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A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled < Back Alayne Smith A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled Ellen Jones helps her aunt solve a family mystery, by author Alayne Smith It’s 1962, and Ellen Jones is considering her future, before she returns back to her studies in broadcast journalism at Columbus University, Miami. What journalism career will she pursue? Should she get together with JoJo, following her split from Luke? But first, her Aunt Essie recruits Ellen to help her solve a mystery. She has found a carving in an antique mint julep cabinet, with the date of her great grandmothers wedding, Mary Ellen Davis marries Thaddeus Baird, May 1866 . But family records also show that Mary Ellen married another man, Thomas Brown Mitchell, in December of the same year. Aunt Essie is curious and determined to solve the mystery. Who was Thaddeus Baird and what happened to him? And why did her great grandmother marry twice in such a short space of time? Ellen agrees to help her aunt and discovers that Mary Ellen wrote for a local newspaper, the Marshall-Times Standard. She also discovered that she volunteered at the Jericho School, where she met Thomas Brown Mitchell, a soldier who set up the school in a converted kitchen behind the old Garvey plantation house. They find a journal belonging to Mary Ellen, with declarations of her love for Thaddeus Baird. As Ellen and Aunt Essie delve further into Mary Ellen’s past, they soon discover that their ancestor was embroiled in a scandal that nearly destroyed her reputation. Then, when a dead body is found in a tunnel beneath the old Garvey plantation house, Ellen and Aunt Essie believe there is a connection to Mary Ellen. A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled is a superb mystery novel for young adult readers, by author Alayne Smith. Spanning two time periods (1962 and 1866), the book follows two young women as they come of age in different eras. The book provides a fascinating insight into the lives of women during the 1800’s and 1960’s. While their lives are very different, they experience similar challenges and dilemmas. The book moves at a gentle pace, but is packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Well written, with a fascinating plot, this book will appeal to those who enjoy mystery, suspense and historical fiction. The book is the third instalment of the Ellen Jones series. I had not read the first two books in the series, and I could easily follow the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I hope to go back to the other books, to learn more about Ellen Jones’ back-story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Well written, with a fascinating plot that spans two time periods, this is a superb novel packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Purchase here

< Back A.D. Matson The Wake of the Hound Dogs Book blurb... Jill Grinager is holding her life together with one hand—literally. As the one-armed owner of the only funeral home in the fading small town of Rockdale, Minnesota, Jill’s days are already grim. Add in her responsibilities as the guardian of her Elvis-obsessed nephew, Randall, and her life feels like a tragic comedy. When Jill learns that a bully from her past, Vicky Veitch, is returning to town, things take a sharp turn for the worse. Now a rising political star, Vicky has orchestrated a lavish funeral for her infamous father-in-law, a man whose ruthless mentorship helped her transform from a grade school tormentor into a powerhouse politician. For Jill, it’s just another funeral to get through. But for Vicky, it’s the perfect opportunity to cement her political image. However, what starts as a media spectacle quickly spirals into chaos. Through a series of fatal mishaps, comical criminal blunders, and bad luck, Vicky’s polished facade begins to crumble. Jill and her rhinestone nephew find themselves the unlikely obstacles standing between Vicky and her personal ambitions Purchase here

< Back Sara Patricia Kelly 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood Poems A collection of eleven sing-along poems by Sara Patricia Kelly. 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood Poems is a collection of eleven poems for young children, by author Sara Patricia Kelly, featuring four characters: Flossie Bossy, Jammy, Jumperlina and Cat. The delightful ‘What are the Bubbles?’ explores the wonder and magic of bubbles in different forms, Bubbles are moments, shiny and bright; adventures in childhood, a magical flight. ‘Recipe for a Green Pea Monster’, explores the joys (and mess!) of cooking for, and feeding, a little one. My favourite in this collection is the title of the book ‘4 a.m. Raspberry Party’, with its clever use of rhyme, repetition and alliteration, this is a joy to read. ‘My Sister is an Owl’ is a sweet poem, about a girl who is adjusting to the arrival of a new baby sister ‘Coochi coo,’ the grown-ups ooh around the baby bed. I was number one before; now she’s the star, instead. 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood is a beautifully written collection of poetry for younger readers. The poems are silly, fun and a joy to read aloud, each capturing precious moments of childhood. The poems are accompanied with sing-along melodies on the authors website. The author encourages readers to sing-along and record musical versions of the poems, and to share their creativity online. The variety of poems introduces young readers to different poetic forms and styles, which will help to develop language skills and an appreciation for poetry. It is a book that children and their parents or caregivers can enjoy and sing-along together, creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. The delicate, hand painted water colour illustrations by Ella Elviana are simply stunning. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sensational, sweet, sing-along collection of poems, which celebrates the joy and innocence of childhood. A must-have for every child’s library or bookshelf. Purchase here

< Back Nadja Springer The Big Adventures Of A Little Tree: Tree Finds Hope Can a little tree find new hope after a devastating storm? By author Nadja Springer The little green tree stands all alone by the shore, waiting for the spring to arrive. As the snow melts away, he looks forward to the day his friends will return and they can play together in the sunshine. But there is a storm brewing, and the tree’s brothers and sisters must huddle together and shelter from the wind and the rain. Suddenly, the tree is hit by a bolt of lightning, which snaps off his favourite branch. Tree is sad he is broken, and worried what the others will think. His siblings and friends tell him they don’t care how he looks, and that they love him just the way he is. His friends wait patiently for his sadness to pass, and remain by his side, providing comfort and support. Day by day the tree takes small steps to recover, and day by day he starts to feel a little brighter. Then one day, just as tree has learnt to accept his new self, he spots a tiny leaf growing from his broken branch. The tiny green shoot gives new hope and life to the tree. He knows he cannot replace his broken branch, but he is given a new sense of purpose and pride as he cares and nurtures the new life. Tree Finds Hope by author Nadja Springer, is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book, and the second instalment in The Big Adventures of a Little Tree series. The tree faces a new challenge in the second book, when he is struck by lightening and disfigured. He is sad and depressed, and thinks that no one will love him because of the way he looks. His friends care for the tree during this time, waiting patiently for him to recover and providing comfort and support when he needs it. This is a fun and engaging read, beautifully written in rhyme. The fun tree characters and broken-branch analogy will help young children understand complex issues, such as body image, inclusion and diversity, and self-acceptance. The book will help young children to understand the importance of self-acceptance, and of accepting others just the way they are. It will encourage them to show kindness and compassion to others, and to care for others in need. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and illustrated picture book about inclusion and diversity. Purchase here

< Back Mary L Schmidt Her Alibi A heart-breaking story of survival, by author Mary Schmidt One of seven children, Mary tells the story of her childhood and growing up in a household where the children were neglected and abused by their mother, Marguerite. Mary describes the horrific mental and physical abuse she experienced and the trauma of living with a sociopath. Mary recalls her first memories of her mother’s rage, from around the age of two, when she was regularly beaten and force fed. She describes how she was often singled out by her mother throughout her childhood, and blamed for the misdemeanours of her siblings. Unfortunately, Marguerite’s abuse was never discovered by the authorities. From the outside, Marguerite was a warm, loving and attentive parent, but behind closed doors, she was a monster who terrorised her children, her husband, and even her own mother. While Mary describes a loving relationship with her father and grandmother, they could do little to intervene, help or protect the children, as they were subject to the same cruelty and feared the matriarch. As an adult, Mary distanced herself from her mother, as did most of her siblings. But one day, her mother unexpectedly visits her home and they spend several hours reconnecting and bonding. Mary had hoped for a reconciliation, but the next day she heard tragic news that her step father had been shot, and Mary questions the motivation for her mothers’ strange and sudden visit. Her Alibi is a heart-breaking novel and a memoir by author Mary L Schmidt. Mary describes the pain and trauma she suffered at the hands of her abusive mother, and the impact this had on her life, and the lives of her siblings. It is an open, honest and graphic account of child abuse, told through Mary’s own tragic lived experience. Whilst this is a deeply upsetting story, there is some comfort that Mary survived and was successful in her own life, despite her mother's maltreatment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling memoir about one woman’s lived experience of childhood abuse and trauma. Purchase here

< Back Kate Sweden Wrecked By You Book blurb... There were two problems with kissing Max Harrington. First—he kissed like sin. Second—he knew it. Now we’re stuck in Scotland together, and pretending it never happened is definitely not on the itinerary. Rayann Wilder has charm, connections, and one job: make sure a million-dollar pre-wedding celebration in the Scottish Highlands goes off without a hitch. But when her boss assigns the company's broody security chief to join her? Everything unravels fast. Max Harrington is ex-military, exasperating, and entirely too attractive for Rayann’s sanity. He follows rules. She makes her own. He’s planning for worst-case scenarios. She’s trying not to jump him in a castle hallway. And the worst part? The more they argue, the harder it is to remember why this was supposed to be a strictly professional trip. Tensions are high. The stakes are higher. And between ancient feuds, competitive games, and one very inconvenient suite-sharing situation… the line between enemies and lovers is about to disappear completely. Wrecked by You is a sexy, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy with snappy banter, forced proximity, and enough slow-burn tension to melt your passport. Perfect for readers who crave serious heat, sharp wit, and emotionally intelligent characters who know exactly how high the stakes are—especially when it comes to falling in love. 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 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 Kimberly A Perry Finley the Fairy Finley the Fairy escapes the forest to explore the human world . When all of the other fairies are tucked up in bed, Finley the Fairy sneaks out of her tree house, travels through the dark forest, and ventures into town. She finds a welcoming home, and with a little help from a garden gnome, she flutters inside. As the humans sleep peacefully in their beds, Finley explores their home. She has a quick snack from the pantry, she paints a picture with glitter, she plays with the human’s toys, and she even completes a few household chores. But as soon as the sun rises, Finley must head back to the forest before the humans and the other fairies wake from their slumber. Can she make it back in time without being noticed? And where will her next adventure take her? Finley the Fairy is an illustrated picture book for young children by author Kimberly A Perry and illustrated by Lau Frank. The book follows Finley, a little fairy who sneaks out of her bed at night to explore the forbidden human world. Finley is smart, mischievous, and adventurous, and young children will laugh out loud at her outrageous antics, as the humans sleep peacefully in their beds. This is a fun and delightful picture book which will help spark young children’s curiosity and imagination, as they wonder whether fairies really exist and what they might get up to in the middle of the night. Beautifully written in lyrical rhyme, with an adorable character and dreamy illustrations, this book is a bedtime treat for younger children and their caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and delightful picture book about a mischievous and adventurous little fairy, which will help spark young children’s curiosity and imagination. Purchase here

< Back David Kopacz A Bowl Full of Ideas for Inventive Minds A Bowl Full of Ideas for Inventive Minds is a collection of eighteen short stories / vignettes written by visionary healer, artist and founder of a global network of Sound Peace Chambers, Southern Ute elder Joseph Rael (Tiwa name, Tsluu-teh-koh-ay ‘Beautiful Painted Arrow’). The collection is curated by David R. Kopacz, MD and is designed to ‘stimulate inventiveness, creativity, and an appreciation for sacredness in everyday life’. Each story is centred on the four elements of life (earth, water, air, and fire), and the concept of the ‘bowl of life’. Mother Earth is a great big bowl, and all families live in little bowls. From early pioneers to the present day, people have settled in bowl-shaped landscapes to grow crops, graze cattle, and raise children. ‘ The Creator made Earth, Water, Air, and Fire and put them in a bowl and the bowl was shaped like a wheel. The Medicine Wheel holds together Earth, Water, Air, and Fire so that we and all things may live. We are made of these four things: earth, water, air, and fire—energies awakening us to vibrations of life.’ A Bowl Full of Ideas for Inventive Minds is a profound and deeply moving collection of traditional stories and teachings by Joseph Rael (Beautiful Painted Arrow) and David R. Kopacz, with artwork by Rael. The book presents a series of tales that explore the concept of the ‘bowl of life’, a metaphor of balance, connectedness and respect for Mother Earth. This is a stunning collection of stories and art, offering an introduction to the spiritual teachings of Rael, and an insight into the values and beliefs and the Southern Ute people. The abstract illustrations are vibrant and expressive, fully capturing the narrative and Rael’s spiritual teachings. The collection is perfect for readers of all ages who are interested in Native American art and storytelling, and a must read for anyone on a journey of self-discovery or spiritual growth. Star rating: 5 stars Summary : A profound and beautiful bowlful of Native American spirituality, wisdom, and art. 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

< Back Deborah S. Greenhut The Hoarder's Wife Inside the secret world of the hoarder, by debut author Deborah Greenhut Sixty-five-year-old Grace Berg receives a telephone call and is told that her ex-husband, and the father of her two children, Professor Ludwig Berg, has tragically taken his own life. As Grace grieves for the man she once loved, she reads her old journal and reflects on the life she shared with him. The signs were there from the start of their relationship. The clutter. The mess. The lack of empathy. The signs of disorder. Grace recalls how Ludwig took control of their finances and slowly accumulated lots of possessions, throwing their family home into disarray. The couple seek specialist help and Ludwig is diagnosed with adult ADHD, OCD, ODD, perfectionism, procrastination, and depression. But as Ludwig’s hoarding and anger escalates, Grace finally reaches breaking point and makes a heart-breaking decision to reclaim her life, after thirty-five years of marriage. The Hoarder’s Wife by Deborah Greenhut is an engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. Written as a series of journal entries, this is an intimate and personal story about one woman’s experience of living with someone with a severe mental illness, and the devasting impact of hoarding disorder on families and relationships. Greenhut writes about the disorder with sensitivity and compassion, describing Grace’s turmoil as she makes the most difficult decision of her life. This is a deeply moving and emotional story, and it will appeal to readers of women’s fiction and literary fiction. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here