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The Forces Within < Back Stacy A. Padula The Forces Within After being trapped inside his own body, unable to communicate with anyone but his own thoughts, Andy Rosetti finally wakes up from the coma that controlled his life for one month. But upon awakening, Andy finds himself and his friends in an unfamiliar setting: a mansion riddled with secrets and supernatural forces. As his friends fall prey to the entities encompassing them, Andy must figure out if the darkness lies within the mansion’s walls or within the people surrounding him 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 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 Ralph L. Bayrer Liberty, Science and Wealth: The Evolution to Modern Society An essential read for historians, sociologists and economists, by author Ralph L. Bayrer Author Ralph L. Bayrer reposes a question asked two centuries ago, about why some countries prosper and others remain poor, despite having access to science and international capital markets. He describes the key features that are prominent in developed countries and stunted in undeveloped ones, and why America has become the wealthiest nation of our time, through free market systems and reduced government spending, regulation and taxation. He explains how societies are in constant competition with one another and fight for survival in an evolutionary dynamic process. He e xplores the American way of life, and the role that human cooperation and freedom has played in the creation of a modern affluent society. The book explores these issues in eight chapters. Chapter 1 explores the economic development gap between developed and less developed countries. Chapter 2 presents the theory of societal evolution. Chapter 3 describes man’s propensity for enterprise and commerce, and in Chapter 4, how commerce and enterprise led to the evolution of political institutions. Chapter 5 describes the emergence of science in the West, and how the west evolved into a culture of individual empowerment, in Chapter 6. In Chapter 7, Bayrer explores how other cultures have responded to the west’s advancements, and Chapter 8 explores why some countries have failed to advance. Liberty, Science and Wealth: The Evolution to Modern Society by author Ralph L. Bayrer is an engaging and thought-provoking non-fiction book, which provides a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of modern society. Well written and extensively researched, this book provides interesting new perspectives on humanity and society. This is a fascinating and insightful work of non-fiction, which will appeal to readers of educational and reference books, and students of the political and social sciences. This is an essential read for historians, sociologists and economists, and anyone who would like to learn more about modern society and its evolution. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A well written and extensively researched non-fiction book, which provides a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of modern society. Purchase here

< Back Lem Moye Catching Cold Vol 2 - Redemption Can a small scientific company survive a hostile take-over from a giant pharma company? A small scientific company, CiliCold, has developed the ‘ immunology breakthrough of the century ’ , a partial antibody that can defeat many of the viruses that cause the common cold. A big-pharma company, Tripel S Pharmaceuticals, is desperate for their intellectual property and will stop at nothing to take over the company. But Tripel S has a sinister motive for acquiring CiliCold. They want to prevent the product reaching the open market, to protect their own work. A cure for the common cold would affect multi-million-dollar sales of their over-the-counter cold remedies and treatments. The CEO of CiliCold decides to relocate the team over 3,000 miles away to a secret research laboratory, to escape the clutches of Triple S. Meanwhile, the V ice P resident L egal of Triple S is forced to resign following an incident where she witnessed a colleague take her own life. She has no option but to defect to CiliCold. Triple S develop a new medicine that is successful in preventing autism, but they soon discover the medicine has catastrophic side effects. Board members disagree on how to manage the situation. Several board members want to continue with its development, arguing they would be withholding a new critical therapy from children who are going to be very sick. The CiliCold team, on the other hand, is on the verge of a breakthrough, and are in desperate need of financial assistance. Just when CiliCold receive the investment they require, they soon discover they have been duped by their biggest rival. Catching Cold Vol 2 – Redemption, by author Lem Moyé, is a tense and gritty pharmaceutical drama, about a disreputable big-pharma company that tries to take over a small scientific company, by any means possible. This is a well written, thoroughly researched and believable story about money and power, versus ethics and morality. The author clearly has excellent knowledge about science and medical research. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from Lem Moyé. This is the second instalment in a three-part series. I had not read the first book in the series, and while there were a few moments where I struggled to understand the back-story, the story was easy to follow. I would recommend readers begin with the first book in the series, to get the full enjoyment of this trilogy. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary: A tense and gritty pharmaceutical drama about money and power, versus ethics and morality. Purchase here

< Back Isra Sravenheart Her Dark Love A young witch faces the ultimate betrayal, by author Isra Sravenheart Seventeen-year-old Isra joins Wingdom's Academy of Ancient Magic, to develop her witchcraft skills. She meets another young witch, Everilda, and the two soon become good friends. As they settle into school, the two young women have fun tormenting Magnus Wingdom, the Head Warlock of the school. One evening, whilst enjoying a walk in the forest, Isra encounters a mysterious young man, named Jonathan. Isra learns that Jonathon is the son of the King, but has lost his entitlement to the throne, in favour of his brother, Prince Valien. Isra and Jonathon develop a close connection, and they meet in secret at every opportunity. U nbeknownst to Isra, Jonathan is already in a relationship with her friend Everilda. When Isra discovers the betrayal, she is heartbroken. Then, when she learns that Jonathan is under a fateful curse and forever bound to Everilda, she is enraged. Little does Isra know, she is part of a dark prophecy that has not yet been realised. According to the prophecy, Isra will turn dark and become ‘ Lady Isra of the Dark’. ‘Light bringer’, Astrid is tracking her every move, concerned her heartbreak might unleash her darkness. But, with no hope to salvage her friendship with Everilda, and no chance of a reconciliation with Jonathan, Isra sets out on revenge. Will Isra turn dark and release her darkness on the world? And can the light bringers, keep her on the light path? Her Dark Love, by Isra Sravenheart, is a dark fantasy fiction novel, and part of the Dark Spell Series. I understand Her Dark Love is a prequel to the other books in the series, and tells the back stories of the main characters. This is a gripping novel, which starts slowly but quickly builds momentum, as the characters and their relationships develop over the course of the story. This is an original concept, with a magical fantasy world, interesting characters, and an intriguing plot. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but I was captivated and would love to read more about Isra, and how her character develops following this prequel. The book will appeal to adults and young adult readers, who enjoy dark fantasy fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping novel, set within a magical fantasy world, with interesting characters, and an intriguing plot. Purchase here

< Back Sasha Graham Whitney Wins Everything: A Tiny Ninja Book Competitive Whitney learns an important life lesson from her Tiny Ninja, from author Sasha Graham Whitney really does win everything. From football and roller staking, to running and jumping. She is the best at everything, and she knows it! Whitney’s Tiny Ninja tries to remind her that winning is not always the most important thing, but Whitney doesn’t always listen. Whatever it is, Whitney is determined to win. Until one day, Whitney is not invited to a party because her friends are worried that she will win all the prizes, and then her soccer coach changes the rules so her team cannot win the match. Whitney is confused but soon comes to realise that there are more important things than winning and maybe her Tiny Ninja was right after all. This is a charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. It reinforces the message that being kind and helping others to succeed feels good, and is just as rewarding as winning yourself. Some young children are extremely competitive by nature and hate to lose, and this book will remind them to focus their energies on having fun and building good friendships. An important life lesson for both children and adults. The illustrations by Angelina Valieva are colourful, whimsical, and extraordinarily detailed. Children will love to find the Tiny Ninjas hidden in the pictures. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back John Posner Forever is Too Long In 2435, advancements in artificial intelligence and bioengineering have reshaped humanity. Bioengineering has made people smarter, faster, and stronger. It has improved people’s physical appearance and eliminated disease. The average human lifespan has edged over 135 years, and death is no longer an inevitable outcome of the human experience. Human minds can be copied perfectly and can live forever in the multiverse as digital entities, known as Mindars. Mindars can also inhabit bioforms and interact with humans in the physical world. But these advancements in digital technology have had many unintended consequences. The population has exploded, rogue genetic manipulations have been unleashed, and humanity is forced into battle against the decisions made by AI systems. Jake Sullivan is a second-generation, genetically engineered human, and Vice President of ASHORE (Advocation, Safeguards, Help, Optimization, Renewal, and Eternity of Mindars), a company that supports the transition of human minds into the multiverse. As Vice President, Jake was instrumental in building the international multiverse run by artificial intelligence. As Jake approaches his 110th birthday, the recommended age for optimum crossover, he prepares for transition to become a Mindar, with his wife and childhood sweetheart, Shannon. He reflects back on his life, his relationships with Shannon and his robotic friend of one-hundred years, Stanley. But as Jake enters the multiverse, he is forced to wrestle with his own conscience and the unintended consequences of a society driven by the bio-revolution. Forever is Too Long is a thought-provoking Sci-Fi novel by author John Posner. Set four-hundred years in the future, the novel delves into the human, social and political impact of artificial intelligence and bioengineering. Posner presents a fascinating, and yet somewhat disturbing vision of the future driven by AI technology. It is a vision of society that is totally believable given our current stage of technological development. Posner draws the reader’s attention from the very first page, with well-developed characters, and a captivating plot with timely placed twists and turns. At over 600 pages this is a long novel, but I was invested until the very last page. Readers, be prepared to read all night! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and thought- provoking Sci-Fi novel of epic proportions, that considers the increased use of artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity. Purchase here

< Back Carl Gorham My Life in a Garden My Life in a Garden is a poignant and deeply personal memoir by author and TV writer/producer, Carl Gorham. In 2005, Gorham retreats from the hustle and bustle of London, with his wife and their four year old daughter. They find the house of their dreams in the Norfolk countryside, complete with three acres of land, a maze, orchard, tennis court and outdoor swimming pool. Gorham loves the garden but describes himself as the ‘world’s most useless gardener’. He has ambitious plans for the land, but everything changes following his wife’s death in 2007. Overcome with grief, and with a young daughter to take care of, the garden falls into a state of disrepair. A few years later, with a new love and renewed energy, the garden finally gets the attention it deserves. But, when Gorham’s TV work dries up, he is left with no option to move out and rent the house out as a holiday let. He hires a professional gardener and together they attempt to transform the garden into a tranquil space for paying guests. My Life in a Garden by Carl Gorham is a beautifully written, tender and emotional memoir. The book chronicles Gorham’s journey as he attempts to reclaim his life and garden following death, grief, illness and a breakdown. What begins as an effort to maintain the physical land soon becomes a symbolic act of survival. Gorham’s connection with his garden mirrors his life – tired and careworn, neglected in places, but slowly coming back to life after a long period of turbulence. The memoir is a moving exploration of how our external world can reflect our internal struggles, and how tending to the earth can help us through the healing process. The garden provides a rhythm and a sense that life - even though altered - carries on. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A warm, honest, and funny memoir about love, loss, and the healing power of nature. 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 Christopher Schildt An American Christmas Carol Christopher Schildt retells the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens. Set in Boston in 1843, the book opens in a small coastal fishing town, where Edward Marley meets his fate when he slips off the dock and drowns in the murky waters. Henry Rutherford, Marley’s so-called friend and business partner, is the only mourner at Marley’s funeral. Seven years after Marley’s death, Rutherford lives alone in an old mansion. His only living relative is his young niece, Julia. It’s Christmas Eve and Rutherford refuses to donate to the poor and declines an invitation to join his niece for dinner. He reluctantly agrees to allow his hardworking and underpaid clerk, William Cratchit, one day off on Christmas Day. That night, Rutherford is visited by a phantom of his late business partner, Marley. Marley explains to Rutherford that three ghostly spirits will haunt him, to help him escape the same bleak path that he travelled. Rutherford is first visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, where Rutherford is forced to look back on his lonely childhood, and the love he lost. The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Rutherford to the cobbled streets where he witnesses great acts of kindness in the poorest districts of Boston. He goes to the home of his clerk, Cratchit, and learns that his son, Tiny Tim, is severely ill. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come takes Rutherford to the future, where he learns what could be of his own fate, and discovers that there is still time for him to change. An American Christmas Carol by Christopher Schildt is a heart-warming tale, based on the much-loved Christmas classic by Charles Dickens. Schildt perfectly captures the essence of Dickens, while adding his own unique flair . Much like the original Scrooge character, Rutherford is known for his greed and distain for the less fortunate. The cobblestone streets of Boston replace the smoggy London backdrop, but the book has the same feeling, warmth and memorable moments as the original. Though the plot is familiar, the setting and unique touches, make the story feel fresh and exciting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : Schildt transports the reader to the cobbled streets of 1840’s Boston, in this interesting and heart-warming retelling of a much-loved Christmas classic. Purchase here

< Back Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark A joyful exploration of similes, by Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is an imaginative and interactive collection of similes, brought to life through funny stories and vivid illustrations. Each page introduces a new simile and poses a question, which will engage, entertain, and educate younger readers. How silly is a goose? How quiet is a mouse? How angry is a hornet? The book cleverly combines wordplay with captivating visuals. Each simile is accompanied by a silly tale, and funny illustrations that bring the simile to life. ‘ How cool is a cucumber? A cucumber is so cool he always has a date on Friday night.’ The illustration depicts a dashing cucumber arm-in-arm with a date (fruit). How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is a simple, effective, and memorable way to introduce similes to younger children. The book demonstrates the fun and playful aspect of language and will help develop children’s vocabulary. With further ideas for parents, caregivers and teachers, the book will spark curiosity and creativity, and will encourage a love of reading and language among young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and silly collection of similes, beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. A delight to read. Purchase here