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< Back Melissa Fors Shackelford Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer's Guide to Inspiring Connection Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection is a marketing and leadership guidebook by Melissa Fors Shackelford, a seasoned marketing executive and advisor with over two decades of experience. Shackelford explains that marketing is not just about selling products but about aligning a brand’s values and mission with its strategies to foster trust, loyalty, and societal impact. She highlights the importance of discovering a brand’s purpose, which serves as a guiding force for decision-making and customer engagement. Through real-world examples, Shackelford illustrates how purpose-driven brands build loyalty, enhance reputation, and achieve sustainable growth. Leadership is presented as the cornerstone of purpose, with leaders inspiring teams, making ethical decisions, and fostering authenticity. Shackelford provides actionable strategies for crafting purpose-driven campaigns, such as storytelling, social media engagement, and community-focused initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of measuring the impact of purpose through metrics like brand sentiment and customer loyalty. The book advocates for marketing as a meaningful profession and urges leaders to embrace purpose as a compass for creating lasting connections and driving positive change in their organizations and communities. Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection is a comprehensive and engaging guidebook, for marketing professionals, business leaders and entrepreneurs. Shackelford masterfully combines real-world insights, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories to show how purpose-driven marketing can transform businesses and foster authentic connections. With its focus on inclusivity, resilience, and ethical leadership, this book is a powerful resource for anyone looking to align their work with their values and create lasting change. A must-read for both new and experienced marketers and business leaders seeking to foster meaningful connections and lead with authenticity and purpose. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A practical and insightful guidebook that empowers marketers and leaders to build authentic connections, drive societal impact, and achieve sustainable growth. Purchase here

< Back Eddie W Runde Shadow of the Deceiver: The Genesis Trust, Book 3 Wayne Runde’s Shadow of the Deceiver is a compelling blend of science fiction and Christian allegory, offering a thought-provoking exploration of faith, redemption, and the battle between truth and deception. The novel is set in a dystopian future where technology dazzles society, but communities are fractured by the manipulative ideology of the Falcon, an enigmatic leader who twists faith into a tool for control and fear. The story follows Chris and Brianna Ballanger, newlyweds returning from Atlantis, as they embark on a mission to restore truth and faith in a world consumed by fear and false ideologies. The protagonists, Chris and Brianna, are portrayed as steadfast and compassionate leaders, embodying virtues of faith, love, and perseverance. Their interactions with villagers emphasize the importance of seeking truth and embracing faith as a personal journey. Runde’s writing is immersive, with detailed world-building that brings the dystopian setting to life. The pacing is well-balanced, blending moments of quiet reflection with intense action sequences, such as the climactic battles at Base Two and Base Three. The inclusion of scripture and hymns enriches the narrative, reinforcing its spiritual undertones and leaving readers with a sense of hope and purpose. The novel delves into philosophical and spiritual aspects of faith, exploring how it can be twisted into fear and control or used as a foundation for freedom and unity. The dialogue is thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the role of truth in overcoming fear and manipulation. While deeply rooted in Christian themes, Shadow of the Deceiver avoids being preachy, focusing instead on universal struggles between light and darkness, fear and truth. The book challenges readers to think deeply about their beliefs and offers valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of modern life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and inspiring read for fans of science fiction and faith-based fiction alike. Purchase here

< Back Nancy Jean Exploring is NOT for Me!: A Humorous, Perspective-Taking Outdoor Adventure for Kids George is not looking forward to the outdoor adventure at the ‘Ruffin It Camphound’, planned by his mom. He thinks it will be dull and boring. Gemma, on the other hand, is super excited and looking forward to playing with her paw friends in the park. When they arrive at the campsite, Gemma puts on her special spy glasses to look for treasure, while George is reluctant to leave his tent. ‘Exploring is NOT for me!’ George cries. Poor George cannot get comfortable in his bed and is not having the best time at camp. The next day, while Gemma is out searching for treasure, George notices she has left her special spy glasses behind. He heads out to find her, and reluctantly becomes involved in the search. He doesn’t like the cold water, or climbing the rocks, but he is determined to help Gemma win the grand prize. With a little guidance from Gemma, George conquers his fears and soon discovers that outdoor adventures are not so dull and boring after all. Exploring is NOT for Me!: A Humorous, Perspective-Taking Outdoor Adventure for Kids is a fun and interactive picture book for young readers by author Nancy Jean. The book follows the adventures of George, a pup who does not enjoy the outdoors. George is a cute and funny little pup, with a unique personality. He knows what he likes, and will not be forced into anything he doesn’t like! Many young children do not enjoy certain activities, and the book provides reassurance that it is okay not to join in. It will give young ones the confidence to say no, and to sit out when they don’t feel comfortable in an activity, but it will also help them to develop the courage to try out new activities. With lots of fun facts and interactive activities, this is the perfect book to get children interested in the outdoors. I particularly enjoyed the whimsical illustrations by Lucy Shin, who captured George’s unique personality perfectly. A joy to read for both children and adults, and I hope there will be more adventures of George and Gemma to come very soon. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and humorous interactive picture book, about a cute little pup who attempts to conquer his fears of the outdoors. Purchase here

< Back Michael and Nicole Collazo Cozy Critters on the Ark A contemporary twist on the Noah’s Ark story, for young readers. Rufi is a little mouse who believes that hard work makes a happy home. One day, the pipes burst in his house, and Rufi is forced to build a new home. As he searches for a perfect spot to build a new home in the forest, Rufi meets Noah. Noah explains that a storm is on the way, and he is building a big boat to keep all of earth's creatures safe during the storm. Noah invites Rufi to join him and help build the boat. Rufi wastes no time and gets straight to work on the boat. He works tirelessly to get the boat finished and the Ark sets sail, with a pair of all living creatures on earth. On board, Rufi works day and night to take care of all the creatures and becomes good friends with the humans and other critters. But one day, a pipe bursts on the boat and Rufi is nearly swept away. The critters put aside their differences and join together to help Rufi to safety. Rufi fixes the pipe and soon begins to realise that it is not hard work that makes a happy home, it is friendship and love. Cozy Critters on the Ark is an illustrated picture book for young children by Michael and Nicole Collazo, based on the story of Noah’s Ark. A lone, little mouse named Rufi unexpectedly finds his way on board the Ark. He works tirelessly to help all the humans and creatures on board, and makes lots of new friends. As Rufi finds a sense of purpose and belonging on the boat, all the humans and creatures learn how to coexist and live together. They put aside their differences and work together to save life on earth. The book is a great resource for parents and educators to help young children learn about the biblical story and core Christian values. The vibrant, cartoon-like illustrations bring the biblical story to life and the sweet mouse character will appeal to young readers. A captivating and entertaining read for young-ones and adults alike, and a poignant and timely reminder of the importance of friendship, unity, and collaboration. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An endearing little mouse collaborates with humans and other creatures, to build an Ark and save life on earth. Purchase here

< Back Dashawn Mayweather The Broken Gavel: A Sneak Peek Book blurb... The Broken Gavel: A Sneak Peek offers readers a first look into a powerful memoir that blends personal narrative with legal case study. In this preview, Dashawn Mayweather introduces the journey that will ultimately unfold in her full-length book, a journey marked by betrayal, malpractice, and the resilience it takes to face a system designed to silence. Through sharp reflection and raw honesty, Mayweather gives readers a glimpse into the high cost of injustice while planting the seeds of accountability and reform. This sneak peek is not just a sample; it's a promise of what's to come - a larger story that will challenge institutions, inspire resilience, and spark conversations about truth, legacy, and justice. More than a preview, The Broken Gavel: A Sneak Peek is an invitation: to witness the cracks in the system, to recognize the resilience born from struggle, and to prepare for the full force of a memoir that will reshape how we see justice. Purchase here

The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie < Back Mark Bryan The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie A young student of Asgardian magick must learn how to control her powers, and the darkness within her, to help save Asgard from an evil curse, by author Mark Bryan. This book retells the story of the Asgardians, the inhabitants of Asgard, a fictional realm from Norse mythology and the home of the Norse Gods and Goddesses. Teenager, Amanda West, a student of Asgardian magick, and one of a handful of the Favoured of Asgard, is busy helping the Light Elves with a swarm of Hel bees, when a powerful and deadly curse spreads throughout the Nine Realms. The curse, released by the Hel and Wild Hunt, infects people at random, causing fever and madness. Amanda performs a spell to try and stop the curse, but inadvertently sets it loose, wreaking havoc across the Nine Realms. Amanda must master new spells and learn how to control her powers, and the darkness within her, to help the Valkyrie and save the realms from the dark evil. The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie by author Mark Bryan is an imaginative, well written, and cleverly crafted fantasy fiction novel, with a complex and gripping plot. Mark Bryan has created a mesmerising, magical, fantasy world, with well-developed and likeable characters. With a strong female protagonist, Amanda, it was great to see the character grow and develop as she battled to protect the Nine Realms. The novel is rooted in Norse mythology and has a perfect blend of dark magic, mysticism, action, adventure, and suspense, which will captivate and engage young adult readers and appeal to fans of this genre. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, well written, and cleverly crafted fantasy fiction novel, with a complex and gripping plot. Purchase here

Readers Choice Book Awards, book reviews and awards voted by readers in three categories, with cash prizes for gold award winners: Best Childrens Book 3-6; Best Childrens Book 7-10; Best Childrens Book Illustrations; Best Childrens Book Cover Design. Winners and finalists of the Autumn 2022 Readers' Choice Book Awards announced! We are pleased to announce the winners of the Autumn 2022 Readers’ Choice Book Awards. Best Children’s Book 3-7 **GOLD** Christine Copeland, Autumn in the Forest - A Seasons in the Forest Book **SILVER** Phyllis Harris, The Gift Shop Bear **BRONZE** Charly Froh, The Dragon and the Unicorn: The Magic of Friendship **FINALISTS (5 Stars)** Renee Hayes, The Gingerbread Twins Charissa Bates, The Traveling Book Vassi Rombis, Story Swapping A Family Tradition Jessica Dailey, My Tiny Pet Elephant Ruthie Godfrey, Grandpa's Lessons on Fishing and Life Julie Stephens, Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale Teddy Biron, The Lighthouse Keeper Saves the Bay Brenda Do, It's Okay Not to Know Dawn McLucas, Why Am I So Quiet? Todd Angilly and Rachel Goguen. The Adventures of Owen and the Anthem Singer Clara Donis-Girma, Clara and Mr. Milo's Adventures Episode 1 Clara Wanting a Pet Joe Caruso, In the Image of God - A Story of Identity and Value Kate Giles, Camp Cattitude Once Upon a Dance, Frankie's Wish: A Wander in the Wonder Best Children’s Book 8-12 **GOLD** J.T. Tenera, Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest **SILVER** Heather Mateus Sappenfield, The River Between Hearts **BRONZE** Elizabeth M Grieco, Paws in Paris: The Adventures of Tenny and Bella **FINALISTS (5 Stars)** Laurel Guillen, A Bellwether Christmas: A Novel Inspired by True Events Sara V Robinson, Walter Bilingual Edition English/Spanish I.K. Silver, Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons Cynthia Hughes, Can I Be President of the United States at 8? Julie Stephens, Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale Christine Copeland, Have You Seen the Ghost of John E.M. Schorb, FIVE AND TEN, A Fairy Tale, a Few Poems, and a Fable Cat Fan, Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact Nicole Encarnacion, My ABC'S to Positivity Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze, Crowning Glory: A history of African hair tradition Sarah Lloyd, Emma Murphy and the Ultimate Power Melanie Joy Mezzancello, Love Snaggs - A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey Best Teen Book **GOLD** Stacy Padula, Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told **SILVER** Tyler Beauchamp, Freeze Frame **BRONZE** Judy Liu, The Vending Portal **FINALISTS (5 Stars)** Tony M. Quintana, Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed Scott Swisher, Ring Fold Cassandra Crull, Tied to You Mark Bryan, The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie Best Adult Book (fiction) **GOLD** Regan Walker, Bound by Honor **SILVER** Paula Dail, Fearless **BRONZE** George R. Hopkins, When Secrets Come to Light **FINALISTS (5 Stars)** Juliet Rose, Do Over Tobin Marks, Ark of the Apocalypse KJ, The Forever and The Now G.S. Carline, Blood Dragon Rising: Dragon Shadows Book 1 C.J. Hudson, Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street Juliet Rose, Prick the Needle Carol Amorosi, Death on the Line Brian R Estvander, Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank Jerry Gundersheimer, Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love John Bartell, The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience S. Graham, Vacant Juliet Rose, We Don’t Matter Paula Welch, Cloud Piercer DF Kennedy, The Truth Lukman Clark, The Alexandria Scrolls: Book Two - The Transfiguration of Brandon Blake B.V. Glants, Half Notes from Berlin Angela White, Stopping Time Jennifer Ivy Walker, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven S. C. Eston, Deficiency Juliet Rose, Through the Surface Katie Jay, A Murder Most Vegan Best Adult Book (non-fiction) **GOLD** Mark Roeder, What We Do Next Really Matters **SILVER** Rick Soshensky, The Music Therapy Studio: Empowering the Soul's Truth **BRONZE** Leon Conrad, Story and Structure: A complete guide **FINALISTS (5 Stars)** Kyli Santiago, Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self Cynthia Hughes, Live...But LIVE! Jamie Anderson, Drive All Day (Because I'm Too Old to Drive All Night) Ralph L. Bayrer, Liberty, Science and Wealth: The Evolution to Modern Society Felicia Taylor E., Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale Madeline Pasimio, Contrary to Conception: Stories and Lessons about Successful Birth Control and Contraceptive Methods Ashley Porsche Bugge, The Ocean is Calling Jim Lichtman, Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle between the Secret Service and Ken Starr Frederick Douglass Reynolds, Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement

< 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

The Witchfinders Serpent < Back Rande Goodwin The Witchfinders Serpent Orphaned brothers find themselves in a race against time to defeat a supernatural force. Brothers, Nate and Marc Watson, are sent to live with their Aunt Celia in Windsor, Connecticut, following their father’s death. The siblings are anxious as they have never met their Aunt Celia, and curious why their father kept her a secret. The brothers have free rein of the house, but Celia forbids them to enter one room on the second floor. When they hear Celia talking to someone in the forbidden room, and they find an old photograph of their dad as a young boy with a woman who looks exactly like their aunt, the boys are puzzled. When Celia is out of the house one day, Marc finds the key to the forbidden room and the brothers start to explore. The room is full of strange objects and artefacts, and a book titled The Discovery of Witches. Nate picks up a metallic snake like object, which coils around his wrist, and clamps into his flesh. He panics, and accidently breaks an old bottle. Nate tries everything to remove the snake, but nothing works. Eventually, he confesses to Aunt Celia, and she reveals the origins of the snake. They discover that the broken bottle has released a dark and powerful force that has put all of their lives in imminent danger. The boys learn of Celia’s true identity and a family connection to events that took place in Windsor in the 1600’s. While Nate is desperate to free himself from the snake’s jaw, he learns that someone is desperate to retrieve it. As the brothers learn more about their aunt and their family history, they find themselves in a race against time to defeat a supernatural force. The Witchfinder's Serpent is a magical, teen fantasy fiction novel about two brothers whose world is turned upside down when they move to Connecticut with their mysterious aunt. As the brothers delve deeper into their aunt’s world, they discover family secrets that tie their own destinies to the witch trials of the 1600’s. Alternating between the 1600’s and the present day, this is a contemporary teen novel, with an intriguing historical backdrop. Readers are immersed into a world where the past and present collide, and where the supernatural is hidden among the mundane. This is a thrilling and compelling read for young adults and adult readers who enjoy magic and suspense. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A new magical fantasy adventure, inspired by the witch trials of the 1600’s. Purchase here

< Back Edwina Dorch Summertime and The Livin' is Easy A young girls faith is tested to the limit, by author Edwina Dorch Jasmine, a ten-year-old Black American girl, is helping her mother, who works as a maid for the Harris family. Dr and Mrs Harris, and their daughter Cindy, are a wealthy family, who live in an affluent gated neighbourhood. Jasmine admires Cindy’s clothes and shoes, and her many books that could fill a public library. Dr Harris notices Jasmine’s tattered shoes that are held together by safety pins, and Mrs Harris gives Jasmine a bag of Cindy’s unworn clothes and shoes. Jasmine dreams of becoming a preacher, but as she compares her own life to Cindy’s privileged life, she loses her faith in God. At home, Jasmine and her older brother Frankie, are berated by their abusive stepfather, and escape the house to play hide and seek in the backyard. Their stepfather orders Jasmine and Frankie to the store to buy bread, and they use the opportunity to have a little summertime fun. On the way to the store, Frankie dares Jasmine to open the door of a derelict ‘ghost’ house, and Frankie finds an old, discarded wheel. But when they get to the store, Jasmine discovers she has lost her stepfathers money, and fears what her stepfather might do when they return home. The siblings search for the money, but Jasmine falls down a hill and into a manhole. Frankie helps her out, and luckily, she is unharmed. As the pair return home to face their stepfather, with no bread and no money. Jasmine feels lost and powerless, and turns to God for help. Summertime and the Livin' is Easy by author Edwina Dorch is a powerful middle grade story about a young black girl growing up in North America, trying to make sense of the world around her. This is a short and simple novel, that deals with complex issues of poverty and privilege, power and abuse. Jasmine is an authentic and endearing character, and many readers will relate to her experience. Overall, this is a powerful and thought provoking book, but the symbolism might be lost on some readers of this age category. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful middle grade story about a young black girl growing up in North America. Purchase here

< Back Kay Smith-Blum Tangles In 1963, Luke Hinson, a PhD student of biochemistry at Oregon State University, is investigating all possible causes for the increase in cancer in the region. Luke has a personal interest in the research, as many of his childhood friends died of cancer and his own father died from unidentified health hazards. During his research, a whale is harpooned off the Oregon coast, and Luke discovers it is contaminated with radiation. He suspects radioactive waste dumped into the Columbia River is the source of the contamination. When he plans to publish his findings in a scientific journal, the US Atomic Energy Commission pulls the funding for his doctorate and confiscates his samples and data. As a child, Luke lived in Richland, Washington State, next door to Mary and Matt Boone, a young couple who both worked at Hanford, a nuclear site established during World War II. In his teen years, Luke developed a close friendship with Mary, based on a mutual love of science. Mary worked as a secretary at Hanford, in a classified laboratory testing plutonium. Concerned about the impact of radioactive waste being pumped into the Columbia River, Mary made carbon copies of her work. Several years later, while Luke is at college, Mary mysteriously disappears, and the classified papers she smuggled out of the lab, disappeared with her. As Luke continues with his investigation, his research takes him back to Richland, his relationship with Mary, and the wartime effort to build an atomic bomb. When a thirteen year old time-capsule is unearthed, the truth about Mary’s work at Hanford and her disappearance is finally revealed. Tangles is a historical fiction novel by Kay Smith-Blum, set during World War II and the cold war period, and inspired by real people and events. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, the novel delves into the circumstances surrounding the environmental disaster at the Hanford Nuclear Power Plant. Smith-Blum does a fantastic job of weaving together real-life events with fictional characters, creating a narrative that allows readers to connect with this significant period in history. At the heart of the novel is a story of love, tragedy and loss, that both warms the heart and tugs at the heart strings. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fascinating and thought-provoking historical fiction novel, with two memorable characters and a gripping plot inspired by real-life events. Purchase here

Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed < Back Tony M. Quintana Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed A young librarian becomes an unlikely hero, as he is forced into battle against an evil army, by author Tony M. Quintana The city of Azahar is shielded by a protective barrier from the rogue empire of Zaphyrelia, and its evil emperor, Abelon Asedia. Asedia has an army of soldiers and mechanical monsters, known as the Ochre Brigadiers, who terrorise the population. A young library assistant, Dashiel Ermitage, notices a break in the protective barrier around Azahar, and everyone suspects the Ochre Brigadiers might be behind the attack. When one of his friends goes missing following the attack, Dashiel sets out to rescue him and battle Asedia’s evil forces. Dashiel successfully takes down the invading monsters and is approached by members the Cobalt Phantasms, a secret order dedicated to restoring peace and supporting the Zaphyrolean people suffering under the emperor’s tyrannical rule. Dashiel leaves his family and the safety of Azahar to join the Cobalt Phantasms, where he is trained with the Doizemant, a powerful and magical baton given to him by his father. As Dashiel earns his place with the Phantasms, and battles to save Azahar from destruction, his new life is threatened by a long-held secret that, if exposed, could bring his journey to an end. Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed is an exciting and entertaining read, by author Tony M. Quintana. This is a coming-of-age story of a young man, whose wish for excitement and adventure is fulfilled, when he joins an elite order to fight against the evil forces. Dashiel is sweet and unassuming, but courageous and brave. He is a likeable character, that many young people will relate to. I particularly enjoyed Dashiel’s journey and growth throughout the book, and the development of friendships and blossoming love. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, teen, fantasy adventure, with wonderful characters and excellent world-building. Purchase here