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  • Juliet Rose, We Don’t Matte

    < Back Juliet Rose We Don’t Matte A young film student captures police brutality on camera, by author Juliet Rose Seattle film student, Aiden, dreams of making it big as a film maker in California, but he is burdened with guilt over his brothers’ tragic suicide several years earlier. One day, while filming skateboarders at the local park, Aiden meets Zeke, a construction worker from Utah. Aiden feels an instant connection to Zeke, but he is unsure of his feelings and his own sexuality. As Aiden and Zeke’s relationship slowly develops, trouble erupts between the police and the residents of a homeless encampment. Aiden captures footage of police brutality and the murder of a defenceless autistic, homeless man, Enrique. Police officers notice Aiden is filming the incident, and he is chased through the streets and captured. He discards his camera in an alleyway, which is later picked up by a local resident. Aiden is wrongfully arrested by the police, beaten, and questioned. Enrique later dies from his injuries in hospital, but Aiden manages to recover his camera, and working with a local reporter, publishes the footage of Enrique’s murder. In fear of his life, from the police and radical police supporters, Aiden and Zeke travel across the country to the west coast and the safety of Aiden’s old friends, Sam and Smitty. With further civil protests, and reports of more police brutality, the couple are forced back to Seattle, to film and document the protests. The couple decide to turn their experiences of racism, discrimination, homophobia, and radical religious fanaticism, into something positive, and plan to travel the county and film people’s stories of oppression, injustice, and police brutality. But before they can move forward in their lives together, they must first address their own trauma. We Don’t Matter by author Juliet Rose is a powerful novel, which deals with issues of racism, discrimination, homophobia, radical religious fanaticism, and police brutality. Juliet Rose writes about these issues, sensitively and with compassion, and develops understanding and empathy for the main characters Aiden and Zeke, and the issues they face. Juliet Rose shows that we all certainly ‘Do Matter’. With some new characters, and some familiar characters from Juliet’s novel, ‘Do Over’, this book is a nice accompaniment to ‘Do Over’, but can also be read independently as a standalone novel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful novel, which deals with issues of racism, discrimination, homophobia, radical religious fanaticism, and police brutality, sensitively and with compassion. Purchase here

  • Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato, Three Days Grace

    < Back Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato Three Days Grace Three Days Grace by Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato is a tense, psychological drama that delves into the tangled web of family secrets, trauma, and the search for identity. The story is set in Paris and unfolds over three days, bringing together a cast of characters whose lives are bound by shared pain and unresolved conflict. Nick, a young American living in Paris, is forced to confront the death of his estranged father, Gene, and the wounds left by a childhood marked by abuse and silence. The story brings together Nick, his mother Lynne, her wife Susan, the enigmatic artist Laslo, and Marc, a Parisian friend, for a family gathering where they are forced to confront the ghosts of the past. Nick’s struggle to reclaim agency over his life and body is both heart-breaking and inspiring, while Lynne’s mix of guilt, denial, and longing for redemption is both sympathetic and infuriating. Donato’s narrative is particularly effective in highlighting how trauma reverberates through generations, shaping relationships and identity. The characters’ attempts to protect themselves and each other often result in further harm, a cycle the novel examines with honesty and sensitivity. The novel’s structure, with shifting perspectives and timelines, mirror the characters’ fractured memories and the nonlinear process of healing. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, often serving as a battleground for the characters’ competing truths. Three Days Grace does not shy away from difficult subjects, but offers moments of hope that healing is possible, even if the past cannot be undone. Overall, a powerful and beautifully introspective novel exploring the devastating impact of child sexual abuse. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A haunting, unflinching portrait of family, trauma, and identity. Purchase here

  • Charles Cone, ...a burning desire to fly

    < Back Charles Cone ...a burning desire to fly Book blurb... This is the unforgettable memoir of Colonel Charles Cone, USAF (Ret.), whose century-spanning journey from a humble farmhouse in upstate New York to the cockpits of military and civilian aircraft defines a life of courage, conviction, and flight. Born in 1926, Cone’s early obsession with aviation led him to become a naval aviator and later a decorated U.S. Air Force pilot. From flying combat missions in Korea and Vietnam to pioneering sophisticated operations systems, instructing civilian pilots, and flying medical missions, his story is rich with purpose and perseverance. More than a chronicle of aviation milestones, ...a burning desire to fly captures the grit of rural America, the evolution of military aviation, and the indomitable spirit of a man who never let adversity clip his wings. Purchase here

  • Joey Francess, The Blueprint Method: Dating with Intention

    < Back Joey Francess The Blueprint Method: Dating with Intention Book blurb... Modern dating rewards impulse, confusion, and fantasy. The Blueprint Method cuts through that noise. Joey Francess helps you recognize unhealthy patterns, trust your standards, and approach relationships with greater clarity, honesty, and intention. Instead of getting lost in mixed signals, red flags, and empty potential, this book shows you how to slow down, see clearly, and choose from self-awareness rather than loneliness or fear. Because the right relationship starts with what you choose. Purchase here

  • Dr. Randal L. Quackenbush, Choir Confidential: Insider Tips & Techniques for the Church Choir Director

    < Back Dr. Randal L. Quackenbush Choir Confidential: Insider Tips & Techniques for the Church Choir Director Book blurb... Are you leading a church choir - or preparing to? This is your essential, practical guide to thriving in this vital role. Written by Dr. Randal L. Quackenbush, a renowned choral arranger and seasoned church choir director, this insightful book blends real-world experience with actionable advice. You'll explore the spiritual and musical dimensions of leadership, discover how to build a vibrant choir culture, sharpen your rehearsal strategies, and master the art of choral administration. With ten global case studies from choirs in the U.S., England, Denmark, Ghana, India, and Italy, you'll gain a fresh perspective on what makes choirs flourish across cultures. Each story is packed with creative solutions and inspiration whether you're working with a dwindling group or a thriving ensemble. From aesthetic guidance to practical tools, Choir Confidential equips directors of all backgrounds ”full-time, part-time, or volunteer” with the confidence and clarity to lead with purpose and passion. Purchase here

  • Anne Angelo, Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass

    < Back Anne Angelo Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass A young woman leaves the Scottish Highlands, in search of a new life in France. Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass is a memoir by Anne Angelo about her life growing up in rural Scotland. This is the first volume of a two-part series and follows her journey from early childhood through to her mid-twenties. Angelo was born in 1913 in Invergordon, in the Scottish Highlands. Her father was an Italian mechanical engineer working in Scotland, and her mother was from a wealthy French family. They met at a motor car rally in Bordeaux, and were married a few weeks later after a short, whirlwind, romance. But when her mother’s family learn of her father’s intentions to live off his wife’s wealth, they cut her off from the family’s assets. The couple returned to Scotland and Angelo’s father became increasingly angry and bitter about their predicament. He was verbally and physically abusive towards his wife and children, and even tried to arrange a marriage for Angelo. Angelo takes a job as a governess for a wealthy widower in France to escape her father and to “become a new person”. She moves to Lille and experiences what life is like in the upper echelons of French society. But as another war looms in Europe, Angelo is forced to return back to Scotland. Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass is a captivating memoir by Anne Angelo, about her life growing up in the Scottish Highlands. Written from her own manuscripts, this is an intriguing and heartfelt novel about one young woman’s fight to make a better life for herself. The book provides a fascinating insight into life as a young woman growing up in the early part of the 20th century, and the differences between life in rural Scotland and France. Angelo was physically and emotionally abused throughout her childhood, and experienced significant financial hardships, but she was never bitter about her father or her life. Ultimately, this is a story of empowerment and strength, as Angelo finds the courage to leave her family home and attempts to rebuild a new life for herself. Readers can follow the rest of Anne Angelo’s journey in the second volume. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt glimpse into the life of the author, and the experiences that shaped her formative years. Purchase here

  • Christine Stoiber Fahlund, Lena: Silver Queen of the Gilded Age

    < Back Christine Stoiber Fahlund Lena: Silver Queen of the Gilded Age Book blurb... Witness the extraordinary true story of Lena Stoiber, a bold and determined woman who rose from a boarding house in frontier Minneapolis to the heights of wealth and influence during America’s Gilded Age. Set against the backdrop of Colorado’s booming silver mines and the glittering society of Europe, Lena’s life intersected with remarkable events of her era — from the settlement of the American West to the tragedy of the Titanic. Fiercely independent and unapologetically ambitious, she challenged the limits placed on women of her era. Discover the captivating biography of a forgotten pioneer whose life was as dramatic and daring as the age she helped define. Purchase here

  • Kerie Logan, Becoming a Divine Messiah ~ The Day of Becoming and Remembrance, Book 1: New Earth Golden Age Trilogy

    < Back Kerie Logan Becoming a Divine Messiah ~ The Day of Becoming and Remembrance, Book 1: New Earth Golden Age Trilogy Becoming a Divine Messiah: The Day of Becoming and Remembrance is the first instalment in Kerie Logan's New Earth Golden Age Trilogy. This work blends spiritual fantasy, channelled wisdom, and personal reflection to create a guide for awakening, healing, and evolving consciousness. Logan's book is both a narrative and guidance for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world. The book is structured as a journey of awakening, told through the eyes of Danica, a young woman living in a post-shift New Earth. The narrative alternates between Danica's personal experiences, dialogues with family and spiritual guides, and channelled teachings. The story is interwoven with reflections on past lives, ancestral wisdom, and the collective evolution of humanity. The table of contents reveals a wide range of topics, from "Life in the 3D World Not Taught" to "The Creative Spark of Imagination" and "The Metatron's Cube," indicating the book's ambition to cover both practical and metaphysical ground. At its core, the book explores the transition from a fear-based, divided 3D world to a harmonious, love-centered 5D reality. Logan emphasizes that this shift is not about escapism or bypassing trauma, but about integrating shadow aspects and healing at both personal and collective levels. The narrative is rich with spiritual concepts such as vibrational frequency, multidimensional awareness, and the importance of grounding. The author provides a vibrational frequency scale, associating emotions and behaviors with different states of consciousness, from love and joy to enlightenment. A key message is that everyone is capable of becoming a "Divine Messiah"—a being who embodies Christ Consciousness and helps usher in a new era of unity and peace. The book draws on a variety of spiritual traditions, referencing Jesus, the Divine Feminine, starseeds, and interstellar civilizations, weaving them into a cohesive vision of humanity's potential. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A vision of hope, unity, and personal empowerment, encouraging readers to remember their true nature and participate in the creation of a New Earth. Purchase here

  • Srdjan Macanovic, Bridge Between Two Worlds: From Sarajevo to London

    < Back Srdjan Macanovic Bridge Between Two Worlds: From Sarajevo to London Book blurb... Bridge Between Two Worlds is a luminous literary memoir, tracing an extraordinary journey from the siege of Sarajevo to the operating rooms and quiet beaches of Australia. At once intimate and universal, it explores how knowledge, compassion, and memory can rebuild a life shattered by war. It traces a remarkable journey - from the besieged streets of Sarajevo to the halls of Cambridge and the healing shores of Australia. Through war and exile, loss and renewal, Dr. Macanovic weaves a deeply human story of resilience, compassion, and the search for belonging. Blending memoir, reflection, and philosophy, Bridge Between Two Worlds: a Doctor's Journey from Sarajevo to London builds literal and metaphorical bridges - between East and West, past and present, science and spirit, and above all, between pain and hope. Purchase here

  • Edgar Doleman, Arlen's Gun: A Novel of Men at War

    < Back Edgar Doleman Arlen's Gun: A Novel of Men at War An enthralling and deeply moving novel about the war in Vietnam, from author and Vietnam veteran Edgar Doleman Arlen Washington is an angry and troubled young man, stricken with grief following the death of his beloved mother, his ‘Big Ma’. Arlen joins the Air Force, to avoid being drafted into the war in Vietnam, but he is sent there as a gunner on an armed cargo aircraft, known as ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’. When his plane, the ‘Spooky 45’ is shot down and crash lands in the jungle, the crew survives but one man is severely injured. Arlen disconnects a powerful minigun from the plane’s wreckage to defend the crew against enemy attack before an Army platoon arrives to rescue them. But the Army’s tank gets stuck in a ditch and Arlen and a fellow gunner, Otis, are left stranded with the platoon, while the rest of the crew leave to get medical attention. Arlen is thrust into a jungle battle, where he finds a sense of purpose and belonging in the brutality of war. Arlen’s Gun is an enthralling and deeply moving novel about the war in Vietnam, told sensitively and with compassion by Edgar Doleman, a war veteran with twenty years’ service and two-tours of Vietnam. The book is an authentic and honest portrayal of the horrors of war, and the experiences of ordinary men who risked their lives in the Vietnam war. Doleman writes about the conflict in clear and vivid detail, drawing on his own first-hand experiences of warfare. The novel is beautifully written and easy to read, with a helpful glossary to help those less familiar with military terminology. The book will appeal to fans of military fiction, and anyone interested in the Vietnam war. A beautiful tribute to all those who fought in Vietnam, and all those who risk their lives every day in the name of war. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully written novel and tribute to all those who fought in Vietnam, and risk their lives every day in the name of war. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

  • Ed A. Murray, Autumn in Wolf Valley

    < Back Ed A. Murray Autumn in Wolf Valley Forty-eight year old Howard Lynch is grieving the death of his beloved wife, Amber. Amber was tragically killed in a car accident a year previously, and Howard is riddled with guilt over his last words to his wife. Howard and Amber first met in a bar in their early twenties, and spent a night together. The couple lost contact, but years later they are reunited and move to the small town of Wolf Valley. As Howard contemplates his future without Amber, a severe storm hits the town. The Wolf River Dam breaches its banks and the town is flooded. The residents are evacuated to a nearby community centre, but pets are not permitted within the building. Howard decides to stay in his home to take care of his dog, Coby, a gift from Amber just before her death. Prior to the storm, Howard had little time for the dog, but he refuses to leave him behind. As the flood waters rise, Howard attempts to secure Amber’s precious belongings, and takes refuge in the attic with Coby. A rescue boat finds Howard and Coby stranded in the attic, and Howard is faced with a difficult decision. In the aftermath of the storm, Howard learns more about his late wife, and makes a new connection that takes him back to the first night they met. Autumn in Wolf Valley is a powerful and deeply moving historical fiction novel by author Ed A. Murray. Set against a backdrop of a fierce storm, the story follows construction worker, Howard, as he not only battles the elements outside, but also struggles with the demons within. Murray masterfully weaves between the past and the present, creating a compelling story rich in detail and emotional depth. Central to the story is Howard’s relationship with Amber and their dog, Coby. These relationships become the compass by which the reader navigates the shifting timelines. Overall, a beautiful and moving story of love and loss, told through a ferocious storm. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A satisfying historical fiction novel, with a blend of romance and edge-of-your-seat disaster thriller. Purchase here

  • Mara Purl, When Birds Sing

    < Back Mara Purl When Birds Sing Miranda Jones, a respected wildlife artist, has been commissioned by the state of Oregon to paint the state bird, the Western Meadowlark. The prestigious assignment takes her on a journey to Oregon’s lush landscapes, where she immerses herself in the bird’s habitat, capturing its essence through observation, photography, hiking and plein air painting. Miranda’s adventure is not just about art; it’s a deep exploration of her connection to nature and her own aspirations. Her fascination with birds and their communication becomes a central theme, as she learns from a bird expert about the intricate social systems and vocalizations of avian species. When Miranda finds herself in a dramatic rescue situation on the Columbia River, her attentiveness to bird calls leads her to save a fellow traveller from drowning. The narrative is enriched by vivid descriptions of Oregon’s landscapes, the river’s power, and the delicate beauty of the meadowlark. Purl’s writing is lyrical and evocative, seamlessly weaving together themes of art, nature, and human relationships. The novella stands alone as a complete story but also fits into the larger tapestry of the Milford-Haven saga. When Birds Sing by author Mara Purl is a beautifully crafted novella that celebrates the harmony between humans and nature, the power of art, and the courage to embrace life’s challenges. Purl’s ability to blend fiction with environmental and emotional themes makes this a compelling read for fans of small-town fiction, nature enthusiasts, and those who appreciate stories of personal growth. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A captivating novella set within the Milford-Haven saga, blending themes of nature, art, and human connection. Purchase here

©2020 Readers' Choice Book Awards

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