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< Back Lisa Towles The Ridders A young private detective is thrown into the murky depths of the LA underworld, by author Lisa Towles Private Investigator, Brock ‘BJ’ Janoff is investigating the disappearance of eighteen-year-old Anastasia Bergman, a student, model and celebrity, and heir to the Bergman multibillion dollar estate. Hired by her parents, and with no solid leads, the case is a mystery to BJ and his brother and business partner, Jonas. As BJ starts to investigate the case, he is faced with a dilemma. He is approached by a stranger and offered one million dollars to take an envelope to the reception desk of a luxury hotel within 72 hours. He is warned that if he opens the envelope, or if he fails to deliver it on time, he will be killed. He knows his brother would disapprove, but BJ decides to take the money anyway. But rather than take the envelope to the hotel, as agreed, he decides to hold on to it for a while. He is determined to find out why he was chosen for the dangerous task, and what could be in the envelope that is worth one-million dollars. BJ sets up surveillance on the hotel, and enlists his old college friend, Jay, to help find out what is in the mystery envelope. Jay X-rays the envelope and discovers a folded piece of paper and unknown particles in a Ziplock bag. When Jay is later found dead in his garage, BJ decides not to return the envelope, and instead returns the one-million dollars to the hotel. BJ knows his life is in grave danger and goes into hiding, with help from Jonas and his neighbor Lacy. As BJ sets out to uncover the truth about the envelope, he recruits a former associate Miki Fine to help him replicate the envelope and its contents. As his investigation continues, BJ meets a homeless man and he is unexpectedly thrown into the LA underworld, where he discovers an extraordinary connection between the envelope, the Russian Mafia, a secret society, the missing teen, and his estranged father. The Ridders by author Lisa Towles is a captivating novel about a young private detective who is thrown into the murky depths of the underworld and must use his investigative skills to try and solve his own case. This is a fast-paced, tense and gripping murder mystery / political thriller / science fiction novel, that was hard to put down. The book poses an interesting question, and I was gripped from the first chapter. With excellent, well-developed characters, and a complex but believable plot, this book will appeal to readers of thrillers, political fiction and murder mystery stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An excellent, fast paced and action-packed novel, part murder mystery, part political thriller, part science fiction. Highly recommended. Purchase here

< Back Diana Louise Webb Last of the Autumn Rain: The Storm Within Book blurb... No one is born into this world to become a serial killer; but what if they are? What happens when people are driven by forces beyond their understanding and are powerless to stop themselves? A Hitchcockian soul-stirring mystery thriller, 'Last of the Autumn Rain' follows the life journey of Julie Cromwell as she evolves from a loving child born to wealthy socialite parents into a spine-chilling murderess. Purchase here

< Back G.V. Hext The Vatra Witch Book blurb... A Witch hiding death magic... A Captain who's broken her heart... A Demon who could destroy them both... When Seraphina’s sister is dragged into the underworld, she’s forced to deal with a deadly well of magic that she swore to keep secret. Tasked with an impossible rescue mission, Seraphina must navigate a realm of monsters, bargains, and betrayal. Her council-appointed guard happens to be the warlock who once stole her heart and shattered it without ever knowing. But they aren’t alone. A demon lord with a mysterious bond watches and waits, bargaining for power, protection...and fated temptation. As the path darkens and choices between her past and future grow complicated, Seraphina must decide who she can trust and how much she's willing to sacrifice. Because what Eraphon demands...the souls must follow. Purchase here

< Back Sarah B Long Uprooted: A Memoir of Belonging and Becoming Book blurb... After Trump's 2016 election, a woman starts a regenerative farm in the Appalachian Mountains as an act of resistance against environmental collapse and food insecurity. But when her engagement unravels under the weight of undiagnosed bipolar disorder and generational trauma, the solitude meant to fuel her activism becomes a crucible for everything she's spent years avoiding. A DNA test revealing biological siblings sends her deep into the mountain hollers, chasing family secrets and long-lost kin. What she finds is Georgina Mae, her birth mother, whose struggles with addiction and survival echo her own. As she pieces together the past, she must confront the hard truth that some reunions carry a cost, and some answers are buried with those no longer here to give them. Interwoven with myth and memory, Uprooted, shortlisted for the Bridport Prize in memoir, is a lyrical meditation on family, identity, adoption trauma, and the strength it takes to grow something new from broken ground. Purchase here

< Back Tammy Billups Your Animal - Your Soul Mirror: Healing the Emotional Wounds of Animals & Their People Your Animal -Your Soul Mirror is a transformative guide that explores the deep, reciprocal healing potential between humans and their animal companions. Drawing on decades of research and hands-on experience, author Tammy Billups presents a compelling case for viewing animals not just as pets, but as evolutionary partners and soul mirrors who help us heal our deepest emotional wounds. Billups structures the book around five core emotional wound patterns—The Scared One, The Needy One, The Sensitive One, The Protector, and The Perfect One. Each pattern is thoroughly described with its origins, manifestations in both humans and animals, and practical healing guidance. The book is filled with real-life stories, charts, and exercises, making the material accessible and actionable for readers at any stage of their healing journey. A central theme is the concept of soul mirroring: animals reflect back to us the emotional wounds we carry, often more clearly than other humans can. Billups explains that animals sense and respond to our unhealed emotions, sometimes even absorbing or mirroring them in their own behaviors or health. This dynamic creates a unique opportunity for mutual healing, where working on our own emotional patterns can directly benefit our animal companions—and vice versa. The book is rich with practical tools, including the WISH emotional release technique, meditations, and compassionate self-talk exercises. These are designed to help both humans and animals move beyond survival patterns and into a state of greater wholeness, self-acceptance, and love. Billups emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, patience, and the willingness to look beneath the surface of our reactions to uncover the root wounds. This book is a must-read for anyone ready to embark on a journey of mutual transformation and deeper connection with their animal kin. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt, insightful, and practical guide that redefines the animal-human bond. Purchase here

< Back Sabrina Simon Violet A collection of romantic poems and prose, from author Sabrina Simon Violet is a collection of fifty poems and prose by author Sabrina Simon. Written over a seven-year period, from 2015 to 2022, the collection captures the authors journey from her early teenage years through to young adulthood. This is a deeply personal and profound collection of poems from a talented young woman, with a gift for poetry. The early poems capture the authors longing and yearning for love, and her desire for mental and physical intimacy. She describes beautifully her feelings of loss and rejection when love is unrequited, her elation and euphoria when she experiences her first love, and the pain of her first heartbreak. The later poems deal with more mature themes, her fears of starting a new relationship, and her growing sense of self and identity. This book is a deeply intimate collection of poetry and prose about the authors first experiences of love and life as a young teenager, through to early adulthood. This is a beautiful memoir, written during the authors formative years, which captures both the joy and pain of love and relationships. Sabrina Simons describes how poetry became a type of therapy, and how she used it to make sense of new, romantic feelings. Inspired by music and her own life experiences, her poetry is lyrical, powerful, and passionate. Her stories are vivid, emotional and relatable. The book took me back to my own youth, and my own experiences of love and loss. Overall, a beautiful and moving collection of poetry, and a joy to read. Ideal for teens, young adults and anyone who loves romantic poetry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and profound collection of poetry from a talented young author. Purchase here

< Back Rozsa Gaston Margaret of Austria “Fortune, misfortune, fortifies one.” Margaret of Austria, born in Brussels in 1480, was the only daughter of the great Habsburg Roman Emperor, Archduke Maximilian I of Austria, and the Duchess Mary of Burgundy. She was raised to become Queen of Austria, and betrothed to Charles, the Dauphin of France. As a young girl she was sent to France to experience life at the French court. But, when King Charles married another woman, Maximillan forms an alliance with Spain. Margaret marries Juan , the Prince of Asturias and heir to the Spanish throne. But their marriage is short lived, when Juan becomes ill and dies just a few months later. Four years later, Maximillan arranges a marriage between Margaret and Philibert II, the Duke of Savoy. The Duke has little interest in state affairs, and Margaret begins to manage the Duchy, where she develops skills in leadership and diplomacy. After Philibert's death, Margaret's becomes the governor of the Netherlands in 1507, as Regent for her nephew, Charles V, who was too young to rule the country. Margaret of Austria: Governor of the Netherlands and Early 16th Century Europe’s Greatest Diplomat is an engaging, historical fiction novel by author and art historian, Rozsa Gaston, about one of Europe’s great, but often overlooked, leaders. The book follows the life, fortunes, and misfortunes of Margaret, from her early life, her two marriages and her role as Governor of the Netherlands, through to her death in 1530. Gaston describes her many connections to European royalty, and how she became an accomplished leader and diplomat, negotiating disputes between various foreign parties and maintaining peace in the Netherlands. During a significant period in European history, when women seldom had a voice or role in politics, Margaret became one of the most prominent figures of her time. This is a rich, insightful, and entertaining historical fiction novel, with a captivating cast of historical figures. Meticulously researched by Gaston, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those interested in early European politics. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: With a captivating cast of historical figures, the book sheds light on the fascinating life of one of Europe’s great leaders. 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

< Back Gifford MacShane Rainbow Man A western historical fiction novel set in the 1880s Arizona Territory. 1880s, White’s Station Arizona Territory, Adam Donovan rescues Alec Twelve Trees, a native American silversmith after he was robbed, beaten, and dragged along the ground by a horse, by the US Cavalry patrol. The racially motivated attack leaves Alec with life threatening injuries and Adam seeks the assistance of his family and little sister, Irene Donovan. Irene, an accomplished herbalist, treats his wounds and helps to nurse him back to health. Alec and Irene had been best friends since childhood, and during his convalescence Alec realises just how much he loves her. Alec is reluctant to testify against the assailants, but Irene persuades him to reconsider. The attackers are court martialled and are eventually found guilty of the unprovoked attack on Alec. Alec and the wealthy Navajo Twelve Trees family had always looked after other’s less fortunate and were well respected members of the community. Alec had inherited a fortune from his grandfather but had promised to give most of it away to good causes. As the village reel from the unprovoked racist attack on Alec, the citizens join forces to try and push the army out of White’s Station. As Irene turns nineteen, she is visited by many suitors. Alec is distraught, but unable to declare his love for her, for fear her family will not approve. Rainbow Man (Donovan Family Saga Book 3) is a western historical fiction novel by Gifford MacShane, set in the 1880s Arizona Territory. This is the third book in the series, which follows the younger members of the Donovan and Twelve Trees families. The characters are well drawn, believable and engaging. The slow-burn romance between Alec and Irene is beautifully told. Meticulously researched, and full of historical details, this novel is a fascinating insight into life in the 1800s. I hadn’t read the previous books in the series, but I could follow the story easily. However, I recommend readers start with the first book, to get the full enjoyment of this series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An engrossing and unforgettable western romance. Purchase here

< Back Scott Fleuter Behind the Badge: From Police Chief to Opioid Addict: A True Story of Ruin and Redemption Book blurb... Scott Fleuter had it all. A successful career, a perfect marriage, and great kids. Then he plummeted from a police chief at the top of his game to a hopeless addict chewing opioid meds to chase the high and stave off withdrawals. Take a shocking, and sometimes darkly funny, journey through Scott’s life of trauma, addiction, recovery, and hope. Witness his reckless childhood go from Norman Rockwell to Lord of the Flies. Enter the violent world of police work, where multiple injuries lead to his spiral into addiction and depression. Experience an unflinchingly honest roller coaster ride of shame as he wanders the freezing halls of a detox center clad only in a backless hospital gown, or lines up for the daily pee test at a 90-day drug rehab. Learn the lessons embedded in Scott’s life story as seen through the lens of a fictional psychologist. Benefit from practical tips and techniques that helped Scott endure drug withdrawals, crippling panic attacks, and severe depression. Purchase here

< Back Rebecca Sharpless Shackled: 92 Refugees Imprisoned on ICE Air Shackled: 92 Refugees Imprisoned on ICE Air by Rebecca Sharpless is the harrowing true story of Flight N225AX, an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) aircraft that attempted to deport 92 people from the United States to Somalia in 2017. Told through the eyes of Sa’id Abdi Janale and Abdulahi Hassan Mohumed, two of the 92 passengers on board the flight. Sa’id Abdi Janale arrived in the United States with his mother and siblings at the age of 11. The family entered the country with legal immigration status, after they endured horrific violence in war-torn Somalia. Sa’id was facing deportation due to his involvement in criminal activity. Abdulahi arrived at the United States/Mexican border seeking asylum and protection as a refugee as a young man. After his parents were killed in Somalia, Abdulahi escaped to South Africa before embarking on an arduous journey through South and Central America. After two years in detention his right to stay was declined. The 92 men and women on Flight N225AX were shackled in chains on the aircraft for two days. The aircraft was grounded in Senegal and the passengers were immobilized in their seats. Unable to complete the journey, the plane was forced to return back to the United States. The passengers were treated like slaves, abused by staff and unable to use the bathroom facilities. Based on extensive research and first-hand testimonies, the book describes the inhumane treatment the passengers experienced on board the flight, and their subsequent fight to stay in the United States. Readers are taken inside the legal battles that followed, as lawyers and advocacy groups sought to stop the deportations permanently. Rebecca Sharpless meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to, and during the flight, and exposes the brutal reality of ICE’s deportation practices. She describes the passengers experiences in detail, and gives a much needed voice to those who survived the ordeal. It is a timely and sobering reminder of the inhumanity of the immigration system, and a call to action to prevent such tragedies in the future. An essential read for anyone interested in human rights, social justice and immigration policy. It is a story that had to be told, and a story that needs to be heard. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A deeply moving and harrowing true story of 92 people, brutally confined and abused on a U.S deportation flight. https://www.amazon.com/Shackled-Refugees-Imprisoned-ICE-Air/dp/0520398653 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