< Back Ben Merrick Where the Valley Meets the Sky A fantasy tale about a nomadic clan, and their fight for survival. The nomadic, Achare clan, find their promised land and settle on a sheltered area on the plain of Kalanos. They live in relative peace, but their homes and existence remain under constant threat from neighbouring, warring clans. The Achare clan’s beliefs are steeped in superstition, and they distrust anyone who has survived a near death experience. As a young boy Rennik nearly lost his life in a drowning incident. He is feared and ostracised by his fellow clan members. Following his father’s untimely death, young Rennik is forced to grow up quickly and take responsibility for his mother and younger brother. At age eighteen, Rennik is a quiet, independent, young man and a talented hunter, who provides for his family but continues to be shunned by the community. When the Achare people are threatened by the warring clans, Rennik is forced to leave behind his mother and brother, to track down and hunt the enemy . He is sent out with a scouting party of the best Achare fighters , to assess the threat. As Rennik and the scouting party journey into the unknown, they are ambushed by neighbouring clans. Rennik survives the attack and manages to escape back to the village. But on his return, Rennik is thrust into a battle for leadership, where he must decide whether the clan should stay in their promised land or return back to a nomadic lifestyle. Where the Valley Meets the Sky, by author Ben Merrick, is an epic fantasy tale of a peaceful nomadic clan, and their relentless struggle for survival in the settlement they call their promised land. This is a captivating coming of age story about one clan member, a quiet and unassuming young man, who is reluctantly thrust into a leadership position. The book follows his journey from outcast to inspiring leader, as he attempts to lead his family and community out of danger. With superb storytelling and brilliant characterisation, this is an impressive fantasy fiction novel that packs more than a punch. A must read for any fantasy fiction enthusiast. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic fantasy fiction novel, about the relentless struggle for survival amongst a peaceful, nomadic clan. Superbly written by Ben Merrick. Purchase here

< Back Anne Angelo Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass A young woman leaves the Scottish Highlands, in search of a new life in France. Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass is a memoir by Anne Angelo about her life growing up in rural Scotland. This is the first volume of a two-part series and follows her journey from early childhood through to her mid-twenties. Angelo was born in 1913 in Invergordon, in the Scottish Highlands. Her father was an Italian mechanical engineer working in Scotland, and her mother was from a wealthy French family. They met at a motor car rally in Bordeaux, and were married a few weeks later after a short, whirlwind, romance. But when her mother’s family learn of her father’s intentions to live off his wife’s wealth, they cut her off from the family’s assets. The couple returned to Scotland and Angelo’s father became increasingly angry and bitter about their predicament. He was verbally and physically abusive towards his wife and children, and even tried to arrange a marriage for Angelo. Angelo takes a job as a governess for a wealthy widower in France to escape her father and to “become a new person”. She moves to Lille and experiences what life is like in the upper echelons of French society. But as another war looms in Europe, Angelo is forced to return back to Scotland. Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass is a captivating memoir by Anne Angelo, about her life growing up in the Scottish Highlands. Written from her own manuscripts, this is an intriguing and heartfelt novel about one young woman’s fight to make a better life for herself. The book provides a fascinating insight into life as a young woman growing up in the early part of the 20th century, and the differences between life in rural Scotland and France. Angelo was physically and emotionally abused throughout her childhood, and experienced significant financial hardships, but she was never bitter about her father or her life. Ultimately, this is a story of empowerment and strength, as Angelo finds the courage to leave her family home and attempts to rebuild a new life for herself. Readers can follow the rest of Anne Angelo’s journey in the second volume. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt glimpse into the life of the author, and the experiences that shaped her formative years. Purchase here

< Back James Richard Hansen Moonlight in My Eyes: Poems Book blurb... In Moonlight in My Eyes, poet James Richard Hansen illuminates 2023 with exquisite depictions of nature. Through 55 poems, the moon, stars, wind, sea, and occasional sun blend with words, painting nuances of his emotions. Embracing life's moods, shades, and spirit, the short poems form a symphony of insights. Upon each reread, the visitor delves into new depths, feeling the poet's words resonate. Each line and image triggers sympathetic harmonies, akin to classical music, evoking complex emotional responses. These poems, with clear yet profound language, embrace a spectrum of passions, inviting repeated readings that unveil the poet's soul and the reader's yearnings. Purchase here

< Back David Parish The Twitter Gospels An Italian seminarian is sent on a mission to East Jerusalem to protect the Catholic Church. Paolo Venticinque is an Italian seminarian working towards becoming a Jesuit priest. He has been relieved of his teaching duties and sent on a mission to East Jerusalem to investigate a number of hospital reports, where men have been admitted claiming to be Jesus Christ. They are inflicted with a unique psychiatric phenomenon called The Jerusalem Syndrome, where visitors to the city develop a sudden and intense religious psychosis. A twitter account, @ilvangelofinale, is believed to be controlled by one of the hospital patients and has quickly amassed millions of followers. The twitter account represents a significant risk to the Catholic Church and its ‘brand.’ Venticinque’s task is to visit the hospital, question the patients, and identify the creator of the Twitter account. He interviews each patient, but concludes they are unlikely to be behind a coherent social media campaign. But when the tweets lead to mass gatherings across the world, the investigation becomes more intense. One patient named Malcolm Garrity admits to being @ilvangelofinale and claims a hospital orderly managed the Twitter account on his behalf. A deal is done with a Bishop, and the Vatican takes control of the Twitter account. Venticinque is suspicious but agrees to return to Rome to manage the account and tend to its thirteen million followers. Meanwhile, there is an assassination attempt on the Pope, and Venticinque is drafted in to put pressure on the would-be assassin to expose any co-conspirators. As Venticinque learns more about the attempted assassination, he discovers a connection to the Bishop responsible for the Garrity deal. He returns to Jerusalem to uncover the truth about Garrity and the mysterious Twitter account. The Twitter Gospels by David Parish is a tense and gripping novel, about a social media campaign that threatens the very existence of the Catholic Church. Paolo Venticinque, a dedicated seminarian, is tasked with investigating the case, and unwittingly becomes embroiled in a corruption scandal. Parish presents a compelling novel that blends the traditions of the church with the modern dilemmas of the digital age. He challenges readers to ponder difficult questions about faith, power and corruption. A must read for fans of thrillers, or anyone interested in faith and the balance of power and integrity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An intriguing, twisty, and thought-provoking tale of faith, power and corruption. Purchase here

< Back Dr Haseena Chokkiyil The Kintsugi Moms: Transformative Insights from a Healers Diary A collection of stories of single mothers and their path to holistic healing. The Kintsugi Moms: Transformative Insights from a Healers Diary is a memoir / self-help book by Dr Haseena Chokkiyil about the many challenges single mothers face as they raise their children alone. Chokkiyil uses the term ‘Kintsugi’ as a metaphor to describe women’s experiences of trauma and healing. ‘Kintsugi’ is an ancient Japanese art that involves mending and fixing broken pieces of pottery with gold and lacquer, thus accentuating its cracks rather than hiding them. She explains how all single mothers have gone through a broken phase, but all can be remoulded and can go on to live a happy and fulfilled life. Chokkiyil describes how she was able to mend the broken cracks in her own life, and how she was fortunate to have the opportunity to mend the broken cracks in other women’s life, as a holistic healer. In each chapter Chokkiyil shares the story of one woman, her life and the circumstances which led her to seek healing from Chokkiyil. Chokkiyil discusses the homeopathic remedies and strategies that she used to support each woman. She draws on her own personal challenges, and her twenty-seven years of experience as a holistic healer. She offers hints, tips, and tools to help other women who may be going through a similar experience. Examples include gratitude journalling, visualisation techniques, exercise and nutrition, breathwork and meditation. The Kintsugi Moms: Transformative Insights is a collection of stories of single mothers, by Dr Haseena Chokkiyil. This is a powerful and heartfelt book about the experience of being a single mom in a patriarchal society, and the impact of marriage, divorce, separation on women and children. It describes the challenges faced by single mothers and the shame and stigma that still exists in society today. The book deals sensitively with issues of physical violence, control, manipulation, sexual assault, and mental health. This book will provide inspiration, courage and hope to women who have been through divorce, separation, and who are raising their children alone. The book demonstrates the benefits of holistic healing methods, and will help readers to overcome their own challenges, including seeking expert help when needed. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An honest and authentic collection of stories and a source of inspiration for single mothers everywhere. Purchase here

< Back Juliet Rose Prick of the Needle Can Wren leave her troubled past behind her, to live a more simple and sustainable way of life? Twenty something Wren (Gretchen) Meyer was heavily bullied as a teenager. Seeking love and self-acceptance, she fell into a wrong crowd at school and became involved in illegal drugs. Her boyfriend, Gabe, died tragically in her bed of a heroin overdose. Overcome with grief for her first love, Wren falls into a deep depression, and spirals further into drug addiction. When the property she is squatting in is raided by the police, Wren is arrested, charged and sentenced to eight years in the state penitentiary. During her prison sentence, Wren enrols in a program to learn how to become a wildland firefighter. Soon after her release, she is offered a paid position with the fire department, and becomes a crew supervisor, tackling wildfires across Arizona. Wren meets new friends, and is happy and content in her role, but her depression and addiction never leave her, and she battles every day to stay clean. When a new crew arrives to help tackle the wildfires that are sweeping out of control, Wren meets Elijah, a Native American fire fighter, and single father, from the Navajo Nation. Both have been hurt previously and are afraid of commitment, but their relationship slowly blossoms over time, and they fall in love. When Wren has to leave town following her father’s sudden death, Elijah realises that he cannot live without her. He develops a plan to leave the fire service, and to make a living off the land as an ‘agricultural warrior’. Will Wren leave the job she loves and friends she adores and join Elijah? Can she leave her troubled past behind her, to live a more simple and sustainable way of life? And how can she use her own experiences of addiction, depression, and incarceration, to support others? Prick of the Needle by Juliet Rose is a wonderful novel about two young adults who must learn how to conquer their own fears, pain and trauma, to move forward in their lives together. This is a heart warming love story, with great characterisation, a unique setting, and an imaginative plot. The book highlights some of the stressors and pressures on young people today, and the great work being done to help rehabilitate offenders and provide meaningful jobs after release. The book also provides a fascinating insight into regenerative agriculture, that certainly made me question my own life choices. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful love story, with great characterisation, a unique setting, and an imaginative plot. Purchase here

< Back Rusty Reece The Warrior & The Dragon Book blurb... In the wake of the exhausting Succession War, Jason seeks solace in Smoky Springs, only to find himself entangled in a dangerous prophecy. Tasked with delivering an ancient athame, Jason must unlock his hidden magic while evading the sinister necromancer Erlender, who craves the kalasha he carries. Joined by Akela - a powerful wolf shapeshifter - and thrust into a world of transformation, Jason becomes a dragon, a warrior, and a reluctant hero. As he teaches the community to stand strong, they band together to fend off brutal attacks, discovering courage they never knew they had. But when Erlender's chilling whisper darkens the valley, Jason must confront his greatest fear: the choice between his personal quest and the safety of those he loves. Will he rise as the true hero Smoky Springs needs? Purchase here

< Back Michael Swerdloff Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters: From Mobster to Reiki Master Book blurb... This is a story about a boy who wanted to be kind and loving but was raised by wolves and monsters who taught him to choose violence and aggression. As the boy grew into a man, he wanted to protect women, but ended up being the one girls and women needed protection from. He lied, cheated, and scammed his way through life until he couldn't. This memoir is his moving account of discovering healthy masculinity from the inside out. His journey has been sensational at times and unbelievable at others, but for many readers, it has been absolutely inspiring. Will the hungry wolves outlast the desire to be loving and beautiful? Can men truly change? There is hope in witnessing the depth and commitment of a person willing to try to be better without knowing exactly how. This memoir captures one man’s struggle to transcend his past and imagine an entirely new future for himself, premised on compassion, care, and advocacy. We do not have to be what they did to us, but it's our responsibility to do something about it. A stirring memoir about childhood abuse and trauma, violence against women, addiction, recovery, spirituality, hope, and a balanced, healthy masculinity. An extraordinary journey that includes 10 days with the Dalai Lama, a four-month silent retreat, and a solo backpacking expedition in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. If you are ready for a raw and impactful memoir with redemption and transformation through personal and spiritual healing, Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters is that memoir! Purchase here

< Back Corinne Westbrook The Hollow One The Hollow One by Corinne Westbrook is a chilling and poignant novel, exploring grief, neglect, and the haunting presence of loss. Set in a decaying home on the edge of a forest, the story follows Ellie, a young girl burdened with the care of her infant brother, Sam, as she struggles to navigate a world of abandonment, isolation, and creeping dread. Westbrook’s writing is deeply atmospheric, immersing readers in a world where the house itself feels alive, and the woods loom as a sinister force. Ellie is a compelling protagonist, a child forced to grow up too quickly in the absence of parental care. Her resilience and vulnerability are palpable, making her journey both heart-breaking and relatable. Her mother, a figure consumed by her own struggles, is a tragic character whose neglect leaves Ellie to shoulder the weight of responsibility for her brother. The eerie figure of her father—or what appears to be him—adds layers of tension and emotional complexity, as Ellie grapples with her longing for connection and the fear of what he truly represents. Ellie’s longing for safety and love drives the narrative, and her interactions with the sinister figure of her father highlight the blurred lines between love, fear, and desperation. The novel’s supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the story, creating a sense of psychological horror that is both terrifying and tragic. The creature that takes on the guise of Ellie’s father is a chilling embodiment of her grief and longing, and its presence in the story is haunting. Westbrook’s ability to blend the supernatural with reality makes this novel a haunting and unforgettable experience. Highly recommended for those who appreciate a slow-burn, emotionally charged horror story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and deeply unsettling debut that will resonate with fans of dark, character-driven narratives. Purchase here

< Back S.D. Huston A Curse of Wings & Gems: A Cursed Royals Fantasy Romance Book blurb... She yearns to belong. He hungers to escape torment. Drawn together by destiny, can this enchanted pair survive to claim an undying love? Princess Emira bears a terrible secret. Suffering in isolation to protect the world from her deadly magic, the defiant mermaid longs for connection. And determined to evade an arranged marriage and be free of her curse, she reluctantly agrees to the Sea Witch's demands to steal from a handsome dragon monarch. King Edmar keeps a protective wing over his kingdom. Fated to marry at random or unleash eternal winter, the stoic royal never expected to fish a lovely creature from his past out of the sea. And aware that following his heart will spark an icy doom, the draconic ruler refuses to give in to the passion she arouses. Growing closer to the mysterious noble, Emira questions whether she can go through with her bargain of betrayal. And while Edmar faces political tensions and looming threats, dark forces seek to exploit his attraction to the forbidden beauty. Can they snap the chains binding their souls and embrace a happily ever after? A Curse of Wings & Gems is a sensual standalone story in the Brides of the Dragon Kings fantasy romance series. If you like heroes who endure, traitorous villains, and complex stakes, then you'll adore S.D. Huston's intricately woven tale. Purchase here

< Back Mahika Goswami Growing Pains Growing Pains is a deeply introspective collection of poetry by Mahika Ray Goswami, exploring themes of trauma, self-discovery, healing, and transformation. The collection is structured across four stages (inertia, displacement, resonance, and momentum) to mirror the nonlinear path of recovery, with shifts in tone from despair to hope. Inertia explores the feeling of being stuck—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—while yearning for movement and change. Displacement delves into the emotional and psychological consequences of feeling uprooted, alienated, and disconnected from one’s sense of self and belonging. Resonance explores how individual experiences begin to echo beyond the self, creating emotional ripples that touch others and reshape relationships. Momentum shifts from introspection to action and captures the forward movement, channelling pain into growth. One of the manuscript’s strengths lies in its ability to balance vulnerability with empowerment. It emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty, portraying pain not as weakness but as a necessary part of healing. The tone shifts fluidly between melancholy and hope, creating a rhythm that mirrors the unpredictable nature of healing. The poems invite readers into Goswami’s inner world while also encouraging them to confront their own vulnerabilities. The writing is raw and confessional, capturing every ache and restless moment that shapes who we become. Goswami often uses nature-based imagery—such as flowers, seasons, and celestial bodies—to symbolize growth and renewal. Overall, Growing Pains is a poignant and courageous collection of poetry that speaks to anyone who has grappled with inner turmoil and sought meaning in the middle of chaos. It’s not just a personal narrative—it’s a universal meditation on what it means to feel pain, grow, and heal. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A deeply poignant, courageous, and introspective collection of poetry about what it means to feel pain, grow, and heal. Purchase here

< Back Elizabeth H. Cottrell HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and INspire Author Elizabeth H. Cottrell demonstrates how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a guidebook by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell about how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Cottrell explains how handwritten notes have been effective, meaningful tools for connection throughout her life. She shares her experience of writing personal and professional notes, and offers advice and guidance to help readers find and write their own words. The book is divided into six key sections. In Chapter 1, Cottrell explains why she wrote the book, and discusses the history of note writing. In Chapter 2 she describes how note writing can build deeper and more meaningful connections with people. Chapter 3 describes her secret NOTES formula for note writing, and Chapter 4 examine how to apply the formula in different scenarios. In Chapter 5, Cottrell provides examples of notes in less common or difficult situations. Chapter 6 demonstrates how to apply the same principles to business and professional correspondence. The remaining chapters and appendices include a variety of tools and tips, and further resources to help readers on their personal note writing journey. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a beautifully written and insightful book by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell. Cottrell shares her own personal experiences and describes the power of note writing to connect, comfort, encourage, and inspire. The book provides insight, advice, hints and tips, and helpful tools, to help readers craft meaningful and impactful notes for any occasion. With a simple and easy to follow NOTES formula, the book will help develop readers confidence and skills in note writing. The book is a comprehensive and valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their note writing skills, and will appeal to any reader interested in note writing, in either a personal or professional capacity. I hope this beautiful book will inspire a love of this art-form. Cottrell’s expertise in note writing, and her passion for more meaningful communication, shines throughout this book. Cottrell speaks from the heart and this book is very special. Truly heart spoken. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A definitive guide to more meaningful and impactful communication through the art of note writing. Purchase here