< Back Melissa Slager Contests of Strength Book blurb... A historically rigorous and emotionally riveting period piece - Kirkus Reviews At the turn of the 17th century, on the wild outer coast of the Pacific Northwest, noble warrior Dushuuw and slave woman Amuun'axsum veer from one deadly secret to the next. But their ultimate test of survival may come on a winter's night when the earth violently trembles, sending a wall of water hurtling toward their seaside village. Will their dreams survive - if they survive at all? The answers are rooted even deeper in the past. This lush historical novel '14 years in the making' is written by award-winning journalist Melissa Slager, of Everett, Washington, who ties together the latest scientific research with the oldest Native stories about the Cascadia subduction zone earthquake and tsunami of January 26, 1700. Purchase here

< Back Alison McBain The New Empire A young prince fights for survival when he is sold into slavery and shipped across the Pacific Ocean, by author Alison McBain The New Empire tells the story of Jiangxi, the son of a Chinese emperor who is sold into slavery by his older brother, following his fathers’ death. Jiangxi is shipped across the Pacific Ocean to the west coast of North America, where he is bought by Onas, an elder and spiritual leader of the Haudenosaunee and Mutsun Native American tribes. Jiangxi becomes Onas’s personal, household slave, and unlike other slaves, Jiangxi has some, albeit limited, freedoms. He is able to spend time exploring his environment, where he meets other enslaved Chinese people, working in the corn fields. One day, he meets a young, enslaved girl and helps her escape, by sailing her up the river in a boat he found and repaired. Onas suspects Jiangxi’s involvement in the girl’s disappearance, and expels him from the house. Jiangxi is forced to work in the fields and live in the squalid and cramped longhouses. After twelve months, Jiangxi returns to Onas’s home, where he promises to obey his owner, but secretly hatches a plan to free other Chinese slaves. Over the next few years, Jiangxi slowly rebuilds Onas’s trust, and Onas repays him by giving him his freedom and making him his apprentice. But Jiangxi is conflicted, and torn between his loyalty to the man who liberated him, and the promise he made to his enslaved country people. The New Empire by author Alison McBain is a captivating and mesmerizing alternative history novel, set in the west coast of North America in the eighteenth century. The book provides an interesting perspective on what might have happened, had the Chinese been the first to settle in North America. Told from the perspective of a young boy, born to an Emperor and sold into slavery, as he comes of age and fights for survival in a new world. Despite his own predicament, Jiangxi defies the authorities and risks his freedom, and his own life, to help others. The book shows the horrors and brutality of slavery, so prevalent throughout human history, but also the power of individual acts of resistance and defiance, which can change the world. Thoroughly researched, with a gripping and believable plot, rich characters and excellent world building, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy alternative history novels. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating and mesmerizing alternative history novel, beautifully written by Alison McBain. Highly recommended. Purchase here

< Back William Gensburger Verisium: Conversations with AI on the Meaning of Life and Death Verisium: Conversations With AI on the Meaning of Life and Death by William Gensburger is a thought-provoking discussion about the most profound aspects of human existence. Why are we here? What is our purpose? The book blends philosophy, science, spirituality, and personal reflection, with a unique integration of AI into the conversation. Gensburger shares his personal journey, sparked by the loss of his sister as a child, which led him to question the nature of existence and the purpose of life. He draws on insights from various fields, including quantum physics, neuroscience, ancient wisdom, and modern philosophy, and invites readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and contemplation. Gensburger uses AI as a tool to explore complex topics, posing questions to the technology and weaving its responses into the narrative. This technique demonstrates the potential of AI to serve as a mirror to human consciousness and a partner in intellectual discussion. The book is structured into chapters that each tackle a specific theme, such as the nature of consciousness, the concept of energy, the possibility of life after death, and the idea of living in a simulation. Gensburger draws on a wide range of sources, from ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita to modern scientific theories like quantum mechanics and the simulation hypothesis. This interdisciplinary approach allows readers to see connections between disparate fields, creating a unified perspective on the mysteries of existence. Gensburger offers practical advice for readers seeking to awaken their consciousness and live more intentional lives. He emphasizes the importance of physical health, meditation, breathwork, and mindful living as tools for personal transformation. William Gensburger's unique approach, combined with the integration of AI, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the nature of consciousness, the mysteries of life and death, and the fabric of reality. It is a profound and transformative journey that will leave readers questioning, reflecting, and inspired to seek out their own answers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A compelling and innovative work that discusses humanity’s existential questions. Purchase here

< Back Eileen Walton A Fine Line: In Pursuit of a Normal Life Book blurb... Insanity struck Eileen Walton midway through law school. She never saw it coming. Her life was disrupted; her mind was ripped apart. When she finally recovered, a suffocating depression followed. It took her a year before she could start to slowly rebuild her life, grateful that the episode was over --until it happened again. As additional episodes continued to come, she learned the warning signs --the euphoria, the increased energy, the racing thoughts. She knew that delusions, paranoia, and terror would come next. After that would come depression; she knew that too. In her memoir, she tells how she learned to use the qualities of love to determine what is delusional and what is real. “If it isn't loving, it isn't real,” she would repeat to herself when paranoia threatened. In her later psychotic episodes, she discovered that the same consciousness that brings her insanity also brings her a world where paranormal experiences abound --where precognition is frequent and heightened intuitive powers are the rule. This is a spirited story of stark reality and optimism, extraordinary forces and ordinary life, and the power of belief over lies. Purchase here

< Back DF Kennedy The Whole Truth Dahlia Frost returns in this gripping second instalment, by author DF Kennedy. The Whole Truth is the second book in a series from author DF Kennedy, which follows on where the first book, The Truth, ended. Following her kidnapping in Scotland, pregnant Dahlia returns home to rebuild her life with her fiancé, Roland. Dahlia suspects her stepfather Bob was involved in her kidnapping, and confronts him at his home, threatening to kill him. With Roland away at a movie premier, Dahlia calls her ex-husband, Daniel, for support. There is an altercation at the river, when they find Bob in a boat with her mother, Sylvia. Bob is reported missing when his boat washes up on the bank, empty. Sylvia is rushed to hospital with a suspected brain bleed, brought on by ongoing health issues, the stress of Bob’s disappearance and recent revelations in Dahlia’s autobiographical novel. Meanwhile, as Dahlia tries to settle into her new home with Roland, she finds a letter in her mother’s possessions with the real identity of her birth father. When Bob’s dead body is found in the river with a bullet wound, the scene bears an uncanny resemblance to the death of Dahlia’s father, many years ago. While Roland is away, Daniel visits Dahlia in the hope of a reconciliation. When Dahlia turns down his advances, Daniel threatens to tell the police that she killed Bob, unless she leaves Roland and tells him the baby is not his. Dahlia plays along and attempts to leave Roland, but when Roland’s life is put in danger, she finally reveals the truth. Daniel informs the police and Dahlia is arrested and taken in for questioning. The murder weapon is found with Dahlias fingerprints. The police interrogate Dahlia and review her autobiography, finding a compelling motive for his murder. The Whole Truth by DF Kennedy is a gripping psychological thriller, loosely based on the authors own experiences. The second book in the series, this novel explores further the relationships between the main characters, and their backstories. This is a captivating novel, with a complex, intricate and well-crafted plot, and well-developed, authentic characters. The book had me gripped from start to finish. There are a number of clues and key pieces of evidence featured throughout the book, but I still have no idea where this book will end! I cannot wait for the next instalment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping psychological thriller, with a complex, intricate and well-crafted plot, and well-developed, authentic characters. Purchase here

< Back Tucker Madison Green Glass Can Ida track down the man who saved her life as a girl? Eleven-year-old Ida and her father survive a horrific car crash, when their car veers over a bridge and plunges into deep water. They are saved by fifteen-year-old John Murphy, who dives into the water and frees them from the car. John finds two triangular pieces of smooth green glass in the water. He gives one piece of glass to Ida and then quickly disappears from the scene. He gives the other piece of glass to his fifteen-year-old adopted sister, Maggie who has Down Syndrome. Fourteen years later, Ida is a medical student in Michigan and a competitive swimmer. Ida has vivid memories of the mysterious boy who saved her life and treasures the piece of green glass he gave her. She hires a private investigator to find her superhero and he tracks him down to Chicago, through newspaper articles and eyewitness accounts. When Ida finishes medical school, she decides to take her residency in Chicago, in the hope that one day she might meet her hero again. Meanwhile, John is working as a paramedic in Chicago and still caring for his sister, Maggie. John loves his job as a paramedic and continues to help strangers through random acts of kindness. Ida moves to Chicago and discovers over 400 John Murphy’s listed in the telephone book. Her mission to find her elusive hero is not going to be easy. Will Ida ever find the guy who saved her life? And if so, will he live up to her heroic expectations? Green Glass by author Tucker Madison is a tense and gripping drama about one woman’s search for the boy who saved her life as a young girl. This is an elaborate plot, full of twists and turns, which keeps the story alive and interesting. The characters are likeable and believable, and I was rooting for Ida and John to meet and fall in love. Madison develops tension, as the pair become so close to one another, but never quite meet. This is a unique and intriguing novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy drama, romance and mystery stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense and gripping drama about one woman’s search for the boy who saved her life as a young girl. Purchase here

< Back Paula Dail Red Anemones Book blurb... Moving among generations of a German-Jewish-American family, "Red Anemones" is a poignant exploration of the intricate bonds, untold secrets, and unspoken legacies our ancestors bestow upon us. Natalie Barlow's journey of self-discovery begins when her estranged mother's sudden death releases a storm of unrevealed family secrets reaching back to pre-WWI Germany. As Natalie navigates the complexities of her newly discovered Jewish identity and her ancestral heritage, she comes face-to-face with the early 20th-century German immigrant experience, which included strong anti-German sentiment and deep antisemitism that prevailed across America. Through diaries and letters her mother saved, Natalie learns of the personal costs this ugly reality extracted from generations of her own family. Ultimately, she must confront the question of her own identity. Like Israel's red anemones carpeting the western Negev and Dvira Forest of the Judean foothills year after year, Natalie is determined, no matter the personal costs, to find the courage, resiliency, and passion to embrace the changes that bring new beginnings. Inspired by a true story. Purchase here

< Back Stephanie D. Shorr Live the Health You Want: A Primer for the Care and Feeding of the Human Body Book blurb... Welcome to the manual on the care and feeding of your body. Too many people equate aging with aching. They rely on cortisone injections or pop painkillers, convinced there are no other alternatives. But that’s not always the case. Body advocate Stephanie D. Shorr knows that when it comes to your health, even small steps make a big difference. More than 70 years young, Stephanie takes no medications, has no chronic pain, and enjoys plenty of energy. In Live the Health You Want, she shares knowledge gained from a lifetime of researching human health and wellness. Learn how improving your microbiome positively impacts your health and immune system. Practice techniques of meditation and breathing. Explore exciting modalities of energy medicine like PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field) devices, Theta Pods, microcurrent therapy, and more! Packed with practical measures, Live the Health You Want challenges you to get started living your best life today! Purchase here

< Back Todd Miller ENRICH: Create Wealth in Time, Money and Meaning Book blurb... Chances are, you’ve sacrificed for your career and fought a constant tug-of-war between personal, professional, and financial well-being. Professional success is important, but is it enough? Enrich teaches life skills to create optionality, even in the most uncertain situations. The world has changed greatly, but the principles of life success haven’t. Using a series of illuminating case studies and interviews, Todd Miller shows how he and other high achievers cracked the code to: Accelerate financial security in an era of job insecurity; Reach big, bold life goals; Avoid the default setting; Navigate change, including job loss; Connect how you spend your days to what’s most important. For most books on work/life integration, money is frequently the elephant in the room. Enrich embraces this elephant. Through a practical, proven process, you’ll learn how to get financially fit fast, savor life’s deliciousness, and achieve career satisfaction. Enrich incorporates time-honored business processes with thorough, global, best practice research. Miller presents an extensive tool kit of sometimes unconventional - but always potent - work- and life-hacking strategies. Purchase here

< Back Alessa M. Norwen RUNEBOUND Runebound by Alessa M. Norwen is a sweeping historical fantasy that masterfully blends Slavic folklore, political intrigue, and coming-of-age drama into a richly immersive reading experience. From the very first pages, Norwen’s world-building stands out as a major strength. The novel’s setting is meticulously crafted, with ancient castles, pagan rites, and the encroaching influence of Christianity all rendered in vivid, atmospheric detail. The opening chapters immediately draw the reader into a land on the cusp of transformation, where tradition and faith collide and destinies are shaped by both the old gods and new powers. The story centers on Milena, a noblewoman born between two worlds. Her Slavic heritage and the demands of a Christianized court. Milena’s journey is both deeply personal and emblematic of her era - she is torn between duty and desire, family loyalty and the call of something ancient stirring within her. Norwen excels at portraying Milena’s internal struggles, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist. The supporting cast, from the wise midwife Dobrawa to the enigmatic Northman Brynjar and the ambitious merchant David, are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the novel’s intricate web of alliances, secrets, and betrayals. Norwen’s attention to cultural authenticity and emotional nuance elevates the book above standard fantasy fare, making it a standout in the genre. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a fantasy novel with heart, depth, and a truly original voice. Star rating: 5 stars Summary: A captivating and thought-provoking read, perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of history, myth, and personal transformation. Purchase here

< Back Terry Kirk Pitfall Frank Cork had it all. As head trader at Chicago’s leading commodities brokerage firm, Frank made a fortune trading wheat futures. He lived the good life, with his beautiful wife Katrina and their two children. Frank witnesses a gangland shooting and fears for his life when he is noticed by the shooter. Shortly after, Frank’s entire fortune is wiped out when the price of wheat plummets during the 1929 stock market crash. Frank flees to Canada, to escape the mob and recover his losses, leaving behind Katrina and the children. While the firm tasks intern Lewis to find Frank, the police open an investigation into his disappearance. Frank has a plethora of enemies, and the police suspect foul play. Frank travels to the Canadian Prairies where he adopts an alias and takes refuge with a local family. He partners with a bootlegger and begins to smuggle Canadian whiskey to the United States, while secretly orchestrating a high-stakes wheat futures deal to recover his losses. Meanwhile, Katrina, struggles to keep their family afloat and forms a bond with Lewis, who continues to search tirelessly for Frank. Frank’s journey is fraught with challenges, including encounters with mobsters, a relentless investigator, and a rival from the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. Pitfall by Terry Kirk is a gripping historical fiction novel set in Chicago during the 1929 stock market crash. The story follows Frank Cork as his life unravels amidst financial ruin. The novel offers a fascinating insight into Chicago’s financial world, wheat trading, and the great stock market crash. The vivid descriptions of Chicago’s financial district and the wind-swept Canadian Prairies create a rich, atmospheric backdrop for the drama. The characters are well-developed, particularly Frank and Katrina, whose personal struggles feel authentic and relatable. The novel combines historical drama with personal introspection, making it a must-read for fans of character-driven stories and historical fiction. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A compelling and emotionally charged historical fiction novel, with memorable characters and a gripping plot inspired by real-life events. Purchase here

< Back Stuart Hotchkiss Baker Vaughan: A Novel Book blurb... This award-winning novel details a man's journey from loss to reckoning. It frames his transition from a hollow Madison Avenue advertising career back to his original spiritual calling in Boise, Idaho, capturing a story about grief, redemption, and second chances. Purchase here