< Back Hannah Sward STRIP: A MEMOIR Author Hannah Sward tells the story of her life and work in the sex industry. Hannah Sward was abandoned by her mother at the age of two, and brought up by her father, poet Robert Sward. Hannah lived on a houseboat near Victoria, Lasqueti Island, with no cars, stores, and few people. Hannah describes a simple life, living off the land and sea, with fun filled summers spent in Florida with her mother and her half-sister, Rilke. Hannah dreamed of becoming an actress or dancer, and made a pledge with her sister to move to California when they were older. When her father leaves for a trip to India, Hannah is left with his girlfriend, Alina, but spends much of her time alone. One day, while playing at a park alone, Hannah is abducted by a man in a brown car and sexually assaulted. The police are called, and Hannah is examined, but no-one mentions the incident again. Her father and Alina marry, and Alina has a baby boy named Alex. When Hannah and Alex are left alone with a young male babysitter, Hannah is repeatedly sexually abused in the family home. At the age of twenty-two, after studying in Montreal, working as an escort in Chicago, and living with an older man in Miami, Hannah moved to Los Angeles with her sister. But their dreams of becoming successful actresses did not work out as planned, as Rilke worked as a burlesque dancer, while Hannah found more work as an escort. As Hannah struggles to make ends meet, she turns to crystal meth to help cope with her reality. She finds a respectable office job and starts to see a therapist, but jeopardises both when she replaces her drug of choice with alcohol. As Hannah spirals further into addiction, she must confront her past to move forward with her life. Strip: A Memoir, is a deeply moving and personal memoir by Hannah Sward about her childhood growing up in the 1970’s, and her adult life working as a stripper and escort in Los Angeles. Sward’s writing is raw, honest, and at times difficult to read. She describes the pain of being abandoned by her mother, the enduring trauma of abuse, the reality of sex work, and the impact of drug addiction. But she does not dwell on any of these incidents, she does not criticise, and she does not blame. She describes her experience in her own words, with no judgment of others. Sward’s story is heart-breaking. Her journey is inspiring. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply moving and personal memoir about one woman’s life working as a stripper and escort in Los Angeles. Purchase here

< 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 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 Stephen Alder Deehabta's Song One woman’s journey to find her true self, from author Stephen Alder Deehabta’s Song is set on the futuristic planet of Erunanta (Roon). We first meet the main character Krissa in 4025 AFS (After First Settlement), in her sixties, one day away from retirement as a government official in the Great Library. As Krissa looks forward to a new chapter in her life, she decides to bring in a roommate, and a young woman named Jo moves into her home. We next see Krissa as a young woman in her thirties, in 3995 AFS, where she teaches a style of martial arts which has originated from the neighbouring planet, Caderyn. We learn that this fighting style was banned following the interplanetary war between Roon and Caderyn, due to the prohibition against the spread of Caderyn military tactics. As a result, Krissa is subjected to harassment and abuse by the EPF (Emperor’s Protection Force). Back in 4025, Krissa is troubled and experiences unusual feelings and nightmares, as a result of her experiences during the war. Jo notices that Krissa possesses mysterious qualities and supports her to travel back to Caderyn where she learns the truth about her real identity and is finally set free from her past trauma. Deehabta’s song by Stephen Alder is an imaginative and thrilling science fantasy novel, set in a futuristic world, over two time periods. This is a well written and cleverly crafted story, with a gripping, well-developed plot, and relatable, realistic characters. Alder has created a rich, futuristic world and he builds momentum and suspense through movement between two different time periods. The book will appeal to those who enjoy both science fiction and fantasy. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A cleverly crafted story, with a gripping plot, and realistic characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Scott Tomlinson Letters to my Dog Book blurb... Letters To My Dog is a collection of poems. They are heartfelt declarations of the connections of owners to their dogs. They tell of the beauty of having a dog in your life, the unconditional love that a dog brings. The companionship of an animal that brings such joy to people. It also tells of the crushing feeling of losing a dog when they pass, no longer a part of your life. The emptiness it brings, the absence of such a beautiful part of your life that no longer exists. They encompass all that having a dog in your life is about, the joy, the love and the sadness. Thankfully dogs exist, for the world is a more beautiful place with dogs in it and part of our lives. Purchase here

< Back Marieke Lexmond The Magical Tarot Deck A spellbinding second instalment of the Madigan Chronicles, from author Marieke Lexmond In the second instalment of the Madigan Chronicles, Tara and her family are relieved when the Dagger of Consciousness, an artefact stolen by her evil twin sister Lucy, is recovered, and hidden safely away in a magical tarot card deck. The tarot deck, created by Tara’s husband Seamus, comprises twenty-two cards, and each card embodies a member of Madigan family. When someone draws a card from the deck, the card comes to life and the person painted on the card disappears from real life until they fulfil the question of the person who drew card. But, while Tara’s daughter Ceri is stuck in Fairyland, Lucy’s grandson, Cal, finds and steals the tarot cards and hands them over to Lucy. Lucy, set out on revenge, sees an opportunity to destroy the family and retrieve the dagger. The Madigan’s must stop Lucy before she uses their own tarot magic against them. The Magical Tarot Deck by Marieke Lexmond is an enchanting fantasy fiction novel, full of sorcery, mystery, and magic. Lexmond has written a truly unique and imaginative story, where the reader can escape to a wonderful, magical world of fairies and witches. This is a complex and fast paced story, but very easy to read. With a great plot and well-developed characters, each with their own distinctive personality traits, fantasy fiction fans will love this. You don’t need to read the first book in the series (although it is recommended) as the author provides a brief and useful summary of the previous events. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A unique and imaginative story, where the reader can escape to a wonderful, magical world of fairies and witches. A FINALIST Purchase here

< Back Kate Grant No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth is a memoir by Kate Grant about her life and work with the Fistula Foundation, a not for profit organisation set up to provide life-transforming surgery for women with obstetric fistula. Fistula is a debilitating childbirth injury, which can leave a woman incontinent and, as a result, often abandoned by her family and shunned by her community. With a background in advertising, Grant was keen to put her skills to use in the nonprofit sector. She completed a master’s degree in public affairs and found work at the United States Agency for International Development, where she met her first fistula patient at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, led by Dr. Hamlin. She later met Ric Haas, the founder of the Fistula Foundation, and was asked to join the board to support Dr. Hamlin’s work. In 2005, Grant became the Fistula Foundation’s first Chief Executive, and led the expansion of the Foundation from supporting one hospital in Ethiopia, to become the global leader in fistula treatment, supporting women in more than 30 countries across Africa and Asia. No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth is a candid and inspiring memoir, which captures Kate Grant’s personal journey, with a powerful account of women’s health inequalities and global health advocacy. Grant’s journey, from corporate advertising to becoming a leading voice for women suffering from debilitating obstetric fistula, is marked by dogged determination, endless energy, and enduring empathy for women impacted by this debilitating condition. Grant’s reflections on leading a global non profit organisation, developing partnerships with local healthcare providers and fundraising under pressure, offer valuable lessons for anyone working in, or interested in, global health and international development issues. The book humanizes and destigmatizes a medical condition that affects hundreds of thousands of women in the developing world. Grant shares personal stories of many women whose lives were transformed following surgery. Their stories are heart breaking, yet uplifting, and shine a much needed light on women’s health and obstetric fistula in vulnerable populations. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and deeply moving memoir that shines a much needed light on obstetric fistula. Purchase here

< Back Dillon W. Buck The Stonecaster: A Modern Parable About Intention, Response, and the Ripples We Create Book blurb... Clarity creates freedom. James is stuck. He feels misunderstood and mistreated, captive to patterns he cannot escape. Every setback feels personal. Every day is beyond his control—until he encounters a mysterious mentor. Through a series of subtle lessons and quiet revelations divulged in his dreams, James realizes how his thoughts, assumptions, and emotional reactions have shaped his experiences all along. He begins to unroot deep-seated beliefs and release the weight of perceived injustice to expose an invaluable truth: accountability creates peace. In The Stonecaster, Dillon W. Buck invites readers to join James on his journey and look inward, recognize themselves, and reconsider the narratives that quietly govern their lives. This contemporary parable illustrates how to focus on what counts and stop tying self-worth to achievement. Reflective, transformative, and a powerful examination of breaking free from destructive patterns, The Stonecaster is the story of learning to replace the pursuit of perception with the discovery of true fulfillment. Purchase here

< Back Alayne Smith The December Postcards Reeda (“Ree”) Jones lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia, with her father James, and her thirteen-year-old daughter, Virginia. Ree is a reporter for a local newspaper, covering four to five stories a day on local issues. Her husband, Mason, was killed shortly after they were married while serving in the Army Air Corp in North Korea. Her mother, Mildred, was murdered thirty years ago, when Ree was just twelve-years old. James’ brother (Ree’s uncle), Richard, was accused of her mother’s murder, but he mysteriously disappeared just before the trial. Ree and her father struggled to come to terms with her death, but never believed Richard was capable or responsible for her murder. Since the year after Mildred’s death, James had received an anonymous postcard every December. The postcards were sent from all over Europe and North America, and James believed they were sent by Richard. As James looks through the collection of old postcards again, Ree decides to try and find her uncle. She hopes to clear Richard’s name, and bring the real perpetrator to justice. Ree visits the location of several postcards, and discovers a connection between her mother’s murder, and an infamous serial killer. As Ree learns more about her mothers life, and the tragic circumstances of her death, she receives a mysterious letter that puts her life in imminent danger. The December Postcards is an intriguing family saga and murder mystery novel, by author Alayne Smith. Set in the early 1960’s against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the book follows a reporter who reluctantly investigates her own mothers murder. As she learns more about her mother’s death, she uncovers dark secrets that have been buried for over thirty years. Ree is a compelling protagonist; flawed and vulnerable, yet strong and determined. The mystery itself is well paced, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Readers who enjoy murder mysteries, and thought-provoking fiction that is rich in historical detail, will enjoy this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An intriguing family saga and murder mystery novel, with a unique and fascinating plot and interesting characters. 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 Brittany Severn Ancora, Book One Book blurb... Pippa Wilder thought that being struck by lightning and being dead for fourteen minutes would be the worst thing that would happen to her… But when she begins to see ghosts, she has to wonder what this new gift, or curse, could mean for her future. With her newfound abilities, Pippa meets Shazo, who works in Ancora–a notorious suicide forest in Alabama–searching for those who have ventured inside. He entices her into the role of a ghost whisperer tasked with helping lost souls cross over. Leaving behind her familiar life, Pippa takes her chances in Alabama, where she meets Felix Murdock, a hearse-driving member of the crew at Ancora. Despite his reserved demeanor, a magnetic attraction kindles between them, fueled by his gentle heart. As the trio seamlessly works in service of the dying and the dead, Pippa falls into her role as she begins to accept her new abilities. But a sinister twist emerges when bodies that appear to have been slaughtered surface, leading to the unsettling belief that there might be a killer on the loose. And then she meets a ghost–Fin –who changes everything. Purchase here

< Back Jessica Anne Pressler Traitor Within: How her Fear of Abandonment Led her to Abandon Herself Book blurb... On a dark stretch of highway, Cassandra Kurtz is left alone — terrified, abandoned. But this is not the beginning of her story. It is her pattern. The cycle of manipulative and abusive relationships begins when Cassie is just fifteen, on a date with a college guy she barely knows. As the adopted daughter of a state senator and an emotionally cold mother, she is already battling a feeling of not belonging when she falls for Al, four years her senior. Her journey leads her to meet her birth mother, endure sexual harassment from her boss, and lose her virginity to Al — and slowly, Cassie evolves into a woman held captive by her own fear of abandonment, which keeps pulling her back into relationships that promise the love she craves but will never give it to her. Every decision seems fueled by fear, doubt, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Will she ever find a way to break free of her internal cycles and come home to herself? Traitor Within is a poignant story of a woman led into a painful life shaped by self-sabotage and hidden trauma. Purchase here