< Back Angela Williams Loving Me: After Abuse Loving yourself after abuse is the path to greater healing. Loving Me: After Abuse is a heart wrenching but inspiring memoir by Angela Williams that follows her journey towards healing and restoration, following years of childhood abuse. Williams discusses the horrific physical, emotional, and sexual abuse she experienced by her stepfather between the ages of three and seventeen. She describes the pain and trauma she experienced, and the significant impact of the abuse on all facets of her life. The abuse stole her innocence, and ravaged her confidence and self-respect, but it did not destroy her. Williams describes how the abuse made her stronger. Through professional counselling and listening to God, she was able to overcome the pain, trauma, and shame of the abuse, and learnt how to love herself. Divided into ten chapters, Williams describes her own personal journey towards loving herself, her life, and others. “ I’ve learned that a critical step on this healing journey is to learn to love myself in light of horrific circumstances that taught me to hate myself.” Williams uses her personal experience to help and support other survivors of abuse on their own healing journey. With guidance, such as maintaining good health, positive affirmations, sharing struggles, grounding techniques, seeking professional help, and connecting with a church, Williams hopes to break the cycle of abuse. Loving Me: After Abuse by Angela Williams is a deeply personal and moving memoir that chronicles Williams journey towards self-love after enduring many years of childhood abuse. This memoir was heart wrenching to read in places, as Williams discusses the abuse she experienced, and the impact this had on her life, including several attempted suicides. While the memoir deals with a difficult subject matter, it does have a positive message that will provide hope and healing to other survivors of childhood abuse. Loving Me: After Abuse is not just a memoir, but a source of inspiration and hope for anyone on their own journey towards healing. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and moving memoir, which will provide hope and healing to other survivors of childhood abuse. Purchase here

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

< Back EF Nordmed Market of the Never Setting Sun Book blurb... On the perpetually sunlit planet of Thabit, Stout, a gifted repair tech with dreams of space travel gets caught in a web of mystery when his neighbor's brother, Andrew, goes missing. His search leads him down a dangerous path, tangling with corporate conspiracies, a shadowy criminal organization, and a murder investigation that paints him as the prime suspect. With the help of his old flame Yasmeen, a police officer grappling with her own ethical dilemmas, can they unravel the truth before a catastrophic solar flare engulfs the planet and seals Andrew's fate? Purchase here

< Back Brittany Severn Maggie's List Book blurb... She thought she was just completing her sister's bucket list, but with every tick off the list, she moved closer to finding herself… and her dream guy. When Ivy loses her twin sister, Maggie, she is pushed adrift, grappling with the void created by her sister's absence. A chance discovery of Maggie's unfinished bucket list becomes a lifeline, guiding her on a soul-stirring journey across continents. Fate leads Ivy to Evan, an attractive Scottish man who helps her downsize the list, and a connection is sparked between them. But Ivy is torn between her sister's memories and her own chance at happiness, and she realizes she must first work through her grief before opening her heart to love. Can Ivy find herself and the life that is truly meant for her? Purchase here

< Back Carter Fielding Murder in the Marshes The Blake sisters are back to solve another murder mystery. Finley Blake is travelling home to Charleston with her life partner Max Davies for her sister’s wedding. Whitt is marrying David Quinn, and Finley is looking forward to spending time with her family and friends. Whitt has rented a stately mansion for the wedding party, and guests are due to arrive soon. As Whitt and David check the house before the guests arrival, they find a dead body wrapped inside a sleeping bag in the closet. Whitt thinks she recognises the man but cannot place him. The police are called, and a murder investigation opens when they discover the man has a blunt force trauma to the head. Whitt and David, and the wedding party, are relocated to Whitt and Finley’s aunt’s house, while the police search the property. The body is later revealed to be Whitt and Finley’s estranged cousin, Tommy. As the wedding party settle into the house, and preparations for the wedding begin, Whitt and Finley take a trip with their parents to their rental property in Beaufort. As they examine the house that has been left empty for many years, they find another dead body. Inside an old army issue duffle bag, they find a skeleton and thousands of pounds in cash. The police are called again, and another murder investigation opens. As Whitt and David find themselves under suspicion, their upcoming wedding is put in jeopardy. As the police fail to make any progress, Whitt and Finley start their own investigation, starting with enquiries into their own family. Their investigation reveals dark family secrets, a sinister blackmail plot, and a web of deceit and lies. But as the sisters get closer to the truth, they find themselves caught up in a dangerous situation. Will the sisters find a connection between the murders? Will they identify the culprit? And will Whitt and Davids marriage go ahead? Murder in the Marshes is the fourth instalment in the Blake Sisters Travel Mystery Series by Carter Fielding. The book sees the return of the Blake sisters, as they return home for Whitt’s wedding, and find themselves embroiled in another murder investigation. The sisters become unlikely amateur detectives as they discover not one, but two, dead bodies. This is a gripping murder mystery, full of mystery and suspense. While the book successfully embodies the cozy mystery genre, it also explores the sisters personalities, personal lives, and relationships. This adds depth to the characters and enhances the readers emotional investment into the series. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, readers will benefit from reading the previous books to get the full enjoyment of this cosy murder mystery series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enjoyable read, perfect for fans of cozy murder mystery. Purchase here

< Back Dr. Thomas Epperson Values Based Organizations: Aligning Culture and Strategy Book blurb... Why do Values Based Organizations matter? Organizational success today hinges on aligning values and culture—and companies that use this as a business strategy rise above the rest. InnerWill: The Five Practices of Values Based Organizations, the anticipated follow-up to InnerWill: The Five Practices of Values Based Leaders, is a transformative guide for aligning culture with strategy, ensuring all leaders and employees are united in purpose. This comprehensive framework highlights the Five Practices of Values Based Organizations, offering practical solutions for crafting strategy, strengthening culture, and uniting diverse leadership goals. Grounded in research and experience from industry leaders, this book is a catalyst for change, featuring real-world examples and in-depth stories. No matter the type or size of business, Values Based Organizations is a must-read for reinforcing your culture and revolutionizing your organization. Purchase here

< Back Glendall C Jackson III Naked Came the Detective An escort turned super sleuth, investigates the mysterious death of a client. An unnamed high-end escort entertains a wealthy, high profile client in a hotel room in Washington DC. The next day her client, Ben, is found bludgeoned to death in an alleyway just outside the hotel. The police believe his death was a mugging gone awry, but the escort believes there is something strange about the case. As she continues her business in Washington’s luxury hotels, she takes it upon herself to investigate the case. She questions her friends and clients, and learns that Ben was an unscrupulous businessman running an illegal Ponzi scheme. As she tends to her regular clients, she learns that many of them had invested, and lost, large amounts of money in Ben’s ‘business’. Her clients, including a lawyer and the medical examiner, are reluctant to talk, but she uses her skills of seduction to tease out important information about Ben’s life and business dealings. Any one of her clients could be a potential suspect in his murder, but the police continue to stick to their mugging theory. When she returns back to the hotel where Ben was killed, she recognises a familiar number plate, and gets the feeling she is being watched. As she starts to look closer to home and her own relationships, she soon finds herself right in the middle of the investigation. With her life in grave danger, she develops an elaborate plot to expose the killer. Naked Came the Detective by author Glendall C Jackson III is a cosy mystery novella, with a sexy twist. Set within the sex industry and the business world of Washington DC, the story focuses on the brutal murder of a well-known businessman. The unnamed protagonist is an escort with a sharp mind and a mysterious past, who is unwittingly thrust into the role of an amateur detective. Fuelled by a mixture of grief and curiosity, she is determined to unravel the mystery behind his death. This is a compelling and gripping mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative is fast paced with plenty of twists and turns, and Jackson’s exploration of the sex industry is both respectful and enlightening. This is a short novella at just 100 pages, and I devoured it in a single setting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and gripping mystery novella, with a sexy twist. Purchase here

< Back Stephen Pollock Exits Exits is a collection of poetry by Stephen Pollock. The collection features a diverse range of poems, each exploring themes of mortality, nature, and the human experience. The preface sets the tone, reflecting on the inevitability of death and its impact on human perspective. Pollock’s poetry captures the transient beauty of life, the cycles of nature, and the promise of renewal, reflecting contemporary challenges of climate change, war, and global crises. Each poem is accompanied by artwork, creating a rich interaction of visual and literary art. The poems include Arachnidæa: Line Drawings, Seeds, Leaves, and Syringe, which explore the fragility of life and the destructive forces of nature and humanity. Arachnidæa: Line Drawings uses the imagery of a spider’s web to reflect on mortality, control, and the passage of time. Other poems, such as Zombie Fires and War Crimes, examine global and historical tragedies, from climate change to human cruelty and war. War Crimes for example recounts a childhood memory of burning a butterfly, drawing parallels to humanity’s capacity for violence and destruction. Each poem provides a unique lens through which we can examine the human experience. The book also features an extensive artwork index, showcasing a variety of images drawn from nature. From photographs of dewdrops on a web, to mixed media images of cicadas and tropical palms, the artwork adds depth to Pollock’s poetry. Overall, Exits by Stephen Pollock is a beautiful and moving collection, and a must-read for anyone who enjoys poetry and art alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A breath-taking collection of poetry and art that offers profound insights into the human experience. Purchase here

< Back Carolyn Clarke And Then There's Margaret Meddlesome mother-in-law Margret moves into the Montgomery home, from debut author Carolyn Clark Mother of two, Allison Montgomery, always had a fractious relationship with her mother-in-law, Margaret. Margaret doted on her dear son, Hank, and no-one could ever live up to her lofty standards and grand expectations, let alone Allison. From the moment they first met, Margaret was dismissive of Allison, condescending and interfering. Even after two children and many years of marriage, Allison dreaded spending time with her cantankerous mother-in-law. But Allison’s life is turned upside down when her kind and loving father-in-law, George, passes away and Margaret is forced to move into the family home for a while. Allison tries her hardest to welcome and support her grieving mother-in-law, but Margaret’s constant criticism and interference drive her close to the edge. As Allisson and Hank’s marriage spirals downhill, the two women must learn to get along and co-exist to avoid the breakup of the marriage and the entire family. And Then There’s Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is a captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. As the women learn to live with one another, following the heartbreak of losing their beloved George, they find a new connection and a new lease of life. The book is a refreshing take on the typical monster-in-law narrative. This is an entertaining, witty, and sharp read, with relatable characters that many readers will connect with. The book was a joy to read, and helped me escape from the dramas of my own life for a few hours! And Then There’s Margaret will appeal to readers of women’s fiction, comedy, and family sagas. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back A.M. Cannon Bedlam: The Case of Lord Simon Book blurb... London, 1554. Lord Simon Stanley has lost nearly everything to drink—including his freedom. Confined within the walls of Bedlam, he finds himself drawn into a mystery that reaches far beyond the hospital, forcing him to confront both the dangers of Mary Tudor’s England and the demons that brought him there. Told through a cast of characters living at the edges of Tudor society, Bedlam: The Case of Lord Simon is a story of mystery, addiction, conscience, compassion, and redemption—where mercy can prove as dangerous as defiance. Purchase here

< Back Shadley Grei Before Closure Book blurb... Seven months ago, Carol Parker left a note on the kitchen counter and walked out on her life, leaving behind a husband of nearly forty years and two adult children to navigate the silence she left behind. Purchase here

< Back Kerk Murray Since the Day We Danced A second chance at love, for two Hadley Cove residents. Forty-year-old Emma Wright is forced to sell the home her grandfather gifted to her, following her divorce to Chad Jones. Throughout the marriage, Chad was cruel, manipulative, and controlling. The turbulent relationship ends when Chad had an affair with a younger woman, and Emma is left broken. With intense feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and hopelessness, she doesn’t know how to move on with her life. Her only joy is Riley, the golden retriever rescue dog she retained full custody of following the divorce. She moves into a smaller cottage, closer to the coast in Hadley Cove, Georgia. But shortly after the move, Riley escapes through an open door and Emma is distraught when she cannot find him. Riley finds his way back to his old home, where he meets new residents Luke Grayson and his seventeen-year-old son, Jeremiah. Still grieving the loss of his wife who died two years previously from cancer, Luke has moved to Hadley Cove from Chicago, to spend more time with his son. Jeremiah has struggled since his moms death and blames his dad for not being there for him when he was younger. Luke and Jeremiah grow fond of Riley and let him stay until they can track down his owner. When Emma and Riley are finally reunited, Emma develops a friendship with Luke, Hadley Cove’s handsome new bachelor. But when their friendship turns into something more intimate, they decide to keep their relationship secret, to avoid hurting Jeremiah. Will Emma ever trust a man again? Can Luke learn to love another? How will they break the news to Jeremiah? Since the Day We Danced by author Kerk Murray is a romantic novel and a tender love story between two middle aged adults who find love again after heartache. As Emma and Luke try to rebuild their lives in Hadley Cove, they are brought together by Emma’s beloved dog, Riley, and discover an unexpected companionship. But the path to finding love again isn’t easy, as each character must deal with their own pain and trauma. The novel explores the devastating impact of grief and divorce, and the healing power of connection, friendship, and love. A beautiful reminder that even after heartache, one can find love again. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tender and heartfelt love story about a widower and a divorcee who discover an unexpected companionship, and the prospect of a second chance at love. Purchase here