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< Back Lisa Towles Salt Island Private Investigators, Ellwyn and Abernathy, face their most complex case and the biggest challenge of their lives, by author Lisa Towles. Marissa (Mari) Ellwyn and Derek Abernathy are partners and Private Investigators, at E&A Investigations, a private detective agency in Santa Monica, California. As Derek takes on a new case to investigate the accidental deaths of two workers following an explosion at a farm in the Central Valley; Mari takes on a case for her college friend, investigating the blackmail of a CEO in a multi-million-dollar IPO deal. Meanwhile, Mari is concerned about her father, Richard Ellwyn, a former CIA agent. Apart from a few cryptic postcards, she hasn’t seen or heard from him in two years. She decides to investigate her own case and secretly travels to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, to try and find him. Tortola was one of her father’s favourite hiding places when Mari was a young girl, and she hopes to find clues about his disappearance. But on the ferry journey over to Tortola, a dead body is found floating in the ocean, and Mari is interrogated by the Coast Guard. Arriving in Tortola, Mari finds a possible connection to her father, but has to rush back to California when she learns that her mother has had a stroke. As Mari and Derek further their investigations, they find a connection between their cases and a dangerous underworld of illegal drug manufacturing and toxic waste dumping, and a potential lead to her missing father. Mari and Derek must work together to solve their most complex case and the biggest challenge of their lives. Salt Island is a crime thriller, by author Lisa Towles, and the second book in the E&A Investigations series. This book is an intricate, immersive, and riveting thriller, with plenty of surprising twists and turns. The characters are believable and well developed, and Mari in particular is a memorable, tough-as-nails, female detective. The plot is intricate, fast paced, and full of mystery and suspense. The novel moves seamlessly between California and the Caribbean, and parallel storylines. A gripping page-turner, not to be missed. This book will appeal to readers of crime and detective fiction, espionage, and political thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling, character driven, crime, thriller, with a tough-as-nails female protagonist. Purchase here

< Back E. Spirit GreenWood III How Many Threes Are in Your Life?: A Case for Miracles Book blurb... How Many Threes Are in Your Life? is a spiritually captivating memoir that pulls at the heartstrings from start to finish. Written by Colonel Steven Warwick Xander, the book spans three generations, blending real-life events with historical and modern stories. The narrative unfolds like an artist creating a canvas, starting with a background of stories, moving through a tale of love with the author’s wife, Miriam, and culminating in the challenges they faced toward a miraculous conclusion—a case for miracles. Through its episodes and the spin-off story A Christmas Miracle, readers discover the battle between Canadian medical experts and military and NIH specialists. The author and his wife are caught in the crossfire of differing opinions. As with any conflict, one side must prevail, but whether this victory is truly beneficial remains uncertain. The memoir leaves it up to the reader to decide: Did a miracle happen? The answer is for the reader to determine. Purchase here

< Back Bryan Murphy Pandemic Hacker 2 Book blurb... Sam is dead. Now, as Martha, she has vanished into the shadows. Empowered by her new identity, she sets her sights on the leaders of the extortion and trafficking group. Together with her AI, Zoe, they delve deeper into the group's dark secrets. These individuals make war criminals appear virtuous in comparison. The group leaders operate with impunity. Their security and IT teams are formidable. But Martha is determined to dismantle their empire, stealing their ill-gotten money and learning their secrets. With each strike, the group's IT experts get closer to knowing her and Zoe's identities. The engagements are not just on the internet. Every physical disruption puts everyone in danger. Rejoining with Claire, the chase has become a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Both sides believe they're the top predator. Innocent lives can be destroyed. Is the best option to expose the leaders to the authorities or work to remove the hydra heads of the organization? Martha must navigate the physical world, while Zoe works to dominate the virtual one. Purchase here

< Back Pearl Allen Andree Maud and Pearl: The Matriarch and the Odyssey Maud and Pearl: The Matriarch and the Odyssey is a deeply personal and comprehensive family memoir that spans multiple generations, offering a vivid portrayal of the lives of Stella Maud Allen, her youngest daughter Pearl, and their extended family. The narrative begins with Maud’s early life in late 19th-century Oklahoma, her marriage to Ezekiel Allen, and their struggles as pioneers and farmers during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era. It highlights Maud’s resilience, faith, and dedication to raising her nine children amidst poverty and loss, showcasing her ability to create beauty and unity through her passion for quilting. The memoir is divided into two parts: the first focuses on the Allen family’s history, including their migration westward and their experiences in Oklahoma, Arizona, and California. It provides a rich historical context, touching on significant events like World War II and the Great Depression, and delves into the family’s efforts to overcome adversity and build a better life. The second part shifts to Pearl’s life, detailing her upbringing, education, and marriages to Jimmy Goggin and later Bill Andree. Pearl’s reflections on her blended family’s life in the 1960s and beyond are filled with humor, tragedy, and triumph, capturing the essence of family bonds, personal struggles, and the challenges of blending families. The narrative also explores the Andree family’s time in Australia, where they lived for several years. The memoir is enriched with anecdotes, photographs, sketches, and family trees, providing depth and visual context to the stories. It also includes reflections from various family members, offering multiple perspectives and adding layers to the narrative. Pearl’s writing is introspective and heartfelt, blending humor with candid accounts of sensitive topics such as divorce, loss, and mental health. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and heartfelt memoir of family and faith, love and loss. Purchase here

< Back Angel A Holy Parrot Can a young teen convince her village she is the mother of the new Christ? Leonard (Leo) Lumière, a twenty-one-year-old Australian and science student from Melbourne University, is working in a laboratory in a small village in Buritaca, on Colombia's Caribbean coast. He is studying why the local people have longer than average life-expectancy, when he meets a young woman named Maria Santos. Maria, a naive but strong-willed sixteen-year-old, confides in Leo that she is pregnant. She agrees to help Leo find the ‘elixir of life’, in exchange for a pregnancy test. Maria seeks refuge in Leo’s lab when her father is furious by her pregnancy. Maria and Leo develop a close friendship, and Leo becomes embroiled in the family drama that unfolds. Leo conducts the test and confirms she is pregnant; however, Maria claims she is a virgin. She declares that she was told by a holy parrot name Garbriel that she was to be the mother of the new Christ. Her parents and many villagers believe her story and shower her with gifts and lots of attention. Others are not convinced, including Leo, and suspect a local boy named Pablo is the father. Her father shares the news, and the world descends on the village to worship Maria and the parrot. As Maria continues to stand by her story, the book explores the connection between religion and science, and the human experience. Holy Parrot by author Angel A is a unique and original fiction novel, about a pregnant teenager named Maria who is convinced she will be the mother of the new Christ. The story is told from the perspective of Leo, an Australian student who meets Maria and becomes her protector as the world descends on the small Colombia village to worship the virgin mother-to-be. This is a fresh and fascinating read, which raises questions about science, faith, culture, humanity, and the world we inhabit. The characters are well developed, full of personality and complexity; and the setting in the Colombian jungle and beaches is breathtaking. This is a rich and compelling read with a complex, multi-faceted plot, and fascinating characters. Although the story might seem a little far-fetched, I was totally taken in by every moment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating story of faith, science, and self-discovery. Purchase here

< Back Gail Scoates Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart Author Gail Scoates shares her story of how therapy dogs gave her a sense of purpose following the death of her beloved younger sister. Dogs had always played a significant part in Gail’s life. Growing up, there were many dogs in the family, and Gail recalls happy memories and adventures with her sister, Karen, and their dogs. She describes how dogs provided a sense of comfort and security throughout her whole life. When Karen was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the age of thirty-eight, Gail witnessed the special love and bond between Karen and her two dogs, Preston and Tanner. When Karen sadly passed away, Gail’s dog, Tucker, provided comfort and helped her through the grieving process. Following Karen’s passing, Gail became involved with the PAWS ministry, a therapy dog program. Gail trained up Tucker as a therapy dog, and together they visited a residential home for children with emotional and behavioural challenges, providing them with an opportunity to play and have fun, while learning how to interact with a dog safely. When Tucker passed away, Gail adopted a rescue dog, Max, and also trained him up as a therapy dog. Through many dog therapy visits, and observing the positive impact on children, Gail was able to find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Later, Gail set up her own dog therapy program, named Karing Partners in memory of her sister. She was successful in setting up a program in a hospital and recruited other volunteer handlers and their dogs. With Max, and a subsequent dog, Sadie, the program made a significant difference to the lives of many patients and their families, hospital visitors, and health care staff. Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart is a beautiful memoir by author Gail Scoates. Gail shares her story of how dogs supported her through many difficult periods of her life, including the death of her younger sister, and how therapy dogs have changed the lives of many others. This is a powerful story that not only shows the special bond between humans and dogs, but how dogs can help support, heal and rehabilitate people. A ‘ Paws for Reflection’ section at the end of each chapter, provides the reader with an opportunity for personal reflection. Gail’s commitment and dedication to dog therapy work is remarkable and her story is inspiring. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and inspiring memoir, by an inspirational woman. Purchase here

< Back Melissa Slager Contests of Strength Book blurb... A historically rigorous and emotionally riveting period piece - Kirkus Reviews At the turn of the 17th century, on the wild outer coast of the Pacific Northwest, noble warrior Dushuuw and slave woman Amuun'axsum veer from one deadly secret to the next. But their ultimate test of survival may come on a winter's night when the earth violently trembles, sending a wall of water hurtling toward their seaside village. Will their dreams survive - if they survive at all? The answers are rooted even deeper in the past. This lush historical novel '14 years in the making' is written by award-winning journalist Melissa Slager, of Everett, Washington, who ties together the latest scientific research with the oldest Native stories about the Cascadia subduction zone earthquake and tsunami of January 26, 1700. Purchase here

< Back Matthew Binder Pure Cosmos Club Can a flailing artist find his place in the lavish New York art scene? Paul, a thirty-seven-year-old New Yorker, is sacked from his job for not meeting the minimum expectations of performance. He lies to his girlfriend and keeps up the pretence of going to work for several months, while at the same time trying to set himself up as a visual artist. When his girlfriend discovers his betrayal she leaves him instantly, leaving him alone in his apartment in New York City with his disabled dog named Blanche. In an art studio with his friend and fellow artist, Danny, Paul attempts to make a living creating and selling art. But his art is unconventional and often misunderstood, and he struggles to be accepted by the traditional art world. When Paul has an affair with a married woman, he discovers that her husband is the leader of the Pure Cosmo Club, a secretive, quasi-religious cult that promotes rebirth and freedom of thought. In his quest to find his true self and a deeper purpose in life, Paul becomes obsessed with the club. He desperately tries to reach the clubs highest ranks, sacrificing his friendships and business relationships along the way. Pure Cosmos Club by author Matthew Binder is an original satirical comedy, that follows the chaotic life of an eccentric visual artist as he attempts to navigate the art world in New York City. The author delivers a hilarious and thought-provoking commentary on the world of high art, celebrity, and fashion. Paul is a typical anti-hero, self-absorbed, annoying, and deeply flawed. But somehow, he is a relatable and likeable character, that readers will root for. His relationship with his dog, is endearing. Overall, a unique, clever, funny, and entertaining novel. This is not my preferred genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy satire and dry humour. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A clever, sharp, and funny satire about the lavish art world. Wild, weird, and wonderful in equal measure. Purchase here

< Back Lynne Golodner Cave of Secrets Eve, a Jewish American research student working at the National Archives of Scotland, is hiking through the forests around Loch Lomond. When she shelters from the rain in a cave, she finds a leather-bound satchel half buried in the dirt. Inside the satchel are letters written by a woman named Shira to her lover, Benjamin. Eve suspects the letters are from the mid-nineteenth century and takes them home for safe keeping. Returning back from the walk, she stops by at a local pub and meets the owner, Mac, the son of a wealthy landowner, the Earl of Monteith. Eve and Mac develop a romantic relationship and fall deeply in love. Meanwhile, Eve and her boss at the National Archives find more letters hidden in a trunk deep inside the cave. They uncover shocking evidence about Shira Levenson-Macalaster, the wealthiest woman in Great Britain in the 1870s, who was married to the Prime Minister of Great Britain. As Eve continues her research, she finds a connection between the Macalaster family and Mac’s family, the Montieth’s. The revelations could damage the reputation of the Monteith family and the whole of the British aristocracy. When Mac’s mother discovers that Eve is planning to write a book about her research, she will stop at nothing to keep the family secrets hidden. Cave of Secrets by Lynne Golodner is a captivating novel about an ambitious American woman who discovers the dark family secrets of a British aristocratic family. While in the midst of her research, she meets a charming Scotsman who quickly sweeps her off her feet. As their relationship develops, a family mystery slowly unravels. With an atmospheric backdrop of sweeping landscapes, rugged terrain, and cosy pubs, the book transports readers to the idyllic Scottish countryside and the beautiful city of Edinburgh. The novel seamlessly blends the past and present, as Eve’s research threatens to shatter the pristine image of the British aristocracy. Golodner accomplishes her goal of addressing serious topics, such as homophobia, antisemitism, social class and power in a heart-warming and engaging romance. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautiful and touching tale of love, loss, and family, set in the atmospheric Scottish highlands. Purchase here

< Back Leslie Kain Secrets In The Mirror A moving novel about a dysfunctional family, by author Leslie Kain Secrets in the Mirror is a psychological drama about the DiMasi family, parents Tony and Colleen, and mirror twin brothers, Devon Umberto and Gavin O’Malley. While the twins look alike, they are very different. ‘Devious Devon’, the older twin by ten minutes, is arrogant and has a rebellious streak. Whereas ‘Goodie Gavin’ is quiet, sensible and sensitive. He dreams of becoming a chef and making a better life for himself. Gavin is ridiculed and tormented by Devon, and bullied by his father, who favours the first-born twin. Tony considers Gavin weak, but still expects him to look out for his older brother. Tony has connections to the mob, and is resentful of his wife, who has a PhD. At the twins sixteenth birthday party, Devon gets drunk and steals a friend’s car. He is seriously injured in a car crash and diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Following the accident, Devon spirals out of control and is drawn into a life of drugs and crime, causing his mother and Gavin significant distress. He takes over the family business and puts everyone’s life in danger when he gets involved with the mob. Gavin leaves the family and vows never to return, but he can't hide from his brother forever. Secrets in the Mirror is a thrilling, drama about a dysfunctional family and the habits they develop over many years. Author Leslie Kain pulls no punches, and dives into the ugly, complicated layers of domestic violence, abuse, addiction and co-dependency. The book follows the twins from their teenage years, through to adulthood, and explores the vicious cycle of abuse and the enduring impact on family relationships. This is a tense, dark, psychological drama that is as hard to take in, as it is difficult to put down. If you enjoy gritty family dramas, you will love this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling family psychological drama that explores the vicious cycle of abuse and the enduring impact on family relationships. Purchase here

< Back Liza Gino Imelda's Secret Author Liza Gino details the horrors of the Pacific War from a woman’s perspective Cousins Imelda and Gloria witness Japanese soldiers shoot a neighbour in cold blood and take captive a young woman during the Pacific War. Imelda’s father, Don Fulgencio, fears for the girl’s safety and hides them in the basement, cutting their hair short and dressing them like boys. But when Don tragically passes away, the girls are captured and subjected to horrific abuse by Japanese soldiers. Kenji, an old friend of Imelda’s, and now a Colonel in the Japanese Imperial Army, rescues the girls and takes them to a place of safety. Forty years later, as Gloria lays in a hospital bed in San Francisco, the women reflect on their experiences during the war and the sexual violence they suffered at the hands of the Japanese. Gloria’s dying wish is to talk about their experience and expose the Japanese for their war crimes against women. But Imelda has never discussed the crimes with her family and is reluctant to share her experience. When Kenji suddenly reappears, Imelda finds the strength and courage to tell her story, and she can finally start to heal from her past trauma. Set during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, Imelda’s Secret is a heart-breaking novel, based on the real-life experiences of women who endured horrific abuse and sexual violence by the Japanese Imperial Army. This is a powerful and thought-provoking novel, which details the horrors of war and tells the story from a woman’s perspective. The book is for all those women and girls who experienced sexual abuse and exploitation during war and conflict. Their story will not be forgotten. Thank you, Liza Gino, for sharing this story and for all the work you do for women and girls by raising awareness of rape, sexual slavery, and crimes against humanity. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A powerful and thought-provoking novel, detailing the horrific abuse and sexual violence experienced by women during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in World War II. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back N Lang The Lost Angels Book blurb... Lisa, an aspiring artist, can’t stop painting what she’s dreaming about…angels. She also starts to see things while awake, like demons trying to kill her. A mysterious man shows up to save her. Joe. He might hold the answers to her paintings…a forgotten past…and a mission to find the divided Angelheart with the help of three once angels, before the demons of the Underworld do, unleashing Hell on Earth. Purchase here