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< Back Jonnie Ramsey Brown You Promised To Do No Harm: A True Story of Love, Loss, and the Horror of Healthcare Disparity for One African American Family Author Jonnie Ramsey Brown tells the heartbreaking story of the loss of her beloved husband and her fight to uncover the truth about his hospital treatment during his final days. The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 The Life, Part 2 The Loss, Part 3 The Fight. In Part 1, Jonnie describes her relationship with Thomas, how they met and built a happy home with their two children. Jonnie first met Thomas in 1972, aged twenty-three. After meeting by chance at a night club one evening, the couple fell deeply in love. Jonnie describes a fairytale romance and how from the moment they met, Thomas never left her side. The couple married in 1979. In Part 2, Jonnie describes how Thomas was suddenly taken ill during a family reunion in Florida. He was rushed to hospital and treated in an ‘unofficial’ ICU, when they couldn’t find out what was wrong with him. Jonnie recalls in graphic detail the neglect and subpar treatment her husband experienced, and her own experiences trying to navigate the hospital system and communicate with medical staff. Thomas’s condition deteriorated and he was moved to a hospice where sadly he passed away. Following his death, Jonnie describes her fight to uncover the truth about her husband’s illness and his treatment. She discovered that Thomas did not receive basic medical care and that the hospital had several opportunities to save his life but did not. Jonnie filed a lawsuit against the hospital in 2018. In Part 3, Jonnie describes the court case that ensued, and her struggle to get justice for her husband. You Promised To Do No Harm: A True Story of Love, Loss, and the Horror of Healthcare Disparity for One African American Family, is a poignant and heartbreaking memoir by Jonnie Ramsey Brown. This is a deeply moving book, written by Jonnie with such love, care, tenderness and compassion for her husband. Jonnie’s ability to put down in words this horrific experience is inspiring, and a true testament of her love for Thomas. The book highlights many failures in care, due to incompetence and racial discrimination. Sadly, Jonnie and Thomas’s story is not unique. Throughout the book Jonnie draws similar comparisons to the murder of George Floyd. Like George Floyd, Thomas did not receive the standard of care or compassion due to the color of the skin. This is a deeply personal and deeply distressing memoir, but it is a story that needs to be told. It gives a much-needed voice to Thomas and all those who do not have a voice. I hope this book will draw attention to racial discrimination in the healthcare system, and racism all its forms. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and deeply distressing memoir that shines a much-needed spotlight on racial disparities in the healthcare system. Purchase here

< Back Richard Lui Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness The story of an award-winning news anchor who paused his successful career to care for his father. Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness is a guidebook, by author and former news anchor, Richard Lui. Lui shares his personal story, how he became a successful news anchor, and why he gave it all up at the height of his career. His father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Lui had a difficult decision to make, whether to continue to pursue his career, or whether to give it all up to care for his father. He decided his father was more important than what happens on camera and paused his career to take care of him. It was a difficult decision, and the care-giving lifestyle was not easy, so Lui set out to understand the psychology of selflessness. Lui discusses claims made by eminent social scientists, such as Charles Darwin and Richard Dawkins, that humans are not naturally selfless, and that pure altruism does not exist. Lui questions these theories and examines other evidence to suggest that selfless communities can survive adeptly. Lui argues that selflessness has many positive benefits, and he provides evidence to suggest that people who act selflessly are more likely to be healthier, happier, live longer and have more prosperous careers. Lui discusses his own personal journey, and the stories of many people he encountered during his journalism career. Lui challenges the traditional self-help / self-care trope and calls his book an ‘anti-self-help’ book. He offers advice, tips and tricks, and practical tools to help readers live a more fulfilled life, through thinking and behaving more selflessly. He shares the lessons learned from his journey and provides examples from others who have shown remarkable selflessness when faced with tragedy and loss. Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness is an inspiring and engaging book by an award-winning news anchor who performed an act of selflessness to pause his career and care for his father. The book will inspire readers to pursue more selfless goals and will help them to live a more balanced and fulfilled life. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy self-help books and who are interested in personal development. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thought provoking, inspiring and engaging book about the power and impact of selflessness. Purchase here

< Back Bill Canady The 80/20 CEO Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days A business playbook by author and global business executive Bill Canady. The 80/20 CEO: Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days is a business playbook by author and businessman Bill Canady. Canady created an operating system for business – the Profitable Growth Operating System – designed to turn a business around in one hundred days, using the 80/20 principle. The 80/20 principle (also known as the Pareto Principle) is a rule in business that maintains that just 20 percent of what you do or spend generates 80 percent of your revenue. Divided into three parts, the first part describes the Profitable Growth Operating System, the second part focuses on the first one hundred days in a leadership role, and the third part discusses the long-term strategy required for sustained success. Canady’s story is remarkable. He describes his upbringing, growing up ‘dirt poor’ on a farm in southeastern North Carolina, and how he rose to success as a global business executive through hard work and determination. Canady’s operating system is based on his own personal experience of leading multi-million-dollar companies. Over a thirty-year period, Canady generated significant profitable growth for several companies. He uses his insight, business expertise, and knowledge of other management practices (including strategy, talent management, lean methods, and mergers and acquisitions) to provide a comprehensive roadmap for entrepreneurs and business professionals. Canady provides a wealth of information, and practical tools and tips that readers can implement in their own business. Each chapter is filled with expert advice and examples from the real world of business. Canady’s style is engaging, entertaining and easy to understand, making the book accessible to readers of all levels of business expertise. Overall, an inspirational and practical guide to business success for aspiring or experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders , or anyone interested in business. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A comprehensive and valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business professionals. Purchase here

Lightwaves < Back David Edgar Grinnell Lightwaves Spring 1941, in the midst of World War II, a young Jewish man named Michael is hiding from the Gestapo in a secret room in a church. His father was murdered, and his mother was captured by the nazi’s and believed to be taken to a concentration camp. He meets the Dembitz family, a Jewish family with a daughter named Emily, also in hiding. Despite the horrendous situation, Michael and Emily fall in love and marry in secret in 1942, when Emily discovers she is pregnant. But the family are separated when they are captured by the Gestapo and are taken to different concentration camps across Europe. In 2016, Charlie Campel is fired from his job at the National Civil War Museum in Washington DC. When he visits the Holocaust Museum in search of alternative employment, he finds a ring with the inscription of Michael Luke Adelman and a Star of David, dated 1942. He is unable to locate the owner of the ring at the museum and takes it home for safe keeping. He is determined to keep the ring safe until he can find the rightful owner. Charlie meets a young woman named Luna, and they fall madly in love. But Luna is distraught when she cannot find a family heirloom she promised to pass on to her one true love. As Charlie and Luna’s relationship blossoms, they soon discover a connection that takes the couple back to the horrors of World War II. Lightwaves is a novella for young adult readers, by author David Edgar Grinnell. Set primarily in Washington DC in 2016, with an alternate storyline set in Europe following the outbreak of World War II, the book provides multiple perspectives on religious persecution. Whilst the book deals with difficult themes of antisemitism, war and terrorism, it is ultimately a story of love. Both couples find love unexpectedly, but their love is torn apart by outside forces. Grinnell seamlessly weaves together the past and present, in a way that will connect with young readers. It is a reminder that antisemitism is still present today, long after the end of World War II. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A poignant and moving story of love and tragedy. Purchase here

< Back Eric Halstead The Final Verdict: A Shane Alexander Novel Book blurb... The military fiction “The Final Verdict” by Eric Halstead is an enthralling exploration of duty, fairness, and the heavy weight carried by those in uniform. Set in the background of military courtroom drama, the story follows Specialist Shane Alexander as he confronts a court-martial that changes the way of his life forever. Halstead skillfully narrates the complications of military law, the poignant chaos of family, and the ethical dilemmas confronted by soldiers in combat. This convincing story exemplifies the punitive realities of military service and raises serious quarrels about accountability and the burden of choices made in the heat of conflict. With bright characters and an accurately composed plot, readers will find themselves engrossed in Shane’s fight for improvement and the journey for truth during chaotic times. Best for the enthusiast of military fiction and courtroom dramas, “The Final Verdict” delivers a deep reflection on sacrifice and the consequences of war. Accompany Shane on his journey and explore the daunting realities within the military justice system. This book is a crucial read for an intense and provocative experience. Purchase here

< Back Betty Cetas Oscar and Otto Friendship is much more fun than fighting. Oscar is a troll who loves to fish. Otto is a fish who loves to trick fishermen. When Oscar takes his boat into the lake, Otto cannot wait to have some fun. Oscar throws his line into the lake, and Otto bites on the tasty worm. But when Oscar retrieves the worm, there is no fish. Oscar drops his line again, and again and again, and Otto nibbles on the worm, one bit at a time. Until Oscar has no worms left. Otto teases Oscar, and Oscar hatches a plan to catch the fish. He tries a fishing net, but Otto is too strong and falls into the water. He tries a hook, but the line snaps and he falls into the water. Otto escapes, but the hook is stuck in his mouth. Oscar is furious, and even when the lake freezes over, he plots to catch Otto. He cuts a hole in the icy surface of the lake, but the ice isn’t thick enough and he falls into the water again. Oscar cannot find the ice hole, but Otto sees him drowning and helps him to the surface. When spring arrives, Oscar returns back to the lake…but this time he has a very different plan. Oscar and Otto is part of the Troll Tales and Other Stories from Grandma’s Cottage series, by Betty Cetas. This is a heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside to become good friends. It follows Oscar as he battles to catch the fish ‘that cannot be caught’. The more Otto evades Oscar’s capture, the more furious Oscar becomes. Oscar is determined to catch the pesky fish, and Otto is determined to evade the fisherman. Until the day their games go too far, and both Oscar and Otto’s lives are in danger. Otto notices Oscar is in trouble and helps save his life. In return, Oscar does a good deed to help the fish. The book demonstrates the importance of friendship, kindness, and supporting others when they are in need. Young children will enjoy the fun scenes of Oscar repeatedly falling in the lake and will root for the fish as he evades the troll’s capture. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside and become best friends. Purchase here

< Back Karen K. Brees Crosswind The adventures of a female spy during WWII, by author Karen K. Brees It’s June 1940, and MI6 Agent, Katrin Nissen, a Danish-American Professor of Botany, is sent to Nazi Germany to investigate the disappearance of a missing MI6 operative. Dieter Weiss, a German operative working for the Allies, has gone missing along with a top-secret microfilm believed to be in his possession. Dieter was last known to be searching for his estranged sister, Kristine Trautmann, a staunch Nazi Party member and a photographer working with Heinrich Himmler, a leading member of the Party. Using her academic research as a cover story, Katrin attends a horticultural conference at the University of Berlin to deliver a research paper, putting her life and reputation at risk. The conference is organised by Heinrich Himmler, to showcase the Nazis' plans to redesign nature and eliminate undesirable plants, aligned to Hitler’s social policies of eugenics. At the conference, Katrin m eets Weiss’ sister and discovers more about the Nazi’s horrific plans. But as Katrin lear ns of a number of mysterious deaths amongst the university faculty, she soon realises that the Nazi’s aren’t the only ones to fear. Crosswind: The WWII Adventures of MI6 Agent Katrin Nissen, is an excellent and satisfying World War II spy thriller, by author Karen K. Brees. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and gripping novel about a female spy on a secret mission to solve a mystery for MI6. Set in Berlin during the early days of World War II, the book is extensively researched and historically accurate. While a work of fiction, the novel was inspired by the remarkable stories of the many female spies who risked their lives during World War II. Beautifully written by Brees, the narrative slowly builds tension as it shifts between Katrin’s point of view, and other perspectives. With a well-developed and authentic character, and a gripping plot with plenty of twists and turns, this book will appeal to readers of historical fiction, espionage and political thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An excellent and satisfying World War II spy thriller, about a female agent on a secret mission to solve a mystery for MI6 during World War II. Purchase here

< Back Alex Poppe Duende One young woman’s search for belonging and self-acceptance, by author Alex Poppe Sixteen-year-old Lava lives in Detroit, Michigan, with her mother, Lila Guajardo. Her alcoholic, drug addicted father, Jesse, is serving time in prison for drugs offences, and Lila struggles to cope with the demands of life and motherhood. As Lila grieves for the loss of her lover, she spirals into a deep depression. Lava’s only support and positive adult role model is Cody Ryan, a thirty-three-year-old Iraq war veteran who is a boarder in the family home. When Jesse is released from prison, he returns to the family home, and life for Lava becomes even more difficult. Cody is forced to leave, and Jesse continues to abuse drugs and alcohol. When Jesse asks Lava to do the unthinkable and use her own urine to pass his drug tests, she rebels and deliberately sabotages the test. Jesse confronts Lava, a fight breaks out and Lava is accidentally stabbed. Jesse is recalled to prison and Lila blames Lava. Unable to forgive her daughter, Lila evicts Lava from the family home and sends her to live with her cousin in Spain. Lava reluctantly moves to Seville and meets her mother’s cousin, Lola, a well-known and enigmatic flamenco dancer and teacher. Lava immerses herself into the culture, enrolling in Spanish language classes, and joining flamenco dance classes at Lola’s studio. She falls in love with flamenco and uses the dance to express her feelings, emotions and sensuality. As Lava settles into life in Seville, she meets new friends and experiences her first love, but her relationship with Lola is strained. Lola tolerates the teen, but is distant and elusive. As Lava attempts to learn more about her mother’s mysterious cousin, she soon discovers a dark family secret and the real reason she was sent to Seville. Duende by author Alex Poppe is a beautifully written and well-crafted coming of age novella, about one young woman’s journey from Detroit to Seville, and her search for belonging and self-acceptance. Lava’s journey of self-discovery is beautifully told through the rhythm and vibrations of flamenco music and dance. Poppe is a gifted storyteller – her prose is rich and lyrical, passionate and sensual. With vivid descriptions of flamenco and Seville, this novella is a beautiful homage to this unique artform and the place where it originated. The novella is suitable for both teen and adult readers, and will particularly appeal to those who are interested in Spanish culture and flamenco. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and well-crafted novella, and a wonderful homage to flamenco and Seville. Purchase here

< Back Paula Dail Red Anemones Book blurb... Moving among generations of a German-Jewish-American family, "Red Anemones" is a poignant exploration of the intricate bonds, untold secrets, and unspoken legacies our ancestors bestow upon us. Natalie Barlow's journey of self-discovery begins when her estranged mother's sudden death releases a storm of unrevealed family secrets reaching back to pre-WWI Germany. As Natalie navigates the complexities of her newly discovered Jewish identity and her ancestral heritage, she comes face-to-face with the early 20th-century German immigrant experience, which included strong anti-German sentiment and deep antisemitism that prevailed across America. Through diaries and letters her mother saved, Natalie learns of the personal costs this ugly reality extracted from generations of her own family. Ultimately, she must confront the question of her own identity. Like Israel's red anemones carpeting the western Negev and Dvira Forest of the Judean foothills year after year, Natalie is determined, no matter the personal costs, to find the courage, resiliency, and passion to embrace the changes that bring new beginnings. Inspired by a true story. Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination Victoria, Texas and Beyond Young explorer, Charli, and her adventures in her hometown, Victoria, Texas. Inspired by a famous explorer from the 1800’s named Ida Phieffer; Charlotte (Charli) Beatriz Phieffer writes stories about her travel adventures in her journal. Charli’s dad travels all over the world with his work, and sometimes Charli travels with him. She loves to explore and learn new things about the different places she visits. In this book, Charli explores her hometown, Victoria in Texas, which was founded two hundred years ago and has a fascinating history. In her journal, Charli captures a series of adventures in Victoria and beyond: from camping at Lake Texana, zoo-keeping at Texas Zoo, and the annual, lighted Christmas parade. There are twenty-two adventures in total and each adventure is captured on a double-page spread. Each spread includes Charli’s personal experience of the adventure, lots of fascinating facts and beautiful photography. It includes the location of the adventure, Charli’s favorite and most interesting things, and a special imagination or adventure challenge, where Charli had to learn something new or take part in a new activity. Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination: Victoria, Texas and Beyond, is a wonderful travel adventure book by author Cheryl Johnson. Written as a journal extract, the book combines a story of a fictional character, with a handy travel resource. Charli is a charming, fun, and adventurous character and I particularly liked the whimsical illustrations. Young people will relate to the character and enjoy reading about her adventures. The travel resource provides lots of fascinating facts and insightful information about each place and can be used by readers to help plan their own travel adventure. I didn’t know much about Victoria before I read this book, but I do now! It has inspired me to visit this fascinating and historical town, and I look forward to reading more about Charli’s other adventures too. Overall, an insightful and entertaining book for adventurers and travel enthusiasts of any age. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, insightful and entertaining story, with a charming protagonist and a handy travel guide of Victoria, Texas. Purchase here

< Back Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze Crowning Glory: A history of African hair tradition Queenie ties her hair in knots, trying to find an interesting topic for her school history project, by author Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze Crowning Glory: A history of African hair tradition, is the first book in the Africa is Not a Country Series. Twins, Queenie and King, are preparing for a school history project about different continents and cultures of the world. King has an idea for a project, but Queenie doesn’t know what to do. Queenie visits Mrs Ojo’s hair salon with her mummy, where she admires the photographs on the salon wall of indigenous African hairstyles. Mrs Ojo explains the rich history, traditions, and culture of African hairstyles, from early African communities to the present day, from African Kings and Queens to enslaved Africans, and from Bantu knots and cornrows, to locs, braids, and afros. When it’s Queenie’s turn to have her hair styled, she opts for Bantu knots and gold accessories, just like the photograph on the wall. When she gets home, Queenie tells King about her visit to the hair salon, and the great idea she has for her history project, the ‘Crowning Glory Project,’ in appreciation of Africa’s Indigenous hair tradition. This is an educational and entertaining picture book, providing a rich insight into African history, culture, and hair. Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze presents historical facts and information in a fun and engaging way for younger readers, which will inspire readers to learn more about this fascinating topic. The characters, twins Queenie and King, are sweet and adorable and relatable to this age group, and I look forward to hearing more about their adventures and their great ancestors in future books in this series. With additional resources and fun activities at the end of the book, this book would be a valuable resource in any home, public or school library to celebrate the history and culture of Africa. The beautiful illustrations by Alaba Onajin, represent the rich culture, colours and diversity of Africa and complement the book perfectly. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An educational and entertaining picture book, providing a rich insight into African history, culture, and hair, superbly told by Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze. Purchase here

< Back S.D. Huston A Curse of Wings & Gems: A Cursed Royals Fantasy Romance Book blurb... She yearns to belong. He hungers to escape torment. Drawn together by destiny, can this enchanted pair survive to claim an undying love? Princess Emira bears a terrible secret. Suffering in isolation to protect the world from her deadly magic, the defiant mermaid longs for connection. And determined to evade an arranged marriage and be free of her curse, she reluctantly agrees to the Sea Witch's demands to steal from a handsome dragon monarch. King Edmar keeps a protective wing over his kingdom. Fated to marry at random or unleash eternal winter, the stoic royal never expected to fish a lovely creature from his past out of the sea. And aware that following his heart will spark an icy doom, the draconic ruler refuses to give in to the passion she arouses. Growing closer to the mysterious noble, Emira questions whether she can go through with her bargain of betrayal. And while Edmar faces political tensions and looming threats, dark forces seek to exploit his attraction to the forbidden beauty. Can they snap the chains binding their souls and embrace a happily ever after? A Curse of Wings & Gems is a sensual standalone story in the Brides of the Dragon Kings fantasy romance series. If you like heroes who endure, traitorous villains, and complex stakes, then you'll adore S.D. Huston's intricately woven tale. Purchase here