< Back Kimberley Troutte The Package (Infiltrix Series Book 1) Set in the distant future, following the second civil war, the United States is carved up into the Patriot Union and the Free States. The Patriot Union, led by President Blockwell, is a brutal regime that thrives on fear, propaganda, and public executions. The Free States are controlled by the Revo’s, who fight for democracy and human rights. The story follows Heather Slade, a skilled undercover agent working for a secret group of Revo agents. Heather embarks on a high-stakes mission to transport a ‘package’ across the heavily guarded Patriot Union to the Free States, accompanied by her bodyguard and fellow spy, Miguel Robles. Heather and Miguel board the luxurious Golden Patriot Express train and travel across the country to deliver the package. As Heather and Miguel endeavour to keep the contents of the package secret, danger looms everywhere they turn. The pair risk their lives to protect the package and evade the train’s undercover agents and Patriot Defenders. As tensions rise, Heather uses her wit and charm to manipulate high-ranking officials of the authoritarian regime. Along the way, Heather and Miguel confront their own pasts, including Heather’s amnesia and Miguel’s search for his missing brother. Heather is a compelling protagonist—tough, resourceful, and deeply scarred by her mysterious past. Miguel, with his unwavering determination and moral compass, is a perfect partner. Their partnership evolves naturally, with moments of vulnerability and trust that provide a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak setting. Kimberley Troutte masterfully builds a tense, oppressive, authoritarian world. The pacing is relentless, with unexpected twists and turns at every corner. Troutte’s writing is vivid and cinematic, immersing readers in the high-stakes world of espionage. The action sequences are well-executed, and the dialogue feels authentic. Overall, The Package is a thrilling, emotionally charged novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With its strong characters, intricate plot, and richly imagined world, it’s a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and spy thrillers. The ending leaves room for more, and I’m sure readers will be eager to follow Heather on her next mission. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A gripping and fast-paced dystopian thriller, with a blend of suspense and espionage. Purchase here

< Back Juliet Rose Carrying the Dead A young woman embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. When H annah Moore discovers she is pregnant, she is devastated. Neither Hannah or her partner, Parker, want to keep the baby and discuss adoption. At twelve weeks, Hannah miscarries and experiences unimaginable grief for the unborn child she never wanted. Hannah doesn’t receive the support she needs from Parker, and the relationship breaks down. Hannah is in a horrific road traffic collision, and an innocent motorcyclist, eighteen-year-old Logan Slip, is killed. At the scene of the accident Hannah breaks down, as memories of her miscarriage come flooding back to her. She is admitted to a mental hospital, where she meets George (Buzzy), a healthcare worker. Hannah attends support groups and receives therapy and medication. Six weeks after her admission, Hannah is released from hospital and experiences recurrent nightmares and visions of Logan and a young boy who looks like Parker. George continues to provide comfort and support for Hannah after her release, and they develop a close friendship. When Hannah’s nightmares and visions continue, George believes they are trying to give her a message embedded in an ancient culture. He suggests they travel to Mexico to meet Miguel and Sebastián, who helped him through drug addiction, following a caving accident. The couple fly to Texas and cross the border to Mexico. They rent a RV, and George teaches Hannah self-defence and meditation techniques. On their journey to meet Miguel and Sebastián, they visit ancient ruins and caves, and Hannah feels a spiritual connection to the sacred sites. Hannah and George’s relationship further develops, as they go on a journey of spiritual awakening, and discover a connection between Hannah’s unborn child and the motorcyclist. Carrying the Dead by author Juliet Rose is a mystical fiction novel about an unlikely couple who embark on a transformational journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. This is an emotional and powerful novel that blends themes of grief, addiction, healing, and romance. Hannah is grieving for the loss of her unborn child, and George is recovering from drug addiction. The couple help each other navigate their feelings and deal with trauma, and I enjoyed seeing the growth of both characters throughout the book. Part horror, part mystery, part mysticism and part romance, this is a moving, engaging and thoroughly absorbing read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A moving, engaging and thoroughly absorbing mystical fiction novel. Purchase here

< Back Dan Gribbin Fast Friends: Tales of Remarkable Friendship Book blurb... Fast Friends is a collection of seventeen stories offering an intriguing variety of characters involved in “Tales of Remarkable Friendship.” Friends are heartwarmingly reunited, in some cases, while in other cases, strangers form unexpected bonds under often bizarre circumstances. We even find a married couple (they can be friends, right?) rekindling their relationship on the road after a startling lapse in civility. The friends in this collection go to bat for each other, anticipate each other’s needs, and often surprise each other with their backstories. Add plenty of humor and a pinch of betrayal for seasoning, and the table is set for an enjoyable and palatable read. Purchase here

< Back Bryan Asher The Treasure of Lor-Rev Another gripping fantasy fiction adventure, set in the Intercontinents, by author Bryan Asher On the Intercontinent of Lor-Rev, Jared Dareje, an explorer, and collector of digital artefacts, is searching in the deserted mountains of Kal for a prototype model of the SatellaField Personal Station. When he finds the devise hidden in a cave and takes it away, he sees a projection of the late Johan Naoki, the man who created the device and the owner SatellaField, and a stark warning meant for someone, or something called Daemon. Daemon, an android built by Johan, has evolved into a cybernetic demigod. He has escaped the digital cage where he has been imprisoned, and he needs the Personal Station to link up with three other devises, to achieve his goal of enslaving humanity. But first he must find others who can help him on his mission, and he has engineered microscopic nanites to ensure that those he recruits will participate, willingly or otherwise. Meanwhile, Johan’s granddaughter Kanna, receives an alert that the device has been taken. Kanna must find and retrieve the devise before Daemon pairs the devise with the others and destroys the whole of humanity. The Treasure of Lor-Rev is the second book in a series, and another gripping fantasy fiction adventure from author Bryan Asher. With unique and memorable characters, an enticing plot, and a rich and imaginative setting, the second book in the series does not disappoint. The book stands alone, and can be read without reading the first book, The Assassin of Malcoze, but the two books together create an imaginative and mesmerising fantasy world. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A rich and imaginative fantasy fiction novel, with unique and memorable characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Kenneth Chanko Exit Tickets Exit Tickets by Kenneth Chanko is a compelling exploration of identity, relationships, and the challenges of teaching in a District 75 school in New York City. Through the intertwined lives of its characters, the story delves into themes of resilience, power dynamics, family, and self-discovery, offering a poignant and realistic portrayal of life in a special education setting. At the heart of the novel is Martin “Mr. J” Jordanowski, a first-year teacher navigating the complexities of his role in a school filled with emotionally disturbed students. His journey is marked by moments of self-doubt, reflection, and growth as he struggles to connect with his students and make a meaningful impact. His relationship with Kandra McKissick, a bright but troubled student, becomes a focal point of the narrative, raising questions about the boundaries between teacher and student and the ethical dilemmas that arise in such relationships. Kandra’s character is equally compelling, as she uses writing to explore her identity, process her emotions, and navigate her relationships with her stepmother, stepsister, and peers. Chanko’s portrayal of the school environment is raw and unflinching, capturing the chaos, challenges, and occasional moments of triumph that define life in a District 75 school. The power dynamics between teachers, students, and administrators are explored in depth, highlighting the systemic issues and bureaucratic hurdles that often hinder meaningful progress. The novel also touches on racial and social disparities, offering a nuanced perspective on the experiences of Black students in predominantly white neighborhoods. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the unique voices of the students and staff. The novel’s structure, with its shifting perspectives and detailed character development, allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the motivations and struggles of each character. A must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of education, identity, and social issues. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exploration of the human experience within the context of a challenging educational environment. Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker The Lady of the Mirrored Lake A sensational second instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy, by Jennifer Ivy Walker The Lady of the Mirrored Lake is the second book in the Sea Raven series, and picks up where the first book, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven, ended. Issylte leaves Avalon and her beloved Elf, Ronan, and travels to Bretagne with the Blue Knight of Cornwall, Tristan, and Lancelot. Issylte is given the name Lady Opale to hide her identity from her evil stepmother, Morag, and trains with Tristan to become a Warrior Priestess of the Tribe of Dana. Both Issylte and Tristan are determined to regain their thrones and prepare for battle with Morag, the Black Widow Queen, and the dark wizard, Voldurk. As Issylte grieves the loss of Ronan, she grows closer to Tristan and their relationship blossoms. When she kills the evil dwarf, Malvon, she becomes the Priestess of the Mirrored Lake and enters into an eternal bond with Tristan. Issylte is gifted new powers and sworn to protect the sacred waters of the lake . She embarks on a treacherous journey to find an enchanted orb that is imbued with special powers, and hidden in the depths of the mirrored lake. In Issylte’s absence, Princess Blanchine of Armorique tries to seduce Tristan and is tricked by Voldurk into casting a powerful enchantment on him to bind his love. Once the spell is cast, Princess Blanchine is murdered, and Tristan is wrongfully arrested and imprisoned in the castle of Tintagel . With her new powers, Issylte frees Tristan and blocks Voldurk’s evil enchantment. Issylte and Tristan rekindle their mating bond and are married in the sacred forest. But their lives and kingdoms are put in danger, as Voldurk and The Black Widow Queen try to capture and kill them. Issylte is forced to seek the assistance of her former lover, Elf Ronan, and convince him to forge a sword for Tristan that can slay the wizard and stop the evil queen. The Lady of the Mirrored Lake is a medieval fantasy fiction novel by author Jennifer Ivy Walker and the second instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy. The novel is a thrilling, action-packed and captivating adaptation of the A rthurian myth, with a passionate and steamy twist. With magnificent world building, wonderful characterisation and rich storytelling, this is a dark fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. I recommend readers start with the first book in the series, to get the full benefit of this unique and enchanting novel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A steamy adaptation of the A rthurian myth, with magnificent world building, wonderful characterisation and rich storytelling. Purchase here

< Back Shonna Waters The Coaching Shift: How A Coaching Mindset and Skills Can Change You, Your Interactions, and the World Around You How to build stronger relationships and drive high performance, through coaching. The Coaching Shift: How A Coaching Mindset and Skills Can Change You, Your Interactions, and the World Around You by authors, psychologists and university professors, Shonna Waters and Brodie Gregory Riordan, is a comprehensive guidebook on how to build stronger relationships and drive high performance, through coaching techniques. The book draws on research from coaching, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology. The authors share their own experiences as coaches, and synthesize some of the most important coaching theories, concepts, and approaches. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 focuses on the self, how people can better understand their own thoughts and feelings, and how they can adopt a coaching mindset. Part 2 focuses on coaching skills, and how to communicate and build stronger relationships with others. Part 3 focuses on how to apply a coaching approach within organizations, to build a positive culture that fosters human potential. The Coaching Shift is an empowering and transformative guidebook / self-help book by authors Shonna Waters and Brodie Gregory Riordan. The authors provide a range of practical tools and techniques, that will help readers develop more impactful coaching skills. After each chapter there are a number of practical exercises, where readers are invited to reflect on their own experiences and practice their skills. There are further resources in the appendix, to help further guide readers on their own coaching journey. The book is easy to read, engaging and very relatable, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. Well written and extensively researched, this book is a valuable resource that will equip coaches / aspiring coaches with the necessary skills and mindsets to become more effective and meaningful in their coaching practice. An essential read for practicing coaches, managers and anyone leading teams, students of coaching and coaching psychology, and anyone interested in how to develop more meaningful connections with others. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An empowering and transformative guidebook that will help readers develop more impactful coaching skills. Purchase here

< Back Christopher H. Volk The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Wealth Creation for Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Investors The ultimate guide to running a successful business, by Christopher H. Volk The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Wealth Creation for Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Investors, by Christopher H. Volk, financial writer, investor, serial entrepreneur, CEO, university lecturer and visiting professor at Cornell University. This is a comprehensive financial handbook about how to create wealth within business, and how to value a business. Volk explains how to drive business performance and maximize equity market value through six key variables: 1) sales, 2) business investment, 3) operating profit margin, 4) amount of other people’s money used (“OPM”), 5) the cost of OPM, and 6) the annual maintenance capital expense. Volk explains each variable in considerable detail and uses a simple restaurant business model as a case study example throughout. In addition, he uses many real-life business illustrations, including STORE Capital, the most recent publicly traded company he co-founded. He shares examples from global, multimillion dollar businesses, such as Google, and the hip-hop clothing brand, FUBU. Volk also shares his own personal experiences of finance, his role setting up and running numerous companies, and his experience of floating three companies on the New York Stock Exchange. Volk explains complex financial models, terms and concepts in a simple, straightforward and engaging way, that non-financial experts will easily understand. He uses images and visual illustrations throughout the book, to help guide those that might be less familiar with financial models. This book is a must read for business and economics students, and anyone interested in business, from investors, entrepreneurs and small business owners, to business leaders and CEO’s of big corporations. It will particularly appeal to those who are considering setting up a new business, those investing in a business, and those making important financial decisions about a business. Overall, this is an informative and insightful handbook, written by a credible and trusted author who is clearly an expert in this field. Through a simple but comprehensive framework, this book will help entrepreneurs and business leaders understand how to create and value wealth in business, and will help improve personal wealth opportunities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An informative and insightful handbook about how to create wealth in business. A must read for business and economics students, and anyone interested in business. Purchase here

< Back Mark LaRocca-Pitts The Way of New Beginning: Discovering a New Spiritual Path on the Camino de Santiago Book blurb... For author Mark LaRocca-Pitts, it was the adventure of a lifetime—a 1,200-mile, three-month walking pilgrimage from Paris to Santiago de Compostela. But when he received a vision from God for a new spiritual path called the Way of New Beginning, it became more than that. It became an experience that transformed his spiritual life. In The Way of New Beginning, LaRocca-Pitts shares his experiences and offers an opportunity to practice this path so you, too, can transform your spiritual life. Combining anecdotal tales of his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago with his training in Biblical studies and his experiences as a spiritual seeker and pastor, this guide develops the Way of New Beginning as a spiritual path open to all—regardless of faith tradition. Using Genesis 1, Psalm 51, and other Biblical passages, this book sets forth a step-by-step process, along with spiritual practices such as the Jesus Prayer and Centering Prayer, to help you walk the Way of New Beginning and experience spiritual transformation Purchase here

< Back Jeremiah Gilbert On to Plan C A Return to Travel Jeremiah Gilbert’s experience of international travel, following the Covid19 pandemic. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel by author Jeremiah Gilbert is a travel memoir / travel guidebook about the authors return to international travel after more than two years of cancellations, following the Covid19 pandemic. Gilbert, a Californian travel writer and photographer, describes his experience of travelling to Fiji, Europe, and the West Indies. In May 2022, Gilbert travelled to Fiji and describes a visit to the oldest settlement in Fiji , a nd the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere . He discusses a near death experience whilst climbing sand dunes in Sigatoka. During a trip to London in July 2022, he has afternoon tea on a Jubilee themed bus and visits Greenwich and Tower Bridge. From London, he travels to Bergen, the street art capital of Norway; Copenhagen, the capital and cultural centre of Denmark; and Berlin, where he visits the Holocaust Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. In November 2022, Gilbert takes a Christmas river cruise, travelling on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, visiting Dordrecht, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Freiburg, and the Ravenna Gorge enroute. In December 2023, Gilbert takes a three-week Caribbean cruise, visiting St. Barts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel is an insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. While Gilbert shares his experience of each destination, the main sights, activities, and cultural experiences, he also discusses his travel experience, and how he navigated the airlines and train services in a post-Covid world. Through vivid storytelling and lots of humor, Gilbert takes the reader on a journey across continents, weaving his own personal experiences with practical travel tips. The memoir aspect provides an intimate touch, allowing readers to connect with Gilbert’s experience and adventures, while the guide provides valuable insights for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey. Whether you are a virtual traveller, or are planning your own adventure, this book offers a delightful mix of inspiration and advice. What sets this book apart is Gilbert’s breathtaking photography. Each image transports the reader to the heart of the destination, capturing the landscapes, culture, and people, beautifully. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. 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 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