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A Light in the Sky < Back Shina Reynolds A Light in the Sky Author Shina Reynolds creates a mystical, equestrian world, full of action and adventure. Seventeen-year-old Aluma’s dream is to join the Cavalry and ride an Empyrean Steed – majestic, winged, flying horses who defend the land. But her future is already mapped out for her. Like other girls in her village, she is expected to marry, have children, and serve the King. Aluma was trained to ride and fly by her father, a retired Empyrean rider. She secretly rides her father’s winged horse, Darwith, but knows that if she is caught flying, she could face imprisonment. Every year, there are try-outs for the Cavalry, but Aluma’s father forbids her to enter, fearing her safety if the country goes to war. But when Aluma’s father is injured just before the tournament, Aluma must enter the contest to protect her family and her father’s name. Aluma wins a place in the Cavalry and is soon thrust into war, where she discovers the truth about the King and the war with their neighbours. A Light in the Sky is an outstanding novel for young adult readers. With a strong female protagonist, who is equally matched in combat with her male counterparts, this is a gripping story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Reynolds creates a remarkable world that is both mesmerising and believable, with characters that are well developed and likeable. The book is jam packed with action and adventure, magic and mysticism, friendships and romance, and betrayal and war. And not to forget the flying horses! What more could you ask for? This is an imaginative and captivating read. I was completely blown away, and I would love to see this story pictured on the big screen. I look forward to the next book in the series and I can’t wait to read more about the adventures of Aluma and her friends. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An outstanding novel, with a strong female protagonist, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back DF Kennedy The Truth A gripping semi-autobiographical novel, by author DF Kennedy Dahlia Frost joins the US Air Force to escape her dysfunctional family, but during one particular mission she discovers a phobia of wearing a mask and small spaces. Unable to conquer her fears, and experiencing recurrent traumatic nightmares, Dahlia is medically retired from the Air Force. When Dahlia returns home to the US, she learns from her mother, Sylvia, the cause of her nightmares. As a child, Dahlia was abducted by her biological father, Dahmon, and driven into a lake where her father tragically drowned. Following her father’s death, her mother marries Bob, a violent man who terrorises and abuses both women. Dahlia learns she has lost six years of childhood memories and records her mother’s testimony in a journal. Several years later, Dahlia writes Daddy Issues, an autobiographical novel based on her dysfunctional family and traumatic childhood experiences. Published under the penname of Frances Slater to protect her identity, the novel becomes a worldwide bestseller. But when Dahlia’s real identity is mysteriously exposed, she is unwittingly thrust into the limelight and back into the arms of her ex-lover, Roland, an a-list Hollywood actor. The couple rekindle their relationship, but Dahlia is tormented by a secret stalker, who seems to know much more about her past than revealed in her novel. As the stalker closes in, Dahlia finally learns the truth about her childhood, and the real cause of her father’s death. The Truth by DF Kennedy is a tense, gripping and emotional semi-autobiographical novel, loosely based on the authors own experiences. The author successfully interweaves a story of horrific abuse and childhood trauma, with joyous, light-hearted moments of love and romance. Dahlia is a well-developed, complex character, with complex relationships. Readers will empathise with her and route for her, but will equally be frustrated by her decisions. This is the first volume in a planned series, and ends on a thrilling cliff-hanger. I can’t wait to read the next instalment in this series. The book will appeal to readers of drama fiction, suspense, and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense, gripping and emotional semi-autobiographical novel, which successfully interweaves a story of horrific abuse and childhood trauma with a beautiful love story. Purchase here

< Back Rebecca Olmstead Dreams and Illusions: A Gabrielle Dorian Mystery A young woman is unwittingly thrust into a complex investigation when her sister is accused of a brutal murder. Gabrielle Dorian co-owns a boutique called Belle Femme in Washington with her best friend, Kate Goldstein. Gabrielle is a psychic and experiences recurring, vivid dreams. She believes her dreams are trying to tell her something and has a bad feeling it is something connected to her husband, James. Gabrielle is worried and Kate encourages her to have an extended lunch with James. She visits him while he is working on a construction site, and everything is fine, except for the annoying presence of his business partner, Trevor. Shortly after lunch, Gabrielle receives a visit from Trevor and the police, informing her that James has tragically died in an accident at the site. On the day of his funeral, Gabrielle receives a frantic call from her estranged younger sister, Tina. Tina has been arrested and asks Gabrielle to travel to Seattle to bail her out. Kate advises Gabrielle to stay at home, rest and grieve for her husband, but Gabrielle feels a responsibility to her sister. Gabrielle feels she let her husband down by ignoring her dreams, and she does not want to let her last living relative down. She travels to Seattle to learn Tina has been charged with writing bad checks and first-degree murder. The victim is Tina’s neighbor, an elderly woman named Winnifred Everette, who was robbed and shot in her apartment. The police have a good case, as Tina’s gun is linked to the crime scene, and they discover that Tina is the sole beneficiary of Winnifred’s eighteen-million fortune. Tina is confident that her sister will be able to prove her innocence due to her psychic abilities. Can Gabrielle solve the case, and save her sister from death row? Dreams and Illusions: A Gabrielle Dorian Mystery by Rebecca Olmstead is an absorbing crime detective novel, and the first instalment in a planned series. The book follows Gabrielle Dorian’s journey as she discovers her psychic abilities and is unwittingly thrust into a complex investigation when her sister is accused of a brutal murder. The book is more than a crime detective novel, as it deals with family relationships, faith, love and loss. Gabrielle Dorian is a strong, charming and relatable protagonist. Her journey is both personal and investigative, as she battles her own grief, fears and doubts while delving into the murky circumstances surrounding the crime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A super addition to the crime detective genre, with a captivating protagonist and a fresh psychic twist. Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar If I Must Go, You Must Stay Salma is all alone, trapped underneath the rubble following an explosion. She cannot see or hear her mama, or papa, or big brother Ahmad. Suddenly she hears Ahmad’s voice. She cannot see her brother, but she can see a small yellow bird. Ahmad provides comfort and reassurance that someone will rescue her soon. But, it is so dark, and Salma is frightened. Ahmad explains that he is on his way ‘up’ and it is time for him to use his wings and go. Salma begs him not to leave her behind. She wants wings too, and wants to go ‘up’ with him. She does not know what she will do without her brother. Ahmad explains that she is not ready, but if he must go, she must stay to tell his story. Will Salma find her own wings? Will she be rescued from the rubble? If I Must Go, You Must Stay is an illustrated picture book by Hazem Nassar about a little girl who is trapped under the rubble after a bombing in her village. Alone and frightened, Salma hears her brothers voice, and sees a small yellow bird. Realising the bird is Ahmad’s spirit watching over her, Salma finds comfort and strength in a dire situation. This beautifully written and illustrated picture book explores the devastating impact of war from a child’s perspective, and handles grief sensitively and with grace. Salma’s journey from fear to courage, guided by her brothers spirit, is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heart-wrenching and uplifting story about the devastating impact of war on young children. 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 Margot Keene Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line Five years after the death of her brother Nathan in a tragic cave diving accident, Maddie Carter returns to the place where he died, Maverick Key, Florida. Maddie hopes to start a new life, open a veterinary clinic, and reclaim Nathan’s diving legacy. Before his death, Nathan discovered a cave site with evidence of fossilized remains, possibly linked to an ancient, cultured civilization. He died in the cave while searching for evidence, after his equipment failed. Maddie finds a map of the cave site in Nathan’s cottage, and a cryptic note, suggesting there was more to the cave accident than previously believed. She sets out to learn more about his research and uncover the truth about his death. When fortune hunters arrive in Maverick Key in search of treasure, she meets a widowed diver named Scott Rickter. Their friendship slowly develops into love, but Maddie keeps a secret from Scott that could threaten their relationship. Maddie continues her investigation, but there is someone in Maverick Key who is determined to make sure Nathan’s secrets remain dead and buried. Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line is a gripping romance and mystery novel by author Margot Keene. Set on an idyllic island just off the coast of Florida, Keene transports readers to a lush, tropical paradise of untouched natural beauty. But beyond the picture-perfect façade, Maverick Key holds deep, dark secrets. Maddie Carter’s quest to uncover the truth about her brother’s death leads to danger, unexpected love, and heartbreak. With a lush setting, a gripping plot and a compelling cast of characters, Maverick Key is a place readers will want to revisit. Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line is a strong debut that will appeal to fans of romantic fiction, mystery, and adventure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A high-stakes cave diving adventure filled with mystery, suspense, and romance. Purchase here

Mystery at Spirit Lake < Back Deborah Erdmann Mystery at Spirit Lake Book blurb... Bigfoot. Buried secrets. And absolutely zero cell service. What could possibly go wrong? Think Scooby-Doo meets National Geographic-with more trail mix and fewer functioning flashlights. Camping near Mount St. Helens sounded like a great idea-until it wasn't. A lava tube expedition leads to a strange cave painting, a suspicious footprint the size of a canoe, a mysteriously flat tire, and a guy named Jake who might be a criminal-or just really into flannel. The kids quickly realize something weird is going on-and it's not just Forest's hair gel addiction. Soon, they're sneaking past trail cams, uncovering a shady mining operation, receiving unsolicited wilderness advice from Ranger Ralph, and getting chased through the woods by something with enormous feet-and questionable hygiene. All Dominic knows is, someone's lying, Bigfoot might be in on it, and the pancakes better be worth the trauma. Set against the rugged backdrop of Mount St. Helens, this hilarious mystery is packed with danger, drama, and just enough Bigfoot to keep you guessing. Because at Spirit Lake, the only thing more active than the volcano ... is the mystery. Purchase here

< Back Derrick Pledger Your Brain Weighs 500 Pounds: Change Your Mindset to Achieve Desired Outcomes Book blurb... In Your Brain Weighs 500 Pounds, Derrick Pledger provides an interactive and thought-provoking menu of one hundred lessons that will help you reach or acquire whatever it is you want, be it wealth, better relationships, career progression, or a healthier lifestyle. Purchase here

< Back Marie Nichols We're Going to the Dinosaur Forest Bracken loves playing outside with his friends. But more than anything, he loves playing with his grandmother, Gram. One day when Gram comes to visit, they decide to go to the Dinosaur Forest. As they walk through the forest together, they stomp their feet and roar like dinosaurs. They climb up a big hill and search for dinosaurs, but there are none to be found. They continue their search and discover a stegosaurus. Gram is scared and freezes on the spot, but luckily they find a big tree to hide behind. They climb up an even bigger hill and find a triceratops. They hide behind another tree, as the triceratops strolls by. While Gram is scared and wants to go home, Bracken is keen to find a T-Rex. Will Bracken and Gram find a T-Rex? And will they make it out of the Dinosaur Forest safely? We're Going to the Dinosaur Forest is an illustrated picture book by author Marie Nichols. This is a fun and engaging story for young readers, that beautifully captures the special bond between a little boy and his grandmother. With a dinosaur themed adventure in the forest, this book promotes imaginative play and celebrates intergenerational relationships. The illustrations by Penny Weber are vibrant and full of life, and capture the warmth and love between grandparent and grandchild beautifully. This is a great read-together book, and I’m sure grandparents everywhere will enjoy sharing this book with their grandchildren. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A roaring, dino-mite adventure, where an ordinary forest turns into a Jurassic jungle. Purchase here

A lost little girl finds her inner magic, by author Sally Kingman < Back Sally Kingman Everything Is Everything: Finding Your Magic Sally and her faithful little pup were out for walk one day, enjoying the sunshine, the flowers, the woodland creatures, and the aromas of the meadow. Deep in thought, and in admiration of the beautiful surroundings, Sally’s inner voice interrupts her serenity. Her inner voice was telling her to stop. To stop the daydreaming and the meaningless meandering through the meadow. Her inner voice reminded her of the much more important and productive things she could be doing with her time instead. Normally, Sally would listen to the inner voice and head back home, but today was different. Today, Sally chose to ignore the inner voice, and continued to enjoy her time, simply appreciating the beauty of nature. As Sally chooses to do what makes her feel happy, she feels a sense of peace and discovers a whole new magical world, full of adventure. This is a sweet story about a cute little girl, who, disturbed by negative, controlling thoughts, decides to follow her heart and finds true happiness and self-love. It will encourage readers to think positively and to pursue interests that make them happy, rather than what makes others happy. A note for the author: we did spot some typos and grammatical errors, and therefore recommend a thorough editorial review. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet story about a cute little girl, who finds true happiness and self-love. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Felicia Taylor E. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale Poet, Felicia Taylor E, shares her memories of childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a collection of poems by Felicia Taylor E. centered around her childhood memories, adolescence and young adulthood. There are four distinct collections: ‘Beginning’, ‘Piney Woods Time’, ‘Blues of Life and Love’ and ‘Grateful’. The first is a collection about her early childhood, with sweet memories watching and learning from television, her love of books and her imaginary friends, movies, and her adventures with her mom and dad. But also, some traumatic memories of discrimination, random strangers touching her hair, the cruelty of her early years’ teacher, and a terrifying encounter with the Klu Klux Klan. The second collection is about her time growing up, spending time with her grandmother and grandfather, her love of music, playing out with friends, and the joy of singing in the church choir. In the third collection, Felicia describes her youth, her growing understanding of the world around her, the stories of others who fought every day for survival in an unjust society, the cruelty of dementia on patients and their loved ones, her growth as a young woman and a poet, a blossoming love with a ‘brown eyed Knight’, and thoughts about death. In the final collection, Felicia shares beautiful memories of lost loved ones. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a beautiful and poignant collection of poetry by Felicia Taylor E. The poems are both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as Felicia takes the reader on a journey through her life, and shares her experiences of growing up as a Black girl and woman in the South. The diverse collection of poems shows the authors ‘multilayers’ of womanhood and being a Black woman. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and poignant collection of poetry that are both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Purchase here

Montgomery Lake High #3: The Aftermath < Back Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #3: The Aftermath At age fifteen, Jason Davids appears to have nearly any worldly thing that promises enjoyment at his disposal. Despite this, there is a persistent emptiness inside his heart. After failing to fill the void with achievements, relationships, and illicit substances, Jason finds himself intrigued by Jessie Robins: the daughter of a local pastor. How is it possible that she stands for everything his lifestyle opposes yet possesses the one thing he has been searching for all along? Purchase here