< Back M. E. Torrey Fox Creek Book blurb... The beloved, biracial daughter of a Louisiana planter is sold into slavery and must somehow survive while caught between the world of the white elite and the brutality of slavery. Purchase here

< Back Angie Bailey Believe Abigale believes there is more to life than the dull, grey world she inhabits, by author Angie Bailey Thirteen-year-old Abigale Johnson was born into a family of Never-Believers. A family who did not believe in Christmas, or birthdays, or fun, adventure or magic. A family whose life was dull and grey. But Abigale was a little different from the Johnson’s. She had dreams of a better life, and a life a little less grey. So Abigale spent most her time tyring to avoid her family, particularly her brothers who were the meanest of the mean, and teased and taunted Abigale every single day. One day, on a dreaded train trip to visit her despicable and very grey Aunt Violet, Abigale’s life changes for ever. After a knock on the head, Abigale discovers an alternate Fae world of wonder and magic, fae-folk, and Believers. Whizzing along on the Faedora magic train, Abigale meets lots of new friends and discovers Christmas and other wonderful celebrations. At thirteen, Abigale has her first ever birthday party, full of love and laughter. But not everyone on the magical train is happy with Abigale’s arrival, and they plot a sinister spell to extract her from the train during the next pink moon, putting her life in mortal danger. As Abigale’s new friends try to save her from doom, they soon discover Abigale has some important royal connections, and even her despicable Aunt Violet is not quite who she seems. Believe is an imaginative and enchanting novel. Well written by Angie Bailey and full of wonder, mystery and magic, the book has fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers. The book is the first part of a series, and we can’t wait to read the next instalment in Abigale’s magical journey. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enchanting novel, with fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Alexander Fernandez Above the Ashes In 1689, fifteen year old Sybil Radella Cotterill is trying to escape the witch-hunters in Plymouth, England. After her mother is killed, Sybil boards a ship to the New World, with her friend and fellow-witch, Constance Chandler. The young women settle in Salem Village, Massachusetts, but fear and hatred of witches has followed the colonists to the New World. As the women try to keep their witchcraft secret, they witness innocent young women killed during the Salem witch trials. When Constance is accused of carrying out the devil’s work through witchcraft, she is sent to her death without a trial. Sybil reveals her true identity, and she is hanged alongside her friend. Sybil uses her powers to evade death, but the towns church leader, Minister Kendrick, casts a spell to make her sleep for three hundred years. In California, three hundred years later, vampires, witches and the undead are accepted in society, and live and work in mutual respect with humans. Vampire, Marcelo, discovers an ancient necklace in his car, which leads him to the Salem Witch Museum. At the museum, Marcelo discovers an old casket with Sybil sleeping inside. Sybil wakes from her three hundred year slumber and Marcelo takes care of her in a world that is now beyond recognition. As Sybil’s powers return, she sets out to find and seek revenge on Kendricks descendants. But Kendrick isn’t far behind, and has a sinister plan to harness Sybil’s powers and take over the world with his dark magic. Above the Ashes is a fantasy fiction novel by Alexander Fernandez, and the first book in the Blood and Hexes Trilogy. The book follows the journey of a witch named Sybil who wakes from a three hundred year slumber and seeks revenge on the man who killed her friend. Fernandez takes the reader on a journey from the sixteenth century to the present day, and from England to Massachusetts, and all the way to Peru. With witches, vampires, demons and dark magic, this is a gripping dark fantasy fiction novel, with a unique and modern twist. With a blend of dark fantasy fiction, adventure, and a touch of romance, this novel is an excellent choice for readers looking for a fresh take on the traditional witch trope. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A spellbinding and gripping read, with a fierce protagonist and the beginnings of a tumultuous love affair. Purchase here

< Back Paula Welch The Jewel Thief Book blurb... Jubilee Jones returned to her home town of Bowral to face an uncertain future. She felt adrift and alone. Time ticked by slowly in Bowral, alone with her thoughts. On her mother's advice she decided to do some gardening. One day, while digging up some dead rose bushes in her back garden, Jubilee inadvertently dug up an old biscuit tin. Expecting to find animal bones inside, she instead found eighteen pieces of ornately exquisite jewellery. Emeralds, rubies, diamonds and pearls sparkling up at her from within the tin. Jubilee knew she could not keep them, but her curiosity prevented her from handing them to the police straight away. Compelled to know when they were buried and by whom, Jubilee asks her cousin Meg for help and together they begin to unravel the mystery of the biscuit tin. Surprisingly, their research leads them to their mysterious great-grandfather. Jubilee and Meg' head to England, where they hire a campervan and set off across England in an attempt to uncover the past. During their travels around England, Jubilee and Meg trace the descendants of the five families robbed in 1939 and learn how their lives had been irrevocably changed by the robberies committed by their great-grandfather so long ago. But sometimes the past is best left buried. Was their great-grandfather also a murdered? As the story of the stolen jewellery spreads around Hatton Garden old sins are brought back to life as more than one criminal is unearthed. By the time Jubilee's journey draws to an end, she finally finds her place in this world, along with love and happiness. Purchase here

< Back Leon Conrad Story and Structure: A complete guide An essential read for anyone interested in writing and storytelling, by Leon Conrad ‘Story and Structure: A complete guide’ is a handbook for anyone interested in writing and storytell ing. It tells the untold story of what makes a story, a ‘story’. Conrad describes his approach, which is based on six primary symbols (inspired by Professor George Spencer-Brown’s book ‘Laws of Form’), as a simple, visual way to analyse and compare different story structures. The six sy mbols approach is a useful way to understand how story works, how and why structures differ, and why story is a much wider phenomena than most people underst and. It has the potential to help us not only understand stories better, but also to underst and ourselves better. He provides examples of 18 distinct story structures, some well-known and some less well known , from across different cultures and eras (from the earliest written records to the present day). Conrad describes the methodology of the approach and applies it to different story structures, as well as describing the implications for the approach, and how the methodology can be applied in the practice of writing, from poetry to creative writing, teaching and anthropology. ‘Story and Structure: A complete guide’ by Leon Conrad is a comprehensive, well-researched and insightful handbook. The book is well structured, and easy to read and understand. This book will help readers appreciate the importance of story structure, and will help anyone to write better stories. It is an essential read for anyone interested in writing and storytelling, includ ing writers, storytellers, teachers, poets, and readers. I really wi sh I had read this book ten years ago, when I started my own writing journey. Star rating: 5 St ars Summary: A fascin ating insight into how story works, which will help readers appreciate the import ance of story structure. Purchase here

< Back Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato Three Days Grace Three Days Grace by Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato is a tense, psychological drama that delves into the tangled web of family secrets, trauma, and the search for identity. The story is set in Paris and unfolds over three days, bringing together a cast of characters whose lives are bound by shared pain and unresolved conflict. Nick, a young American living in Paris, is forced to confront the death of his estranged father, Gene, and the wounds left by a childhood marked by abuse and silence. The story brings together Nick, his mother Lynne, her wife Susan, the enigmatic artist Laslo, and Marc, a Parisian friend, for a family gathering where they are forced to confront the ghosts of the past. Nick’s struggle to reclaim agency over his life and body is both heart-breaking and inspiring, while Lynne’s mix of guilt, denial, and longing for redemption is both sympathetic and infuriating. Donato’s narrative is particularly effective in highlighting how trauma reverberates through generations, shaping relationships and identity. The characters’ attempts to protect themselves and each other often result in further harm, a cycle the novel examines with honesty and sensitivity. The novel’s structure, with shifting perspectives and timelines, mirror the characters’ fractured memories and the nonlinear process of healing. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, often serving as a battleground for the characters’ competing truths. Three Days Grace does not shy away from difficult subjects, but offers moments of hope that healing is possible, even if the past cannot be undone. Overall, a powerful and beautifully introspective novel exploring the devastating impact of child sexual abuse. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A haunting, unflinching portrait of family, trauma, and identity. Purchase here

< Back Timothy D. White The Original Human Beings: Sometimes, in the Darkest Moments, We Can See the Brightest Lights! Book blurb... The world treated her as collateral damage. She answered with music—a premonition of rediscovering humanity. In a world growing numb to cruelty, The Original Human Beings tells the inspirational story of a girl named Never—a Honduran orphan who escapes living in a Central American city dump and journeys north with a cello on her back. She's fighting simply to stay alive. She alone could protect her hilarious little brother, Homero. She searched for a hero—but found a dreamy Nez Perce young man, the most athletic person she had ever seen, who helped her realize the hero was staring back at her in the mirror. It is a romance as scandalous as it is soulful, with no promise of happily ever after—only truth. She found refuge in Loco Lucy, the garbage dump's foul-mouthed, delightfully deranged, vampire-dressing matriarch. She was hunted by General Alejandro Mendoza—El Caudillo—a ruthless crime lord who misbelieved he was her father and would burn down the world to control her. And she was stalked by Alonzo Gomez, a seven-foot hitman with a French accent, a loaded pistol, and a soul darker than midnight—until she made him believe in something more dangerous. It is a high-concept saga infused with magical realism. It echoes with the mythic power of Le Morte d'Arthur—as timeless a tale as we may see in our generation. This is how we remember what truly matters. This is how we broken walk out of the monster. Purchase here

< Back Sherman E Ross Code Name: Juggernaut A relentless cat and mouse chase between a seasoned detective and a cold-bloodied assassin. The FBI is investigating the brutal murder of several high-profile Black men, believed to be targeted by white supremist gangs. When another prominent Black man, Reverend Williams, is shot dead in broad daylight, Special Agent Douglas Rabson is called in to crack the case. Rabson is a rising star in the bureau and a member of the Bureau’s elite Domestic Counter-terrorism Strike Force. A jew, whose maternal great-grandparents had been murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust, Rabson is concerned by the disturbing resurgence of racism and anti-Semitism in the country. Rabson’s investigation leads him to Utah, and a compound named ‘JerUSAlem,’ the home of the Aryan Church of Yahweh the Creator, a violent, racist, white neo-Nazi supremacist gang. The gang believe they are ‘Aryan chosen people’ and are preparing to destroy the government in a race war. Forensic investigations link the William’s murder to other killings and gang member, Jacqueline 'Jack-L' Diane Lynch, is identified as the prime suspect. Jack-L , a twenty-nine-year-old ex-Marine and professional assassin is in a relationship with another gang member, Howard Brennan, a former USAF colonel and nuclear engineer. As Rabson's investigation continues , Brennan comes up with a bizarre plan to take down the government that wrecked his health and destroyed his career. Will Jack-L assist Brennan with his murderous plan? And will Rabson find her before she takes her next hit? Code Name: Juggernaut by Sherman E. Ross i s a gripping crime thriller and a chilling exploration of radicalisation, extremist ideology, and the threat of a nuclear race war. This is a thought-provoking and unsettling novel with graphic descriptions of racism, violence, and murder. Whilst the subject matter is disturbing, it is a timely reminder of the dangers of radicalisation and the urgent need to combat extremism and intolerance in all its forms. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, thought-provoking and provocative novel that raises important questions about humanity and society. Purchase here

< Back Sydney Curtin Courageous Considerations Courageous Considerations is a deeply personal and practical guide that explores the emotional, spiritual, and logistical complexities of adoption from the perspective of a birth mother. Sydney Curtin, herself both an adoptee and a birth mother, crafts a narrative that is as much a memoir as it is a guidebook, offering readers a rare, honest, and compassionate look into the realities of adoption. The book’s greatest strength lies in its vulnerability and authenticity. Curtin’s story is not sanitized or idealized; she shares her journey with raw honesty, recounting the pain, hope, regret, and love that shaped her decision to place her daughter for adoption. The dedication to her daughter Emberlyn sets the tone for the book, emphasizing that adoption is not about abandonment but about making the most loving - if difficult - choice possible in challenging circumstances. Curtin’s Christian faith is woven throughout, providing comfort and context for her decisions, but she is careful to make the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The reflective questions and journaling prompts in each chapter are thoughtfully designed to help expectant mothers, adoptees, and adoptive families explore their own motivations, values, and needs. The book is also highly practical. It covers a wide range of topics, from legal considerations and emotional self-care to interviewing prospective adoptive families and establishing openness agreements. Curtin’s emphasis on asking the right questions serves as a recurring theme, underscoring the importance of clarity, boundaries, and mutual respect in adoption relationships. A must-read for birth mothers, but also a valuable tool for adoptive families and professionals seeking to understand the nuanced realities of adoption. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compassionate, faith-informed, and actionable resource for anyone navigating the adoption process. Purchase here

< Back Eddie W Runde Shadow of the Deceiver: The Genesis Trust, Book 3 Wayne Runde’s Shadow of the Deceiver is a compelling blend of science fiction and Christian allegory, offering a thought-provoking exploration of faith, redemption, and the battle between truth and deception. The novel is set in a dystopian future where technology dazzles society, but communities are fractured by the manipulative ideology of the Falcon, an enigmatic leader who twists faith into a tool for control and fear. The story follows Chris and Brianna Ballanger, newlyweds returning from Atlantis, as they embark on a mission to restore truth and faith in a world consumed by fear and false ideologies. The protagonists, Chris and Brianna, are portrayed as steadfast and compassionate leaders, embodying virtues of faith, love, and perseverance. Their interactions with villagers emphasize the importance of seeking truth and embracing faith as a personal journey. Runde’s writing is immersive, with detailed world-building that brings the dystopian setting to life. The pacing is well-balanced, blending moments of quiet reflection with intense action sequences, such as the climactic battles at Base Two and Base Three. The inclusion of scripture and hymns enriches the narrative, reinforcing its spiritual undertones and leaving readers with a sense of hope and purpose. The novel delves into philosophical and spiritual aspects of faith, exploring how it can be twisted into fear and control or used as a foundation for freedom and unity. The dialogue is thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the role of truth in overcoming fear and manipulation. While deeply rooted in Christian themes, Shadow of the Deceiver avoids being preachy, focusing instead on universal struggles between light and darkness, fear and truth. The book challenges readers to think deeply about their beliefs and offers valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of modern life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and inspiring read for fans of science fiction and faith-based fiction alike. Purchase here

< Back Simon Vine Turning Skills Into Dumb Luck: Skills and Mindset for the Times of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Book blurb... This isn’t a book of clichés—it’s a practical, honest guide to building a meaningful and successful career without losing your soul. Purchase here

< Back Mark Roeder What We Do Next Really Matters Author Mark Roeder discusses the global economic, political, environmental, societal and technological challenges that are shaping our world. The recent Covid19 pandemic has been a giant wake up call for humanity, but the reality is that the earth was already in a poor state of affairs, and our civilisation in a precarious state. How we respond to these challenges in the next few years will have significant implications for the human race and the planet. The choices we make at this critical point in our history and development, really matter. Roeder argues, if we fail to act now, we are likely to face the same fate as the Mayans, Anasazi, Akkadians, Harappa, Romans and other lesser-known civilisations that ignored the warning signs around them. Roeder questions our fundamental belief systems and explains why a fundamental change in mindset is required to solve the world’s problems. He argues that the pursuit of ‘growth at all costs’ mindset is threatening our very existence. He argues that we need to learn from the pandemic and harness the shock of Covid19, to make fundamental changes in the way we live our lives now, in order to save humanity. The book comprises three parts. Part one (Reflection) explains why humans are often reluctant to face up to difficult truths. Part two (Challenges) takes a critical look at the big challenges our world faces. Part three (Awakening) explores what it will take to put our world on a more sustainable path. Roeder proposes the development of ‘a social contract’, with a set of eight fundamental principles, which together, form the foundation of civil life. What We Do Next Really Matters by author Mark Roeder is an exceptional book about the global challenges that are shaping our world. What I particularly liked about this book, is that the author proposes a number of radical solutions. He recognises it is a difficult task, and suggests it may need to get worse before it gets better, but ‘ Once the ferocious winds die down, we may awaken to a different social landscape than the version we know now. Hopefully, one that is underpinned by a truly sustainable ethos that ensures our survival as a species.’ This is a well-written, thought-provoking book, which will appeal to anyone interested in the future of earth and the human race. It is a timely reminder that each and every one of us must play a part, and collectively we can make a difference. Everyone should read this book. We cannot ignore the warning signs. We have no choice. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exceptional, well-written, and thought-provoking book that everyone should read. It was a privilege to read and review this book. Purchase here