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< Back David W. Berner The Islander An ageing writer develops an unlikely friendship with a young hiker. Eighty-year-old writer, Seamus Damp, lives alone with his dog in a small house, on a remote island, ‘The Rock in the sea,’ off the coast of Dingle in Ireland. Following his divorce, Seamus sunk into a deep depression, and moved to the island seeking solitude, leaving behind his only son, Aiden, on the mainland. Berner writes, Seamus had fallen into his own silence, a retreat of spirit, increasingly in need of solitude. He had become an intensely quiet man. No longer present. No longer capable of giving enough to someone else. After several medical emergencies, Aiden, and Seamus’s doctor, encourage him to return to the mainland, but Seamus refuses to leave. Early one morning, Seamus is disturbed by a tap it his door. He meets a young American named Maddie, who asks to shelter in his home during a turbulent storm. Maddie is hiking in Europe to find solace and to escape her own troubles. They share an evening of conversation, and they develop a deep connection through their personal stories of betrayal, death, despair, and hopelessness. Maddie and Seamus become friends and find comfort in each other’s company. As Maddie helps Seamus with a number of medical emergencies, Seamus helps Maddie heal from her past trauma. The Islander is a short novel by author David W. Berner about a man in his later years who finds friendship with a younger woman. This is a poignant and heartfelt novel, beautifully written by Berner with great sensitivity and compassion. The book deals with themes of friendship, love, loss, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. With well drawn, complex and relatable characters, stunning imagery of the wind-swept Irish island, and a beautiful story of two strangers who develop an unlikely bond, this is a compelling read. Highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant and heartfelt story of friendship, love, loss, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Purchase here

< Back James Richard Hansen Skies and Chasms: Poems Book blurb... In Skies and Chasms, poet James Hansen reaches new heights and depths of his veneration of nature and his passionate feelings of being a part of it. Sunsets, sunrises, the moon and stars, forests and meadows, flowers and seasons, all are the creative elements of Hansen’s sense of himself. His sensitivity to language is remarkable, as the words flow soft or robust, mellow or fierce. The very sounds of words are a music to match the vibrations of his soul. The symbolisms of nature echo the development of his spirit, and like a painter he describes nature’s scenes with ever-changing imagery. Every sunset is unique, every cloud is a new phenomenon, and the poet’s self-vibrates in metaphoric resonance with the universe’s infinitude. Of special note is the section of love poems for his wife. He will never believe that she is not an angel. The reader will rejoice at the poet’s grand good fortune for such happiness in life. Purchase here

< Back SAVI The Journey Begins Within A profound and intimate spiritual guide, by author SAVI. In The Journey Begins Within, author and spiritual guide, SAVI, takes the reader on a journey of spiritual enlightenment, as he describes his own personal journey and his relationship with the Holy Spirit. SAVI recalls his first encounter with the Spirit when he was just six-years old, growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He explains, “ fully conscious, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit heal my body, which could be construed as a true miracle.” Dismissed by his parents as a psychosomatic episode, SAVI knew he had been visited by an other-worldly presence. This was the first of many supernatural visitations, which could not be explained by anything else. After graduating from high school in the US, SAVI returned back to Buenos Aires to study engineering when the next inexplicable metaphysical event happened. He also recalls a time in his life when he suffered from a serious back injury. “I sensed a presence leave my body. As this presence departed, my body regained its mobility.” Through his relationship with God, SAVI discovered the journey into unconditional self-love, which in turn, helped him to see his past emotional injuries from a new perspective and heal the emotional wounds. The Journey Begins Within is a transformative and thought-provoking guide to spirituality and self-discovery. SAVI’s story is uplifting and inspiring. By sharing his own spiritual journey, and interweaving his experiences with practical tools and advice, SAVI offers readers a path to spiritual enlightenment. He gently encourages readers to live in the present and find their own true self through a personal connection with the Divine. The book serves as both a beacon of hope, and a practical guide for those seeking healing through spiritual means. A must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of spirituality and find their own connection to God. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An uplifting and deeply moving exploration of spirituality and personal transformation. Purchase here

< Back Joseph L Licari Mia's Marvelous Farm Adventure Mia and her three mouse friends—Squeaky, Speedy, and Nibbles—explore the farm and have fun learning new words. The author cleverly uses rhymes and wordplay to introduce children to the concept of homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. For example, the book explains the difference between ‘pear’ and ‘pair,’ ‘knight’ and ‘night,’ and many more. These lessons are woven into a fun and enjoyable story, making it an excellent resource for building vocabulary and literacy skills. Mia’s journey to understand homophones is guided by big sister, Pia, who serves as a wise and supportive mentor. This sibling dynamic encourages young readers to seek help and learn from others, fostering a positive attitude towards learning and problem-solving. Mia’s Marvelous Farm Adventure by Joseph L Licari is a charming and captivating picture book, and part of a series that aims to teach young readers important language concepts. The illustrations are vibrant and cheerful, perfectly complementing the tone of the book. The images bring the farm and its characters to life, making the story visually appealing and engaging for young readers. The playful depiction of the mice and their antics adds an extra layer of charm. The rhymes are catchy and memorable, ensuring that the lessons learned stick with young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A charming and captivating picture book that will entertain and educate young children, and spark a life-long love of language and learning. Purchase here

Keeper of the Lost Flame: Book Two < Back Rose M Delorane Keeper of the Lost Flame: Book Two Book blurb... Lit Square has gotten caught up in the paranormal, arcane magic, and supernatural trouble - and still hasn't surrendered. Tough, seasoned, yet still sweet and unassuming, he is unafraid to take what he wants. No longer is he the same awkward boy who left behind his home, family, and the girl he loved, just to search for his forgotten bloodline. Not quite seventeen, he's undeniably handsome despite the deep scars no one can see. Yet, he has no idea the effect he has on others. Especially on Greta, the girl who runs the iconic Merry's Tavern and Inn within the small mountain town of Mountainview. When Lit travels there on the trail of an ancient artifact, he uncovers secrets kept silent for generations. The picturesque town has existed under a supernatural threat so malevolent that it forces residents to lock their doors by nightfall. Dark forces own the streets after sunset, and the boarded Cemetery of Eternal Sorrow guards secrets the living fear to speak. Purchase here

< Back Mariah Clark Skewes O is for Pig O is for Pig by author Mariah Clark Skewes is an illustrated, A to Z picture book for young children. The book features a diverse and colourful cast of characters and creatures, from babies to weightlifters, and pigs to kangaroos. But this is not your average A to Z book. Instead of naming the animal or object, this picture book highlights either the sound the animals make, or an alternative expression, for example ‘O’ for oink’, ‘B for baaa’, ‘E for eeekk’. This is a unique and creative A to Z picture book by Mariah Clark Skewes, which invites parents and caregivers to be playful with storytelling and phonetics. Young readers will laugh out loud at the vibrant illustrations and the sound effects that leap off the page. Written in rhyme, with lots of lovely alliteration, young children will enjoy repeating the sounds aloud. The unique concept not only makes learning the alphabet fun, it will also help build vocabulary and develop phonemic awareness. The illustrations by Terri Einer are lively and full of personality, complementing the fun journey through the alphabet perfectly. At the end of the book there is a ‘real letter list’, for those who want to teach the alphabet in the traditional way. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun, fresh and playful take on the classic alphabet picture book. Purchase here

< Back Cat Fan Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact Mika’s magical, mystical adventure in San Francisco, by author Cat Fan Mika and her pet unicorn, Polo, are admiring the pavilion in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, when suddenly a secret message appears. The message explains that a precious artefact is lost, and Mika’s quest is to solve the clue and find it. The first clue is to find a hidden king, but as Mika takes a closer look at the message, she touches an engraving and is magically teleported to another part of the city. Mika and Polo are in the California Academy of Sciences, and find a hidden king, the T-Rex, the king of all dinosaurs. As Mika and Polo uncover new clues, they are teleported across the city, to monuments and famous streets, where they learn all about the history and culture of San Francisco. Will Mika and Polo solve the clues and find the lost artefact? And will they get back to the park before Mika’s parents notice they are missing? Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact is a fun and educational illustrated chapter book, with an adorable protagonist Mika, and a cute sidekick, Polo. This book is a great concept, where the history and culture of a real city is revealed through solving cryptic clues. Children will be engaged and entertained, as they help Mika and Polo solve the clues, and at the same time learn about the city of San Francisco. Wonderful, digital artwork by Caner Soylu, bring the story and characters to life beautifully. We look forward to more adventures of Mika and Polo in other mesmerising cities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and educational book, with an adorable protagonist Mika, and her cute sidekick, Polo Purchase here

< Back Terry Ray King Deathly Vision Book blurb... Dean Malcolm begins to experience troubling premonitions from his brief death following a shooting at his workplace in New York City. These premonitions alert him to impending tragedies that will occur to others around him, which he struggles to understand. His journey of self-discovery leads him to confront his abilities and the impact they have on his life and the lives of others. Each vision leaves him feeling more isolated and desperate to find a way to change the fate of those he sees in danger. He moved to the Outer Banks where he meets a beautiful Hispanic woman named Amelia Lopez who has her own minor premonitions. She begins to provide emotional support for Dean and begins walking through each premonition at his side. A psychiatrist named Doctor Ascott pressures Dean to visit his Psychiatric facility to allow him to expose Dean to some unconventional and possible dangerous testing to understand what is causing Deans premonitions. Dean receives an offer from Alberto Black, who wants to recruit him and Amelia to work together in a team of individuals with special abilities to help solve crimes. This opportunity presents a chance for Dean to use his premonitions for good, but it also raises concerns about their safety and the nature of their work. 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

< Back Ryan Vernel The Lady of the Loch A paranormal mystery for younger readers, by author Ryan Vernel Twelve-year-old Tyler Buckland is moving from Oxford to Lochview, a small village in Scotland, to start a new life and a new school. On the long journey to Scotland, Tyler reads a book about a small Scottish village, and a haunted house, Lochview Manor, inhabited by a real-life ghost, known as the Lady of the Loch. The Lady of the Loch is reported to be responsible for the disappearance of several local children. Tyler soon discovers that his new home is located in the grounds of Lochview Manor. As Tyler explores the grounds, he meets the caretaker of the manor, Archibald Macleod, and is invited along to a ghost tour. During the tour, Tyler meets another young boy, Jackson, and the pair share a common interest in the history of the manor and paranormal activity. As the pair join forces to solve the mystery of the Lady of the Loch, they meet another young girl, Shona, who is keen to support their mission. But, when Jackson mysteriously disappears, Tyler defies his parents to help find the missing boy. He meets up with Shona and her friends to find Jackson, but soon discovers the true identity of his new friends, and a secret family connection to the legend of the Lady of the Loch. The Lady of the Loch by author Ryan Vernel is a ghost story for middle grade readers, and the first in the series of the Lochview Mysteries. This is a captivating novel, with a great hook and a gripping plot. The book builds suspense throughout, and with plenty of twists and turns, it will keep young readers engaged and entertained. Tyler is a relatable and likeable character, and young readers will enjoy following his journey, discovering clues and solving the mystery. The book is a ‘light’ ghost story and suitable for young readers in this age category. It will appeal to those who enjoy mystery and suspense. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating ghost story, with a great hook and a gripping plot. Purchase here

< Back Ed Ballou What The Hell With The Hat?: My Playwriting Diary 1970-2024 Book blurb... This is an introspective and often humorous journey through the creative mind and persistent spirit of playwright Ed Ballou. 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