< Back Don Ake Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life A memoir and life-help book by author and blogger, Don Ake. Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life is a memoir and life-help book by author and blogger, Don Ake. Ake took a departure from his usual humor writing to embark on a book of essays about the serious issues of life. Written during the Covid19 pandemic, Ake reflects on the stress, pain, and fear he experienced during this time, but also how his faith got him through some of the darkest moments of his life. The book is divided into two parts: Part 1: Remembering What’s Important in Life; and Part 2: Dealing With Hardship and Other Life Challenges. Each part contains six essays, where Ake discuses a range of diverse topics, from the joy of giving and the importance of purposeful acts of kindness; the art of making good friends and the importance of accepting people as they are; how to win at the ‘Game of Life’ and the personal traits required for a fuller and richer life. All of Ake’s essays and life-lessons are centered around family, friends, and faith. He talks openly and honestly about his personal life, the birth of his daughter, losing his job, and the deaths of loved ones. He discusses the trauma of the pandemic, and how we must all let go of the sorrows and struggles of the past to fully embrace the future. Sharing learnings from his own personal experiences, Ake offers practical advice to readers who might be going through similar struggles. Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life by author Don Ake is a powerful, poignant, and thought-provoking collection of essays. Ake shares his experiences and wisdom to help guide and support others through the challenges that life inevitably brings. The book offers light and hope to anyone experiencing or recovering from trauma. While the book does deal with some ‘deep heavy’ issues, Ake writes with sensitivity, honesty and also much humor. The essays can be read in any order, and the book can be picked up by readers at any time they need a little extra guidance or motivation. I expect readers will revisit the essays time and time again, through the ebbs and flows of life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful, poignant, and thought-provoking collection of essays, and a valuable resource for anyone seeking to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Purchase here

< Back Orlando Da Silva Thank God I Failed: A Lawyer's Suicide Attempt and the Case Against Trying Book blurb... Orlando Da Silva was, by every external measure, a success story: trial lawyer, Senior Crown Counsel, future President of the Ontario Bar Association. But behind the polished résumé, he had silently been fighting depression since childhood. In 2008, that silence nearly killed him. “Thank God I Failed” traces the arc of a life shaped by depression’s persistent lies ,and the people, moments, and stubborn acts of defiance that exposed them. Along the way, Da Silva confronts Canada’s debate over medical assistance in dying for mental illness, arguing from hard-won experience that what saved his life was not the right to die, but the refusal of others to let his worst moments define his future. This is a field manual for staying alive, by revealing our minds to be unreliable narrators of our own worth. Purchase here

< Back Douglas King An Innocent World An Innocent World by author Douglas King is a deeply thought-provoking exploration of a hypothetical scenario: What if Adam and Eve had chosen not to eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? This Christian-based non-fiction book delves into the implications of such a choice, contrasting two paths of existence—the innocent, immortal life represented by the Tree of Life; and the guilty, mortal life filled with suffering and character-building. King uses deductive logic to examine profound questions about human nature, morality, and the purpose of suffering. He proposes that the Guilty world, with its pain and challenges, is a necessary path to build the strength of character required to stand in the presence of Almighty God. The book also imagines a world of Innocents, free from human evil, crime, and war, yet still subject to accidents and natural disasters. King contrasts this idyllic world with the harsh realities of our own, highlighting the prevalence of human suffering and evil. The book is rich in philosophical and theological insights, supported by biblical references and logical reasoning. King’s writing is accessible yet deeply reflective, encouraging readers to question their beliefs and consider alternate perspectives on existence, morality, and faith. A fascinating and compelling read for those interested in philosophy, theology, and speculative thought. An Innocent World challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices that shape their spiritual journey, offering a fresh perspective on the human experience. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A bold and speculative exploration of Christianity, morality, suffering, and the human experience. Purchase here

< Back M. J. Kelley II Identity Crisis: Who Am I, Really? Book blurb... In an age defined by the noise of social media, constant comparison, and the exhausting pressure to perform, Identity Crisis: Who Am I, Really? offers a powerful antidote to the modern identity crisis. This book confronts the deceptive allure of the inward search and the cultural myth that worth must be earned. It guides readers to the unwavering foundation of their true self, revealing that identity is a gift received, not a title achieved. You will discover your unshakeable value as a masterpiece created in the Imago Dei and find eternal security as a beloved child adopted by the King, your life forever "hidden with Christ in God". The book equips you to wage the war for your mind by demolishing the enemy's lies with the truth of Scripture, liberating you from the crippling performance trap and empowering you to live an authentic, purpose-filled life, not for the fleeting applause of the crowd, but for an Audience of One. Purchase here

< Back Shawn Gaffney Seeing Clearly: Turning Clarity into Culture, Scale, and Legacy Book blurb... Clarity. Culture. Growth. Legacy. From the outside, your company looks successful. From the inside, it feels heavy. Your team is busy, but progress feels uneven. Meetings multiply while alignment thins, and the same friction keeps resurfacing. There’s no lack of intelligence, effort, or ambition. The problem is clarity. In Seeing Clearly, INFINIUM founder and CEO Shawn Gaffney draws on more than four decades of operational leadership to explore how leaders see without assumption, turn clarity into structure, and build cultures that remain aligned as organizations grow. Through personal stories of pressure, failure, refinement, and conviction, Seeing Clearly explores the discipline required to protect standards, strengthen alignment, and build something that lasts long after the founder steps away. Clarity is where it begins. Legacy is what remains. Purchase here

< Back Michel Desmarquet Thiaoouba Prophecy: A True Story of Travel through Time and Space to the Golden Planet Book blurb... Too REAL for Sci-Fi, Too INCREDIBLE for Nonfiction An extraterrestrial transmission on Earth's hidden origins, ancient civilizations, and the spiritual Evolution required to survive what is coming. It Recounts the author’s abduction and journey to the planet Thiaoouba, and the revelations provided by his extraterrestrial guide Considers Earth’s deep history and mysteries, looking at stories of ancient Egypt, Mu, and Atlantis, the true origins of Moses’s and Jesus’s messages, and explores reincarnation, astral travel, and telepathy Offers a spiritual message with guidance on how to advance into the higher consciousness that is necessary to avoid a global catastrophe After emigrating to Australia in 1972, French-born Michel Desmarquet was contacted one night by an extraterrestrial being named Thao, who took him via spaceship to the distant planet of Thiaoouba. Serving as his guide, the androgynous being described our planet’s prospects for the future and revealed esoteric truths that continue to challenge humankind. Desmarquet reveals the true purpose of the Great Pyramid, the source of the Bible’s revelations, and the history of life on Mars. He explains who created the statues on Easter Island, the truth behind lost continents such as Atlantis and Mu, and what accounts for the strange happenings in the Bermuda Triangle. He also elaborates on mysterious psychic and spiritual phenomena, including telepathy, the significance of auras, levitation, space travel, and the inner workings of the universe. Ultimately, the message Thao shares with Desmarquet is spiritual in nature. Only by evolving to a higher level of consciousness can humanity avoid global catastrophe, a tragic fate that has befallen other galactic civilizations. Purchase here

< Back Iris Dorbian An Epiphany in Lilacs Book blurb... An Epiphany in Lilacs is a novel set in a displaced persons camp outside Hamburg, Germany, following the end of World War II. After liberation in May 1945, Daniel, a 14-year-old Latvian Jew, is treated in a field hospital in the British zone of partitioned Germany. A survivor of various concentration camps, Daniel fights to recover from starvation and disease. Racked by nightmares, a nearly nightly occurrence, Daniel finds sleep almost impossible. Through his love of nature and pre-war memories, Daniel struggles to find comfort. He forms an intriguing bond with an older German gentile, another survivor. Later on, as he joins a theatre troupe, Daniel tries to move on with his life, yet is still searching for the whereabouts of his mother and two sisters. Purchase here

< Back MM Myers Threads of Time Book blurb... A collection of poems from over the years whenever something major happened in my life most times I would put it in my journal. Sometimes with tears dripping down my face about a loved one that had gone on home, be it my mom or my aunts or even my pastor, each one a blessing in their own way. Overall God was constant and steadfast in my life even when times were very difficult. It was in those times I learned to truly lean on my heavenly father. I learned to be thankful even in those very difficult times. Philippians 4:11 says I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I continue to strive to be content in all things, even with the fridge goes out and the water heater was just replaced, that is when I must remind myself at least we have these things that make life, a bit easier and not everyone can say just that. Purchase here

< Back Alison McBain The New Empire A young prince fights for survival when he is sold into slavery and shipped across the Pacific Ocean, by author Alison McBain The New Empire tells the story of Jiangxi, the son of a Chinese emperor who is sold into slavery by his older brother, following his fathers’ death. Jiangxi is shipped across the Pacific Ocean to the west coast of North America, where he is bought by Onas, an elder and spiritual leader of the Haudenosaunee and Mutsun Native American tribes. Jiangxi becomes Onas’s personal, household slave, and unlike other slaves, Jiangxi has some, albeit limited, freedoms. He is able to spend time exploring his environment, where he meets other enslaved Chinese people, working in the corn fields. One day, he meets a young, enslaved girl and helps her escape, by sailing her up the river in a boat he found and repaired. Onas suspects Jiangxi’s involvement in the girl’s disappearance, and expels him from the house. Jiangxi is forced to work in the fields and live in the squalid and cramped longhouses. After twelve months, Jiangxi returns to Onas’s home, where he promises to obey his owner, but secretly hatches a plan to free other Chinese slaves. Over the next few years, Jiangxi slowly rebuilds Onas’s trust, and Onas repays him by giving him his freedom and making him his apprentice. But Jiangxi is conflicted, and torn between his loyalty to the man who liberated him, and the promise he made to his enslaved country people. The New Empire by author Alison McBain is a captivating and mesmerizing alternative history novel, set in the west coast of North America in the eighteenth century. The book provides an interesting perspective on what might have happened, had the Chinese been the first to settle in North America. Told from the perspective of a young boy, born to an Emperor and sold into slavery, as he comes of age and fights for survival in a new world. Despite his own predicament, Jiangxi defies the authorities and risks his freedom, and his own life, to help others. The book shows the horrors and brutality of slavery, so prevalent throughout human history, but also the power of individual acts of resistance and defiance, which can change the world. Thoroughly researched, with a gripping and believable plot, rich characters and excellent world building, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy alternative history novels. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating and mesmerizing alternative history novel, beautifully written by Alison McBain. Highly recommended. Purchase here

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

< Back Glenda Brown The Story of Raine One woman fights for survival when she learns her marriage is built on lies, by author Glenda Brown Following a short, whirlwind romance, seventeen-year-old Lana marries Sloan and moves to Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains to live with his family. The grand home and farm, named the ‘Shaddeau’, is set in 1,500 acres of land, far from Lana’s modest family home in Missouri. As Lana settles into life in Virginia, she soon becomes pregnant, and her baby girl, she names Raine, is born in the middle of a storm. Raine spends much of her childhood alone, while her father is busy working on the farm, and her mother is depressed. She grows up to be a shy but independent young woman, with dreams of becoming a lawyer. Raine attends college in Maryland, and meets her roommate JaDee who introduces her to an Italian named Anthony Riconi. Raine confides in her friend that one day she will marry Anthony. But JaDee warns her that he might not be a good match and his family has a questionable reputation. During a storm one evening, Raine is badly injured in a terrible car accident. Raine is rush to hospital and spends several weeks in a coma. JaDee suggests they call Anthony to her bedside, and on hearing his voice, she quickly recovers. Several years later, after Raine graduates and finds a job in real estate, Anthony proposes. The couple marry and Raine becomes pregnant with her first child. Raine feels blessed she has a good life, with a loving husband, a perfect baby, a nice apartment and financial stability. Yet, when Anthony continues to take lengthy trips home to see his family, Raine becomes suspicious. She knows little about his career, or how he earns his money, and she remembers JaDee’s warning when they first met. Raine follows her husband back to New Jersey to find out the truth, but in doing so she uncovers a whole web of lies, which puts her life, and her family home, the Shaddeau, at risk. The Story of Raine is a compelling and captivating Christian fiction novel by author Glenda Brown. Set between 1935 and 1969, the story is about a woman who is born into a privileged life, but largely neglected by her parents. It shows how her experiences as a young child and teen, and her relationship with her parents, impacted her later life choices. As she finds her own independence and marries the man of her dreams, she soon realises that she has been duped. The novel is easy to read, and hard to put down. It is quite a lengthy novel (at 444 pages), but I was hooked throughout. I particularly enjoyed the way the author weaved in the presence of storms throughout Raine’s life, from her birth right through to her death. This is a Christian novel, and there are some subtle references to God and Christian values, but this does not overwhelm the story. With a blend of romance, tragedy, mystery and suspense, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, women’s fiction and Christian fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and captivating Christian fiction novel, that is both easy to read and hard to put down. Purchase here

< Back Margaret Tran The ACTIONS A seven-step model to help deal with grief and loss, by author Margaret Tran The ACTIONS: 7 Steps To Powerful Change is a self-help book by life coach and author Margaret Tran, to help readers change their habits and build a new purposeful life. Based on the authors personal, lived experiences, and many years working as a life coach, Reiki master, universal energy healer, and acupressure practitioner, Tran presents a new model to help guide readers make meaningful changes in their own life. Tran discusses her early childhood growing up in Vietnam with her adoptive mother and being bullied as a “mixed-race outcast”. She discusses her move to the United States in the 1980’s, where her family built a new life in the land of opportunity. Tran married and had two children, but her life changed significantly when her beloved adoptive mother took ill and sadly passed away. Tran was consumed with grief and battled with acute depression for over four years but rebuilt her life by discovering the person she wanted to become. Tran built on her personal experiences of grief and trauma to develop the ‘ACTION’ model to help others in similar circumstances. The model includes seven-steps: 1) Aim for self-management , 2) Commit to writing things down , 3) Take control of your time , 4) Identify your integrity and preserve it , 5) Open your mind to uncover your strengths , 6) Nurture relationships to stay connected , and 7) Share passion and success to inspire others . She explains that “the key to changing your life is to change your habits” and provides readers with a range of coping mechanisms to help manage grief and alleviate fear and anxiety. She discusses the importance of having short term goals, and focusing on the good things in life, such as developing meaningful relationships. Tran provides a number of free resources for readers who might require further support. The ACTIONS: 7 Steps To Powerful Change is a deeply personal and heartfelt book by Margaret Tran. Tran’s story is inspiring, and she provides valuable insights and strategies for dealing with grief and loss. Tran’ s writing is authentic, thoughtful, sensitive, and compassionate. The book will provide comfort and hope to readers who may be going through similar experiences. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and heartfelt self-help book, and a valuable resource for readers experiencing grief and loss Purchase here