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< Back Dashawn Mayweather The Broken Gavel: A Sneak Peek Book blurb... The Broken Gavel: A Sneak Peek offers readers a first look into a powerful memoir that blends personal narrative with legal case study. In this preview, Dashawn Mayweather introduces the journey that will ultimately unfold in her full-length book, a journey marked by betrayal, malpractice, and the resilience it takes to face a system designed to silence. Through sharp reflection and raw honesty, Mayweather gives readers a glimpse into the high cost of injustice while planting the seeds of accountability and reform. This sneak peek is not just a sample; it's a promise of what's to come - a larger story that will challenge institutions, inspire resilience, and spark conversations about truth, legacy, and justice. More than a preview, The Broken Gavel: A Sneak Peek is an invitation: to witness the cracks in the system, to recognize the resilience born from struggle, and to prepare for the full force of a memoir that will reshape how we see justice. Purchase here

< Back Micah Briarmoon A Haunting Deception Jared Davenport is a successful architect who is working as a delivery driver to make ends meet, following his divorce from a wealthy heiress. When he is given a new delivery route in the Bobcat Mountain neighborhood, he is surprised to see Bellevue House - an old house he thought was burned to the ground many years ago. Jared fell in love with the house early in his architect career and planned to renovate it with his ex-wife before it was condemned by the city. Years later, the owner of the house burned it down, killing her husband, before turning the gun on herself. When Jared delivers a package to Bellevue he meets the owner, a beautiful young woman and fellow architect. Jared is instantly attracted to the woman and falls completely under her spell. Meanwhile, Detective Brandon Spencer of the Lake Valley Police Department is investigating the disappearance of a young woman named Nong Ekamai. He believes her disappearance is linked to other strange abduction cases. In each case, the victim disappeared at a local Education Centre, and was found years later immediately before the next victim disappeared in the exact same spot. Each victim suffered from ‘ unresponsive wakefulness syndrome’ and was unable to speak about their ordeal. As Detective Spencer considers the similarities in the cases, Nong is unexpectedly found at the Education Centre. At the same time, Jared’s daughter reports him missing. A Haunting Deception by author Micah Briarmoon is a chilling supernatural novel, which blends horror, suspense and folklore. The novel follows Jared Davenport, who mysteriously disappears during his rounds as a delivery driver. As the police and his daughter desperately try to find him, they discover a connection to a strange house and other abduction cases. When traditional investigative techniques fail, Detective Brandon Spencer is forced to seek the assistance of the church and a shaman. With great characterisation, and plenty of horror and suspense, this is a unique and fresh take on the typical haunted house genre. A must read for fans of horror and supernatural thrillers. Star rating: 4 Stars Summary : A chilling supernatural novel and a fresh take on the haunted house genre. Purchase here

< Back Stacy Gabel At the Zoo-oo-oo Sing-along with Stacy At the Zoo-oo-oo by author, singer- songwriter, and recording artist Stacy Gabel, is a fun sing-along picture book for younger children, featuring an original song written by the author. It’s a day trip to the zoo, and young readers are invited to sing along and find a variety of zoo animals. But zoo animals like you have never seen before. A giraffe, riding a raft! A potbellied pig dancing a jig! With lots of wonderful rhyme and repetition, each page follows the same structure. ‘Who’s seen a slippery seal, slip slip sliding on a banana peel? Who’s seen a slippery seal at the zoo? Well, I’ve seen a slippery seal, slip slip sliding on a banana peel! I’ve seen a slippery seal right here at the zoo! At the zoo, oh at the zoo! Woo! I’ve seen a slippery seal right here at the zoo!' Parents and children will love to sing along to the simple and catchy tune and will enjoy the illustrations of the zoo animals in various unexpected scenarios. The author recommends readers download the accompanying song and official music video from her website to enjoy the full experience. I didn’t, but I made up a tune and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! An interactive, creative sing-along book, with a rather catchy earworm. I’m sure the book will inspire a love of music and encourage creativity amongst younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, sing-along picture book about life at the zoo-oo-oo. Purchase here

< Back Michael Michie Pablo Avocado Can a little avocado take on the fashion world? Pablo Avocado comes from a long line of accomplished avocado’s. His father was a salsa dancer, his grandfather was a sailor, and his great grandfather was so beautiful that he didn’t have to work a day in his life. Pablo is a handsome young avocado, but he is feeling a little lost in life. He wants to make something of himself, but he doesn’t know what to do or where to start. He isn’t even sure whether he is a fruit or a vegetable! Pablo sneaks into his therapists office, hidden under his ‘cloak of secrecy’ so nobody sees him. He settles into the cozy therapists chair, and suddenly has an idea. He dreams of turning the store isles into a colourful catwalk. He dreams of creating fabulous outfits for his fruit friends. He dreams of becoming the next big fashion designer. But Pablo doesn’t want to waste any more time dreaming. He knows just what he needs to do, and the first thing is to get out of the therapists chair! Pablo Avocado by author Michael Michie is a fabulous and fun picture book for young readers about an eccentric little avocado who is feeling sad and a little lost in life. Pablo wants to make a name for himself, just like his father and his fathers’ father, so he visits a therapist to help him make a decision about his future. But Pablo doesn’t need the therapists help, he knows exactly what he wants to do and how he is going to do it! With a little bit of focus and a lot of self-belief, Pablo finally finds his purpose. This is a simple and entertaining way of helping young children to open up and talk through their problems. This is a cute and imaginative story, with lots of humor and plenty of word play to entertain both children and their care givers. Young children will enjoy this adorable character and will laugh out loud at his antics, for example as he hides under his cloak and loses his belly button stone. They will enjoy the colourful illustrations and the fruit and vegetable characters as they feature in various unexpected scenes. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fabulously fun and fruity picture book about a little avocado with a big dream. Purchase here

< Back J.C. Wade Summer's Reaping A powerful witch named Ursa is heartbroken following the death of her young daughter, Elenwin, who was bitten by a viper while exploring her mothers’ witching pantry. Ursa journeys through the Wild Wood with Elenwin’s decaying body, in search of the evasive ingredients needed to cast a spell to bring her back to life. But, when her spells fail, Ursa must make a living sacrifice to fully restore her daughter. When two local village children are found dead and mutilated in the forest, a young woman named Saoirse suspects the beast that roams the boundary between the human and fae worlds is responsible. When Saoirse’s little brother Dafydd disappears in the middle of the night, she journeys into the forbidden forest to find him. Accompanied by her friend and secret love, Edred, they are guided on their journey by enchanted bees. They find Dafydd alive deep inside a cave, but he is changed beyond recognition. They interrupt Ursa’s evil spell but become trapped inside the cave by the wicked beast. Saoirse and Edred must escape the cave and stop Ursa before Dafydd becomes her next victim. They must leave the human world and enter Faerie to find the summer goddess Áine and restore Dafydd’s soul. But, when Edred is snatched by dark elves, Saoirse is forced to make a sacrifice of her own. Summer's Reaping by author J.C. Wade is a chilling fantasy fiction novel inspired by Welsh mythology. The story follows Saoirse, a determined young woman, who attempts to rescue her little brother after he is snatched by an evil witch. Accompanied by her friend and secret love, their perilous journey through a mystical forest tests their courage, resourcefulness, and friendship. J.C. Wade has created a rich fantasy world, filled with faeries, elves, dragons, monsters, and mythical creatures. This is a dark and chilling tale, intertwined with a beautiful and tender love story. A must-read for fans of fantasy, fairy tales, folklore, and Celtic mythology. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A rich and beautifully crafted fantasy fiction tale, with a perfect blend of dark magic, mysticism, and a touch of romance. Purchase here

Gripped Part 5: Taylor's Story < Back Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 5: Taylor's Story A real and honest portrayal of the dangers of drug use and the pressures faced by young adults, by author Stacy A. Padula Taylor, a promising young football player, has had a turbulent few years. After an unfortunate incident at school that resulted in him losing his college place, and a debilitating knee injury that led to a painkiller addiction, he becomes embroiled with an organised criminal gang with links to the Mafia. But as Taylor attempts to become sober, leave the gang, and turn his life around, he risks it all for one last drug run. When his criminal associates learn of his intention to leave the gang, they set out to silence him, before he can incriminate anyone else. Unbeknownst to Taylor, another member of the gang is an undercover police officer, and he intervenes to save his life. But the gang cannot risk exposure, and attempt to hunt Taylor down via his friends and family. As Taylor is driven away to safety, his friends and families’ lives are put in grave danger. Gripped Part 5: Taylors Story, is the fifth book in the Gripped series, and a continuation of the previous novel. I hadn’t read any of the previous novels, and whilst there were references to previous events, the book could still be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. This novel tells the story of Taylor, his family, relationships, and run-ins with Bilotti gang. The book tackles issues of addiction, drug dealing, alcohol use and teen sex, providing a real and honest portrayal of the dangers of drug use and the pressures faced by young adults. What I really liked about the book is the representation of regular, high-functioning, and successful kids, and their involvement with a hidden, dangerous, underworld. If it can happen to Taylor, it can happen to anyone. The title of the book is fitting, as I was literally gripped from the first chapter. This book is an enthralling and essential for any young adult, or parent of a young adult. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enthralling and essential read for any young adult, or parent. I was gripped from the first chapter. A SILVER WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Ashley Wall Lucy and Her Unicorn Get a Sparkle Puppy Can Lucy and her best friend, Twinkle the Unicorn, show they are responsible dog owners? Lucy and her best friend, Twinkle the Unicorn, are going to get a new puppy from the dog shelter. The pair have been working hard to show Lucy’s parents they can be responsible dog owners, making sure they make their beds and clean up after themselves. When they arrive at the dog shelter, they meet a sparkly, Sparkle Spaniel puppy. Lucy is convinced Sparkle Spaniel is the one and convinces her mom to adopt the puppy. They take the puppy home and name her Zoey. Lucy and Twinkle soon realise that looking after a puppy is hard work and requires lots of patience, training and love. They play with her, and take her for a walk, but when they start to clean up their room, they discover the gate is open and Zoey is missing. They search everywhere, but Zoey is nowhere to be found. Eventually they find Zoey and Lucy has an idea to open up a Sparkle Spaniel Training School, to give Zoey the training and love she deserves. Lucy and Her Unicorn Get a Sparkle Puppy is a fun and sparkly picture book by author Ashley Wall about Lucy and Twinkle the Unicorn’s adventures with a new puppy, Zoey. While puppies look cute and are lots of fun, they are demanding and require lots of patience. Lucy and Twinkle must learn quickly to become responsible dog owners, and give Zoey the love, training and attention she needs to be a happy and healthy puppy. With lots of practical guidance for junior dog owners, and more than a handful of glitter and sparkle, this is a fun and entertaining picture book for readers who love imaginative stories, animals and adventure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and sparkly picture book for girls and boys who love unicorns, puppies and anything that glitters. Simply, sparkle-tastic! Purchase here

< Back Terry Kirk Pitfall Frank Cork had it all. As head trader at Chicago’s leading commodities brokerage firm, Frank made a fortune trading wheat futures. He lived the good life, with his beautiful wife Katrina and their two children. Frank witnesses a gangland shooting and fears for his life when he is noticed by the shooter. Shortly after, Frank’s entire fortune is wiped out when the price of wheat plummets during the 1929 stock market crash. Frank flees to Canada, to escape the mob and recover his losses, leaving behind Katrina and the children. While the firm tasks intern Lewis to find Frank, the police open an investigation into his disappearance. Frank has a plethora of enemies, and the police suspect foul play. Frank travels to the Canadian Prairies where he adopts an alias and takes refuge with a local family. He partners with a bootlegger and begins to smuggle Canadian whiskey to the United States, while secretly orchestrating a high-stakes wheat futures deal to recover his losses. Meanwhile, Katrina, struggles to keep their family afloat and forms a bond with Lewis, who continues to search tirelessly for Frank. Frank’s journey is fraught with challenges, including encounters with mobsters, a relentless investigator, and a rival from the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. Pitfall by Terry Kirk is a gripping historical fiction novel set in Chicago during the 1929 stock market crash. The story follows Frank Cork as his life unravels amidst financial ruin. The novel offers a fascinating insight into Chicago’s financial world, wheat trading, and the great stock market crash. The vivid descriptions of Chicago’s financial district and the wind-swept Canadian Prairies create a rich, atmospheric backdrop for the drama. The characters are well-developed, particularly Frank and Katrina, whose personal struggles feel authentic and relatable. The novel combines historical drama with personal introspection, making it a must-read for fans of character-driven stories and historical fiction. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A compelling and emotionally charged historical fiction novel, with memorable characters and a gripping plot inspired by real-life events. Purchase here

< Back Robin Jeffrey R.A.T.: A Cadence Turing Mystery Chance and Cadence are back to solve another crime. R.A.T.: A Cadence Turing Mystery is the second instalment in the Cadence Turing mystery series and follows on where the first book finished. Arrhidaean, Chance Hale, has unexpectedly taken over the multi-million-dollar tech company, Halcyon Enterprises, following his fathers death. Whilst Chance did not welcome the public scrutiny that came with the leading the company, he demonstrates an aptitude for the role. Chance stands by his word not to sell weapons to the Charcornacian Government, for their role in the atrocities committed against the animanecron people. The animanecrons are curious and intelligent androids, that can feel emotion and pain. Chance had met and developed a close friendship with an animanecron, Cadence Turing, prior to his fathers death. Cadence moves into Chance’s flat but continues to hide her true identity in public. Chance receives a visit from representatives of the Charcornacian Government and is ordered to resume trading weapons with them. They have discovered Chance is living with an animanecron and threatens to kill her if he does not obey their orders. When Cadence’s friend, an animanecron-rights activist, is killed enforcement officers refuse to investigate because she is an android and therefore never technically alive. So, Cadence decides to take on the case herself. Will Cadence find the killer of her friend? And is her murder linked to Chance’s visit by the Charcornacian Government? R.A.T.: A Cadence Turing Mystery is an exciting and fast paced science fiction novel by author Robin Jeffrey , and the second book in the Cadence Turing mystery series. The book picks up where the first book in the series ended, and sees the relationship between Chance and android, Cadence, further develop. As political unrest breaks out in Arrhidaean , Chance and Cadence find themselves on a hunt for a dangerous killer. This series provides an interesting perspective on the future of android technology, the complex relationships between humans and androids, and the social, political and ethical concerns. It is a future that seems highly probable. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable and captivating murder mystery, set in a futuristic world. Purchase here

< Back Wendy Hewlett Witches & Whisky Maggie Glass must face her past, to solve a horrific crime, by author Wendy Hewlett Magaidh Ghlais was orphaned at the age of eight, following the brutal murder of her parents, who were found burned at the stake on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Magaidh was found near the scene of the crime, but had no memory of her parent’s murder, or of her life before the tragic incident. Magaidh was brought up by her godmother and inherited her parents’ successful distillery business, Ghlais Whiskey, on their death. The business was run by her uncle Alastaire until Magaidh was able to take over. But Magaidh, still traumatised and grieving the horrific death of her parents, was uninterested in the business and allowed Alastaire to run it on her behalf. Magaidh changed her name to Maggie Glass to distance herself from the business, and joined the police service of Scotland. Eighteen years following the death of her parents, Detective Constable Maggie Glass is called out to the scene of a horrific crime. A young woman, Jamie Kenmore, is found burned at the stake on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Jamie’s murder follows a similar pattern and modus operandi to her parent’s murder, and the murder of many other powerful, intelligent and successful women, found in similar circumstances. Maggie is drafted in to support the investigation, in the hope that it might trigger her childhood memories and identify the killers. But as Maggie starts to investigate the crime, she discovers a connection with her parent’s business, her uncle Alastaire, the highest ranks of the police service, and the Lords of Edinburgh, a secret society of witch-hunters. Maggie must seek the help of a witch, to help her retrieve her childhood memories, and a reporter to help bring the murderers to justice. Witches & Whisky is a thrilling and gritty police drama and murder mystery novel, by author Wendy Hewlett. The book is a traditional murder mystery story, with interesting and memorable characters, and a unique and gripping plot. DC Maggie Glass is a fascinating protagonist, and I look forward to reading more about her life, loves, and detective work. Set against the magnificent and haunting Edinburgh backdrop, and inspired by Scottish history, this is a perfect book for readers of crime fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling and gritty murder mystery novel, with a gripping plot, and a fascinating protagonist. Purchase here

< Back Jacqueline Crann Being Different Is The New Cool Maddie learns to accept and celebrate her differences. A little girl named Maddie was born with a birthmark on her face and a white streak in her hair. Maddie’s unique features make her stand out, and sometimes people stare at her. Maddie loves to dance, but when she goes to dance class, she wears a hat to cover her head and hair, to avoid people asking questions or saying mean things. One day, when practising her dance routine, her hat falls off her head and onto the floor. Some of the children start laughing. The dance teacher, Miss Cherry, explains that everyone is different and the importance of treating people with kindness and respect. Miss Cherry reassures Maddie that her birthmark and hair streak make her cool and unique, and she should be proud of herself. When Maddie’s baby sister is born, Maddie discovers she has the same birthmark as herself. Maddie promises to teach her baby sister that being different is the new cool. Being Different Is the New Cool is an inspiring picture book for young readers by author Jacqueline Crann. The book follows a little girl named Maddie who has a condition called Poliosis, which causes a streak of her hair to turn white. At first, Maddie worries about what others will say and wears a hat to hide her hair, but with support and reassurance from her dance teacher, she soon learns to accept and embrace her difference. The arrival of her new baby sister also makes Maddie more determined to celebrate peoples’ unique qualities and attributes. The book is an excellent resource for parents and educators to open up discussion about diversity and self-acceptance with young readers. Young readers will learn the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and of accepting people just the way they are. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring picture book for young readers, and a wonderful celebration of diversity. Purchase here

< Back Elizabeth M Grieco Paws in Paris: The Adventures of Tenny and Bella An exciting cat adventure through the streets of Paris, by Elizabeth M Grieco Journalist Sarah has been offered a new job in Paris. Sarah accepts the position on the condition she can take her two beloved cats with her, Tenny and Bella. After a long flight from Atlanta to Paris, Sarah and her two cats arrive in Paris, but no sooner have they found their new apartment, Sarah receives an urgent call and has to travel to Berlin for an important job. Tenny and Bella are left alone and scared in a new apartment in a strange city, under the watchful eye of their new neighbour Mme Gautier. But Mme Gautier accidently leaves a window open, and the two cats go outside to explore the garden. With new sights and sounds all around them, the frightened cats escape the garden and find themselves lost in the streets of Paris. They meet a tomcat, Mephisto, and ask for his help to find their way home. Mephisto takes the cats to meet his friends Cleo, Maurice, and Seraphine, who advise the only way back is to seek assistance from Pierre le Matou, the notorious leader of the brutal Graveyard Gang. The cats are scared but agree to find Le Matou and fight their way into his secret hideout. But before their journey can begin, Tenny is catnapped by a struggling artist as a gift for his wife, and Bella is hit by a motorbike and seriously injured. How will Tenny escape from the artist who thinks she is a stray? Will Bella recover from her injuries and ever see Tenny again? And will the pair ever find Le Matou and their way back home to Sarah? Paws in Paris: The Adventures of Tenny and Bella is a sweet and charming book for young independent readers by Elizabeth M Grieco. With two adorable cats, an intriguing plot, and a wonderful Parisian setting, this book will appeal to those who like animal stories and travel adventures. The book opens with Sarah and her husband Mark as they notice a painting from a famous artist featuring their beloved cat Tenny. How on earth did their beloved cat find her way into a famous painting? This is a great opening for a story, and will leave readers thinking of all possible scenarios. What follows, is an unexpected and exciting cat adventure through the streets of Paris. Readers will be engaged and entertained, as they root for Tenny and Bella, and at the same time learn about the magnificent city of Paris. The first chapter would make a fantastic prompt for parents, carers, or teachers, to encourage children to tell their own version of the story and engage them in imaginative thinking and creative writing. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming story, with two adorable cats, an intriguing plot, and a wonderful Parisian setting. Purchase here