is left to fend for herself. The entire world around her has changed, but racism and discrimination are still present in Harlem. Belinda faces tremendous hardship as she tries to find her way, alone, homeless and on the streets. Promised Land is an inspirational story about an African American family and their experiences of growing up in Harlem in the early 1900s. The book provides a unique insight into the experiences of African American men during World War I, and how the racial injustices they experienced at home followed them overseas and into war. With vivid dialogue and graphic descriptions, the book provides a fascinating insight into Black American history and the social, racial, and political tensions during this period. A captivating read. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating and inspirational story about an African American family and their experiences of growing up in Harlem in the early 1900s. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Aaron Derr Baseball Buddies Building a Team Can new team captain Luis motivate a team of baseball players? Eleven-year-old Luis has recently moved from Texas to Ohio and misses his old friends. He joins the McIntyre Manatees, a community baseball team of boys and girls from the local neighborhood. It is the first day of practice, and he meets his coach, Joe, and his new teammates. Joe explains that now the players are a little older, it is time for them to take more of a leadership role in the team. He asks each player to describe their reason for playing baseball, and Luis explains he plays baseball to have fun. Joe selects Luis as the new team captain, because although baseball is about working hard and trying to win, it’s mainly about having fun. But Luis is not happy. He has never been a captain before and does not think he would make a good leader. The Manatees have three weeks to get ready for their first game and Coach Joe helps Luis prepare the team. Luis thinks the team are working too hard, and not enjoying the practice. They start to incorporate more fun into the practice, but soon the players are having too much fun! Luis calls a players-only meeting to try and improve their game, but some of the team are not happy with the new arrangement and only one player turns up to the meeting. Can Luis bring the team together? And how can he motivate the team to work hard, whilst still having fun? Baseball Buddies: Building a Team is a baseball-themed chapter book for middle grade readers by Aaron Derr. The book follows Luis’s journey as he joins a new baseball team in a new town and is immediately given the responsibility of team captain. Luis is a reluctant captain, but with help from his coach, he develops confidence and leadership qualities. The book shows that anything is possible with a little guidance and a positive mindset. It demonstrates the importance of friendship, teamwork, commitment, and fun, both on and off the field. This is a fun and entertaining book that will help young readers develop confidence and self-esteem. It might also inspire young readers to take up leadership roles, in sport or elsewhere. Perfect for budding baseball players, and anyone interested in sport and other team adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, entertaining and inspiring baseball themed chapter book, with a positive message about the importance of friendship, teamwork, commitment, and fun. Purchase here

< Back Mary Perrine The Storms of Eddie Greer An elderly man is forced to confront the ghosts of his past following a tragic accident. Sixty-year-old Eddie Greer lives on a four-hundred-acre farm with his wife, Jules, in a small town named Holland Crossing. Eddie inherited the farm from his late parents, but he has no love or attachment to the farm. Eddie was forced to give up his dreams, take over the farm and look after his mother, following his father’s death. Everything on the farm reminds him of his childhood and his abusive, alcoholic father. When Jules leaves him after forty-two years of marriage, and six weeks later his only grandson, twenty-two-year-old Cade, is tragically killed in a lightning bolt storm, Eddie is forced to face the ghosts of his past. Eddie’s family and the community blame him for Cade’s death, for working him too hard and not protecting him during the storm. Eddie reflects on his life, from his early childhood growing up on the farm, through to young adulthood, his marriage to Jules and the birth of his daughter, Melia. As a child, Eddie lived in almost constant fear of his father, George. George was a tyrant and ruled the household with an iron rod. He was physically and emotionally abusive towards Eddie and Eddie’s mother, Elisabeth. From an early age, Eddie shouldered the responsibility of protecting his mother and keeping her safe. Eddie vowed he would never be like his father, but as he relives past events, his relationships with his wife, daughter and grandson, and his dependency on alcohol, he soon realises he has become a clone of his father. Can Eddie heal the wounds of the past and turn his life around before it is too late? The Storms of Eddie Greer is an intriguing and thought-provoking family / psychological drama by author Mary Perrine. The book follows the journey of one man who is forced to face his past, following the tragic death of his grandson and the breakdown of his marriage. The author offers a compelling narrative of the protagonist’s internal conflict as he realises he has become a mirror of his abusive, alcoholic father. The book examines the human condition and questions whether people are destined to follow in their parents’ footsteps, or if they can break free from the cycle of violence and abuse. This is a heart breaking novel, which deals with disturbing issues of childhood trauma, neglect, and abuse. The protagonist is both a victim and a perpetrator of abuse, and readers will emphasize with him and despise him in equal measure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An intriguing and thought-provoking family / psychological drama that examines the human condition and the intergenerational transmission of violence and abuse. Purchase here

< Back Jerry Gundersheimer Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love A heart-breaking love story, by author Jerry Gundersheimer Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love by Jerry Gundersheimer is a beautiful story about Ernie Resnick, who met his childhood sweetheart, Ava Winkler, when he was just 11 years old. The young couple fell deeply in love, and believed they would grow old and spend the rest of their lives together. The couple were happy and pursuing their dreams, Ava as a professional ballerina, and Ernie as a New York Times bestselling author. But when Ava was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, their whole worlds fall apart. As Ernie watches Ava’s health decline, he feels powerless to help her. But he must also face his own frailty, and the possibility of life without his beloved sweetheart. As Ernie comes to terms with Ava’s diagnosis, it has a devastating impact on his own mental health, and he is later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love is a powerful, heart-breaking and deeply emotional story about a man who slowly loses his wife to Lewy Body Dementia, a type of dementia with a rapid loss of mental ability. Beautifully written, well-researched, and told with sensitivity and compassion, through the eyes of Ernie. It is a powerful story about love and loss, and a tribute to all those who have been impacted by Lewy Body Dementia, and the dedicated caregivers who provide love, care and support to those in need. One cannot fail to be moved by this book; it brought a tear to my eye on several occasions. Gundersheimer’s beautifully written prose will remain with me for a very long time. Anyone who has been impacted by Lewy Body Dementia, or other types of dementia, will relate to this story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful, heart-breaking and deeply emotional story about a man who slowly loses his wife to Lewy Body Dementia. Purchase here

< Back Sandra Sorenson-Kindt Teddy: A Boy Who Swam with Angels Author Sandra Sorenson-Kindt tells her father’s childhood story. It is July 1938 in Arizona and nine-year-old Teddy is looking forward to the fourth of July celebrations, his favourite holiday. Teddy is one of six children, and although the siblings do not always get along, they are always there for one another. Teddy is sometimes called Mr. Serious and Weirdo by his brothers’ friends because he likes to read and talk to animals. On the morning of the fourth of July, the family head out to Tonto National Forest, for a picnic with their aunt, uncle, and cousins. As the parents prepare lunch, the children play dodgeball, frisbee and volleyball. When the children are called inside to get out of the hot Arizona sun, Teddy escapes the campsite for his own adventure. He wonders down the riverbank in search of wildlife, away from his annoying siblings and cousins. Teddy soon gets lost and starts to burn under the hot sun. But things get much worse for Teddy when he gets stuck in the mud, and then falls into a fast-flowing river. Teddy is swept far away from camp, but he floats on his back and treads water to keep afloat. When a storm arrives, the river swells, and Teddy is swept further downstream. Teddy is exhausted and gives up hope of seeing his family again. Will Teddy survive the rapid river torrent? And will he ever see his family again? Teddy: A Boy Who Swam with Angels is a chapter book for middle grade readers by author Sandra Sorenson-Kindt. This is a sweet and charming story about a young boy in search of wildlife and adventure, who falls into a river and is swept far away from his family. When the boy gives up hope, he is rescued by an angel who pulls him out of the river and directs him to safety. When the boy questions why he was saved because he is just an ordinary kid, his mother explains that he is special to her and God. Set in the late 1930’s, prior to the outbreak of war in Europe, this is a wonderfully nostalgic book of a precious time gone by. The author was inspired by the story of her father, who was swept away by a river on the fourth of July when he was a young boy. Her father believed he was saved by an angel that day. This is a beautifully written book, with exquisite, pencil drawn illustrations by Sandra Jessop. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderfully nostalgic children’s book, with important life lessons for all ages. Purchase here

< Back Juliet Rose Trigger Point Love and loss on a mountainside in Montana, by Juliet Rose. Zoey Sanders is a paramedic intern, completing her final rotation with the Mountaintop Search and Rescue, in the Beartooth Mountain Range in Montana. A new dog handler arrives at base camp, Micah Byrne, with his two dogs, Trek and Chef. Micah is deaf and communicates with his dogs via hand signals. Zoey is immediately attracted to Micah, and they become close friends. Zoey knows a little sign language and she is able to communicate with Micah using finger spelling. As Micah settles into base camp, he teaches Zoey American Sign Language. Zoey and Micah’s relationship becomes intimate, and Zoey moves into Micah’s cabin. But their relationship is put to the test when there is a huge avalanche on the mountain, triggered by a drunk man on a snowmobile. Over twenty-five people are on the mountainside, with multiple buried and many injured. As the team deal with the injured, a toboggan carrying dead bodies arrives in base camp. Zoey soon learns that one of the dead is her little brother, Charlie, who was out on the mountain snowboarding. Zoey is distraught and takes a leave of absence from Search and Rescue, moving back into her parent’s farmhouse. Overwhelmed by grief and anger, Zoey pushes Micah and her loved ones away. Zoey’s parents decide to sell the farmhouse and Zoey returns to the mountain. How will Zoey cope when she returns to the place her little brother died? And can she restore her relationship with Micah? Trigger Point is an emotional, heart-breaking and gripping romantic drama of love and loss, by author Juliet Rose. Zoey meets the love of her life on a mountainside in Montana, but everything changes when her little brother is killed in a catastrophic avalanche. Zoey’s life is shattered, as she struggles with grief and pushes away everyone around her. Rose portrays death and grief honestly, sensitively and with compassion. Her prose is heart-rending, and I was overcome with emotion on several occasions. This is a beautifully written novel, with well developed, likeable and interesting characters. I particularly liked the introduction of a strong lead character with a disability. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heart-breaking, emotional and gripping romantic drama about love and loss. Purchase here