< Back Rebecca Anne Nguyen The 23rd Hero A young woman travels back in time to try and avert an environmental disaster. Sloane Burrows, a twenty-nine-year-old Techno Engineering graduate from Vancouver, is working as a ‘Boothie’ subcontractor (technician) for ‘The Program.’ Developed by an unknown inventor, The Program is a government initiative that aims to right the wrongs of the past, by transporting people back in time, to change the future. Due to over population, deforestation, industrialisation and much more, the world is on the brink of an environmental apocalypse. Citizens are encouraged to apply to The Program to become a ‘Hero,’ to save the world and receive a $10 million reward for their family. Twenty-two Heroes have successfully travelled back in time, resulting in positive environmental impacts. Sloane has secretly dreamed of applying to The Program, but she is ineligible due to her work as a subcontractor. Almost a year has passed since the last Hero travelled back in time and the world is on the brink of collapse once again. The government lifts the restrictions and Sloane is eligible to apply. Her twin brother applies on her behalf, and she is shortlisted. The odds are stacked against her, as no woman has ever been selected as a Hero. But, out of thirty-three million applicants, Sloane is selected as the 23rd Hero. Sloane’s mission is to travel back in time to sixteenth-century France to the home of King Francis I. Her task is to pose as a royal fortune teller, to build the King’s trust and influence his decision making. The aim is to stop the King from investing in the first French expedition to the Americas. It is hoped that this will delay French colonization in the New World, and ensure Indigenous people retain control of their homelands, thereby reducing the carbon footprint for future generations. But, when the man of her dreams walks into her life, Sloane’s world is turned upside down. The mission is a huge risk. There is no guarantee that the intervention will work, and Sloane could die in the past without ever knowing the outcome of her mission, or ever seeing the man of her dreams again. The 23rd Hero by author Rebecca Anne Nguyen follows the journey of an extraordinary young woman who travels back in time to sixteenth century France to try and save the planet. Nguyen successfully combines an environmental disaster, with a historical time travel adventure, and a passionate love story. With an intriguing plot, beautifully written prose, and plenty of humor, this is a unique and remarkable novel from a debut author. Fans of time-travel, eco-dystopian fiction, history and romance will love this story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : With plenty of humor and a passionate romance, this is a time-travelling adventure like no other. Purchase here

< Back Ganzorig Strategy Is Attitude: The Missing Half of Strategy Book blurb... Every strategist learns process. Almost none are taught attitude. For fifty years, strategy has been treated as a conscious, analytical discipline. The tools have improved. The failure rate has not. Strategy Is Attitude argues that this is because strategy is too demanding for the conscious mind—and that the real engine of strategic judgment is the subconscious. The attitudes that orient subconscious processing determine whether a strategist sees reality or illusion. Get them wrong, and no amount of analysis will save you. Get them right, and strategic perception becomes instinctive. Only one leader in history systematically installed this capability in others: Genghis Khan. Starting from nothing, he built the only command system that mass-produced strategists—and sustained strategic dominance beyond the founder's death. Alexander couldn’t do it. Napoleon couldn’t do it. No modern corporation has done it. This book shows how it was done, and how it can be done again. Purchase here

< Back Marieke Lexmond The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles #4 The Madigan clan return in the fourth volume of this magical series. The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles is the fourth instalment in this fantasy series, by author Marieke Lexmond. Several centuries ago, four sisters separated four powerful elemental objects (the Cup of Plenty, the Wand of Wisdom, the Dagger of Consciousness, and the Pentacle of Growth). The Cup of Plenty was hidden in northern Greenland, with a strong magical safety net, of witch wands and modern technology. The Cup is protected by the guardian of the Cup, Snowflake, and the Berthelsen family. In her pursuit of power, evil aunt Lucy Lockwood was banished from the family for trying to steal the elemental objects. She created a powerful spell to find the general location of the Cup and to breakdown the protective barriers. Lucy locates the Cup on the island of Greenland, and travels to the island to recover it. Freya and Luna Madigan also travel to Greenland, to warn Snowflake and help her protect the Cup of Plenty. Will Freya and Luna find the Cup before Aunt Lucy and the Queen of Fairy? The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles #4 is a magical and mesmerising fantasy fiction novel by author Marieke Lexmond. Lexmond effortlessly weaves together a spellbinding tale of magic, destiny, and a battle between good and evil. With beautiful scenery, a rich mystical world, wonderful eccentric characters, and a cleverly crafted and gripping plot, this is a fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. Readers new to the series might struggle to follow some of the backstory, and I recommend starting from the first book to fully enjoy this magical series. The book (and series) will appeal to readers who enjoy character-led fantasy fiction adventure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A spellbinding tale of magic, destiny, and a battle between good and evil. Purchase here

< Back Gadi Sznajder The Asia Code: A Million-Dollar Handshake: How to Build Relationships that Win in Asia Book blurb... The Asia Code is a serious, practical guide to the human realities of doing business in Japan, China, and South Korea. Moving beyond etiquette and cliché, it shows why Western executives often approach Asia like chess players in a world that runs more like go, where trust, timing, communication, and invisible power structures often determine whether partnerships succeed or quietly fall apart. Purchase here

< Back Gail Scoates Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart Author Gail Scoates shares her story of how therapy dogs gave her a sense of purpose following the death of her beloved younger sister. Dogs had always played a significant part in Gail’s life. Growing up, there were many dogs in the family, and Gail recalls happy memories and adventures with her sister, Karen, and their dogs. She describes how dogs provided a sense of comfort and security throughout her whole life. When Karen was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the age of thirty-eight, Gail witnessed the special love and bond between Karen and her two dogs, Preston and Tanner. When Karen sadly passed away, Gail’s dog, Tucker, provided comfort and helped her through the grieving process. Following Karen’s passing, Gail became involved with the PAWS ministry, a therapy dog program. Gail trained up Tucker as a therapy dog, and together they visited a residential home for children with emotional and behavioural challenges, providing them with an opportunity to play and have fun, while learning how to interact with a dog safely. When Tucker passed away, Gail adopted a rescue dog, Max, and also trained him up as a therapy dog. Through many dog therapy visits, and observing the positive impact on children, Gail was able to find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Later, Gail set up her own dog therapy program, named Karing Partners in memory of her sister. She was successful in setting up a program in a hospital and recruited other volunteer handlers and their dogs. With Max, and a subsequent dog, Sadie, the program made a significant difference to the lives of many patients and their families, hospital visitors, and health care staff. Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart is a beautiful memoir by author Gail Scoates. Gail shares her story of how dogs supported her through many difficult periods of her life, including the death of her younger sister, and how therapy dogs have changed the lives of many others. This is a powerful story that not only shows the special bond between humans and dogs, but how dogs can help support, heal and rehabilitate people. A ‘ Paws for Reflection’ section at the end of each chapter, provides the reader with an opportunity for personal reflection. Gail’s commitment and dedication to dog therapy work is remarkable and her story is inspiring. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and inspiring memoir, by an inspirational woman. Purchase here

< Back Geoff Sease When We Push Through Sound Can Tristan find happiness again following a painful divorce? Tristan James thought he had it all. A loving wife, a happy daughter and a successful career in a top tier investment firm. But all that changed three years ago, when his marriage to his college sweetheart, Sharon, ended, and he experienced a number of setbacks in his career. Sharon and Tristan share joint custody of their seventeen-year-old daughter, Sara, and Tristan still hopes for a reconciliation with his ex-wife. Over-worked and highly stressed, Tristan makes a series of investment errors and experiences a crisis in confidence in his career. Tristan battles with depression and self-medicates with drugs and alcohol. As he contemplates his future, he considers taking his own life. In an attempt to shop his way out of depression, Triston buys a BMW 745i. He goes on a number of innocent dates with women he knows from around town, but they never lead to anything more serious. Until one day, Tristan meets Julie, a young aspiring musician in a bagel shop, and goes on a date. He meets another woman at a work event, an advertising executive named Beth, and he feels an immediate connection. But just as Tristan starts to find happiness in his personal life, his work life becomes unmanageable, as a multi-million-dollar investment is at risk of collapse. Tristan is close to the edge, but he is supported by five women, his ex-wife, daughter, lover, friend, and assistant, who refuse to give up on him. When We Push Through Sound by debut author Geoff Sease, is about a middle-aged man on the verge of a mid-life crisis, following a painful divorce and a number of setbacks in his career. The book follows Tristan’s journey as he struggles with depression and attempts to pull his life back together. But the road to recovery is not easy, and Tristan experiences a number of challenges that push him close to the edge. Tristan is a believable and likeable character, and many readers will relate to his story. This is a remarkable and heartfelt debut novel from a talented writer with a gift for storytelling. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy romance, realistic fiction and character driven stories. Highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A remarkable and heartfelt debut novel about a middle-aged man on the verge of a mid-life crisis. Purchase here

< Back Jasmine Kah Yan Loo Reigning Fire Book blurb.. . In a realm where power is sealed through smoke and blood, Yan Xun was born to inherit a crown-or be destroyed by it. When her Emberkin arrives far too early, and in a form the world has no place for, Xun becomes a danger to the very empire she was meant to serve. As she uncovers long-buried truths and navigates a court built on silence, loyalty, and control, her existence alone threatens to unravel everything. Set in an ancient Chinese-inspired empire of myth and ash, Reigning Fire is a lyrical fantasy about forbidden power, political unrest, and the ghosts we carry. Through richly layered worldbuilding and emotional depth, this debut novel explores the complexities of trauma, neurodivergence, and what it means to survive when your truth has no place in the world. Perfect for readers who love introspective characters, slow-burn rebellion, and myth-infused storytelling, Reigning Fire blends court intrigue with emotional intensity in a story about legacy, selfhood, and the quiet power of choosing your own name. Purchase here

< Back Dan Shapiro Decoding Genius: The Unexpected Lessons of After-School Chess Club Book blurb... What if genius has been hiding in plain sight? Driven by a desire to help his young son and an insatiable curiosity for how things work, Dan Shapiro took a deep dive into the chess world. He learned of magical players able to compete in dozens of games at once, blindfolded. He uncovered stunning tales of prodigies and the strategies that allowed one nation to dominate the game for half a century. In Decoding Genius, Dan unravels these mysteries and much more. Whether you are the parent or grandparent of a chess player, a new player yourself, or simply chasing the secrets of high performers across disciplines, this book demonstrates the power of the chess mind. Dan illustrates why, for centuries, practically every culture in the world has recognized chess for its unique ability to develop intellect, promote creativity, and bring people together. Purchase here

< Back M.S. West Heir to the Pridelands Heir to the Pridelands by M. S. West is an engaging paranormal romance that combines a compelling love story with elements of shapeshifter fantasy, family drama, humour and adventure. At its heart is Sera, a young woman determined to escape the privileged but suffocating life her wealthy parents have planned for her. Fleeing an arranged marriage, she finds an unexpected new beginning in the small Wyoming community of Pride Ridge, where she opens a shop devoted to her passion for big cats. Her carefully constructed new life changes dramatically when she meets Kahlen, a handsome rancher with a secret of his own. Sera and Kahlen are immediately engaging characters, and their developing attraction provides the emotional engine of the story. Sera’s determination to make her own choices gives her a strong sense of independence, while Kahlen’s protective nature, family loyalty and relationship with his inner lion create an intriguing contrast. Their romance develops against the backdrop of an unusual supernatural society governed by Pride traditions, hierarchy and the concept of a lifelong mate bond. The novel is particularly successful when it balances romance with humour. There is a playful quality to the dialogue and plenty of lighter moments, which prevent the supernatural elements from becoming overly solemn. The later introduction of Pride politics and the Games also gives the story additional tension and raises the stakes considerably. Readers who enjoy paranormal romance, fated-mate stories, strong family dynamics and a generous helping of humour will find much to enjoy here. The combination of romance, fantasy and community spirit makes it an enjoyable and distinctive addition to the genre. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A warm-hearted story about escaping the life others have chosen for you and discovering the courage to choose your own. Purchase here

< Back Frederick Douglass Reynolds Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement An intimate memoir by author and retired Compton police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement is an inspiring and deeply moving memoir by author and retired police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Frederick discusses his turbulent childhood growing up in Detroit, with an abusive mother and an alcoholic father; and his misspent youth and association with street gangs, which resulted him spending time in a juvenile detention centre. Frederick joined the US Marine Corp in 1980, for a fresh start and to escape his life in Detroit. In 1985, he became a police officer in the Compton Police Department, one of only five Black graduates. Frederick discusses some of the cases he worked on during his time with the Compton Police Department, including murder, gang violence, and drug-dealing. He also discusses wider issues of political corruption, systemic racism, and how he struggled to overcome his own long-standing biases. Frederick describes the demanding nature of his work, and the emotional and physical trauma he experienced in the line of duty, including the murder of fellow police officers, and even an attempt on his own life. Frederick reflects on recent cases of police brutality, racism, and malpractice, but also highlights the work of hard-working police officers who risk their lives every day to make a difference within their communities. Frederick retired in 2017 with over seventy-five commendations. This is a powerful and emotional memoir by Frederick Reynolds, highlighting his struggle for survival as a Black man growing up in the US, and as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. Frederick’s writing is raw, gritty, and authentic. He masterfully captures the tension of policing in one of the most dangerous cities in the US in an age of political correctness and Black Lives Matter. The book provides a fascinating insight into the history and politics of Compton, and shows how deeply rooted racism is in all parts of our society. An essential read for anyone interested in Black culture and history, policing and law enforcement, or racial inequality. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and emotional memoir, highlighting one man’s struggle for survival as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. Purchase here

< Back Reese Trapped A coming-of-age story about four diverse young women who find friendship in college. Four young women meet during their freshman year at college, Naomi, Arnya, Stephanie, and Jasmine. Brought together to complete a group assignment, the women develop a friendship that spans many years. Naomi is the only child in a well-to-do family of overachievers and her family have high expectations of her. She has lived a privileged and protected life but suffers from anxiety in social situations. Arnya is an only child, with a large extended family. She is grieving the loss of her mother, who died during high school. Arnya is determined to fulfil her dreams to make her mother proud. Stephanie was brought up by her church fairing grandmother, after her mother abandoned her when she was six years old. Her grandmother ruled with tough love and taught her how to be strong and resilient. Jasmine grew up in the foster care system and literally talked her way into college with a debating scholarship. She has relied on no-one and has had to hustle for everything in life. Despite their different personalities and upbringings, the women share many things in common and develop a close bond. The novel follows their journey through college, but as college comes to an end, each woman must find their own path in life. Trapped by author Reese is a heartfelt and relatable coming-of-age novel, about four diverse young women who find friendship in college. With romance, heartache, and lots (and lots!) of drama, this book captures the true essence of friendship. The novel is written from the point of view of each of the four characters, which helps the reader develop a deep understanding of, and empathy with, each character. The book took me back to my own college experiences, and the many wonderful friendships I developed along the way. Beautifully written, with rich and authentic dialogue, full of wonderful New Orleans sayings and slang, this novel was an absolute joy to read. Readers who enjoy character-led fiction and women’s fiction will enjoy this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt and relatable exploration of the friendships that blossom during college. Purchase here

< Back Dorrie-Lenore Parsons Becoming Hazel: Inherited Treasures Book 1 Book blurb... Inspired by true events Hazel Cunningham was born to faithful, loving parents in Kalamazoo, Michigan in December, 1889. She had a severe curvature of her spine and one shortened leg, and there was some talk about why the Lord had allowed that to happen - or whether it was a curse. But Hazel saw no reason why she should be constrained by anyone's expectations, though the taunts from others were distressing. "Midget." "Cripple." "Willful." Stubborn." She had also heard "Brilliant." "Inspired." and "Brava!" She adored applause, and she lived for it. Hazel yearned to be an independent, modern woman, and her opportunity came when she was sent away to Mineral Wells Texas to be "cured" of her congenital ailments. There she met Mildred Witherspoon, a generous new friend and confidante; JB Parker, a movie theater owner and mentor; Maria de Jesus, a suffragist; and Charlie Roberts, an awkward fireman nearly two decades older and two feet taller, who fell head-over heels in love with her. She was about to break all the rules with their help. Purchase here