The Christmas Trials < Back William Carroll The Christmas Trials Book blurb... When seventeen-year-old Morgan is unexpectedly summoned to the North Pole, she discovers she's been chosen to compete in the ancient trials to become the next Santa Claus. As she faces magical challenges and rival candidates from around the world, Morgan learns that the true test isn't about power or perfection, but about about kindness, courage, and the quiet strength that has always lived inside her. Purchase here

Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy < Back Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 6: The Dunkin Legacy Book blurb... One pursuit. One revelation. Unshakable faith. In Montgomery, Massachusetts, legacies endure-and one family’s hidden past could be their only hope. The Dunkin family is on the run, hunted by the ruthless Bilotti crime family in a high-stakes game of survival. As Taylor navigates his dangerous alliance with the FBI, brothers Jordan and Marc confront buried memories that unearth deep wounds and necessary truths. Their father, Jack, battles his own demons through haunting flashbacks, while Michelle Taylor’s tangled history with the family promises revelations that could heal old scars or sever relationships forever. Amid the danger, faith rises as the steady anchor-offering forgiveness, hope, and the courage to confront the darkest shadows. Danger closes in. Truths emerge. Will the Dunkins’ legacy deliver salvation or destruction? Purchase here

Shades of Yellow < Back Talia Orbach Shades of Yellow Being a teen has never been tougher. Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Summers has spent her whole life being shuttled from one home to the next, as her free-spirited mother attempts to discover herself in every location they explore, from Houston, Texas, to Paris, France. This time, they’re moving into her grandmother’s cramped apartment in Connecticut, so that her mother can carry out her “lifelong dream” of opening Summer’s Café to sell overpriced cupcakes. But when the café struggles to bring in business and her family’s savings start to dry up, Cassidy must confront the possibility of another move. Becca Fox has been training to become a member of the Advanced Youth Equestrian Team her whole life under the intense instruction of Vince Hudson. But between academic troubles, an ongoing rivalry, and a teammate that she can’t seem to stop thinking about—no matter how hard she tries—the possibility of securing a spot on the AYET begins to slip further and further out of grasp. Lauren Mahoney has always felt overshadowed by her older sister, Chloe, a varsity athlete, and all-around perfect person. It doesn’t help that Lauren’s mom seems to wish Lauren fit into the mold of anyone but herself, whether it’s Chloe or her best friend, Becca Fox. But when she finds a guitar that belonged to her father, who died when she was only a few years old, Lauren starts to discover a side of herself that she never knew existed. The worlds of three fourteen-year-old girls collide in this fresh debut novel, supercharged by unreliable parents, the immense pressure to succeed, and deep personal tragedy. Delightful, warm, and witty, Shades of Yellow leaves you feeling the profound power of friendship at any age. Purchase here

Journey to Superhero School: An Oliver and Jessica Prequel to The Vork Chronicles < Back Gracie Dix Journey to Superhero School: An Oliver and Jessica Prequel to The Vork Chronicles Book blurb... When twins Jessica and Oliver Fletcher discover their Super Powers at age 4, the family realizes their lives will never be the same again. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher work hard to raise this dynamic pair, helping them try to fit in while learning to use their Powers to better themselves and the world around them. School is especially tricky for these students who must not reveal their Powers—until their mother receives a mysterious phone call in the middle of the night. While Jessica and Oliver face a variety of challenges—from battling living-room décor, to daring rescues, to bungling doctors—they get through it all with family support, love for each other, and their own unique brand of sibling sarcasm. This is only the beginning of their adventures, so join the Fletcher twins on their Journey to Superhero School. Purchase here

The Hennessy Lie < Back Annette Masters The Hennessy Lie Eighteen-year-old Piper Covington is a new student at the University of Florida, sharing an apartment with her best-friend Mia. Piper’s father died in a car accident before she was born, and his family rejected Piper and her mother because the couple were unmarried when she fell pregnant. Piper has a strained relationship with her mother and is looking forward to starting a new life away from her. One day, Piper meets a strange man who informs her that her father recently died in prison. He hands her an envelope with a key to a safe-deposit box. He instructs her to protect the key and warns her she is in danger. Piper is distraught when she learns that her mother lied about her father’s death, and denied her a relationship with her father and his family. As Piper learns more about her father’s life and death, she discovers she is the heir to the Hennessey Estate, a historic property on three-hundred acres of woodland. To claim the estate, Piper must produce her father’s last will and testament, stored in the safe-deposit box. But, when Piper locates the box, the will is missing. As Piper attempts to find the will and claim what is rightfully hers, she uncovers dark family secrets and a sinister plot to steal her identity, and the Hennessy Estate. The Hennessy Lie is a gripping, page-turning, drama for young adult readers, by author Annette Masters. The book follows a young woman named Piper who discovers her entire life is built on a pack of lies. As Piper searches for the truth, she is determined to reclaim her life, her identity and her inheritance. As the story unfolds, Piper faces adversaries determined to keep her from her inheritance, and she begins to unravel long buried family secrets that challenge her sense of self. With a well-executed and believable plot, memorable characters and nerve-racking twists and turns, Hennessy Lie will leave readers on the edge-of-their seats. A must read for young adult readers who enjoy drama, mystery and suspense. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, page-turning, teen drama, full of suspense and nerve-racking twists and turns. Purchase here

Emos, Posers, Goths, & Haters < Back John Randall Emos, Posers, Goths, & Haters Book blurb... There are Rules! Andrea Cox heads into her Senior Year of High School at Evergreen High, just outside of Seattle, on top of the world. Her initiation into the Empresses is a foregone conclusion. The Empresses are at the top of the food chain of the eight different cliques. Andrea's ambition may get the better of her as she tries to outshine the clique's president, Charlotte Davis. As the winter semester turns to spring, the old wounds of Evergreen High of what is known as 'The Reckoning' cast a disturbing shadow leading up to Prom. Will Andrea's ever-increasing need for popularity and social media success be her undoing? Meanwhile, bullying has consequences! Purchase here

Multiverse Mayhem < Back Aurora M. Winter Multiverse Mayhem Ana Zest and her brother Zachery ‘borrow’ their uncle’s PUP (Parallel Universe Pod) and traverse the multiverse, before crash landing in the realm of Tellusora. Zachary is unwittingly frozen solid in the high-tech world of Avenir, and Ana is pursued by an evil sorcerer named Crimson Censor and her vampire son, Hunter. Ana is captured by Crimson, who severs her tongue and leaves her voiceless and powerless. Ana’s friend saves her just in time, before Crimson is snatched by a hippogriff and carried away. Crimson kidnaps Wizard Snapdragon, and claims the portal key to Spellbound. Without the portal key, Ana has no way to access Avenir, no hope of ever rescuing her brother, and no chance of returning home to Earth. While a surgical wizard mends Ana’s tongue and gives her a new truth-telling silver tongue, she is stalked by Hunter, who tracks her down by hiding under an invisibility hat. Meanwhile, Crimson Censor has a sinister plan to poison Tellusora by dumping toxic-air into the atmosphere. Before she can return back to Earth, Ana must find Crimson Censor, retrieve the portal key, rescue Zackary, and save the multiverse from complete destruction. But she must first seek permission and protection from King Ironheart, discover who is sending her mysterious messages in her journal, and unlock the secrets hidden in her family’s past. Multiverse Mayhem is the third instalment in this fantasy fiction series, by author Aurora M. Winter. The book follows the adventures of Ana and her brother, as they traverse the multiverse, and discover mystical realms, fantastical creatures and dark magic. This book is a fast-paced thrill ride of surprising twists, vivid world building, and a strong female protagonist. Overall, this is a gripping multiverse adventure that blends sci-fi, fantasy fiction, and magic. It is a great choice for readers who enjoy fantasy adventures and character driven stories. I would recommend reading books one and two in the series, first. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, thrilling, and empowering sci-fi adventure, with a strong female lead and a cast of captivating characters. Purchase here

Dragonfly Down < Back Annette Masters Dragonfly Down Annette Masters’ ‘Dragonfly Down’ is a gripping young adult novel that delves deeply into the complexities of family, love, and personal resilience. Through a tapestry of evocative prose and authentic character voices, Masters crafts a compelling story that will resonate with both teen and adult readers. The story centers on Laurel Greenleaf, a teenager born into a family whose fame and philanthropic work have made them both admired and targeted. The plot unfolds in the days leading up to and following a devastating fire at Olive House, the family’s newly renovated safe haven for unhoused teens on Sutton Island. The Greenleaf family arrive on Sutton Island, for what should be a celebratory summer. Instead, the summer is shattered by tragedy when an explosion destroys Olive House, leaving Laurel injured and her sister presumed dead. Laurel’s journey is marked by her refusal to accept the official story. The novel’s suspense is heightened by the interplay of memory, trauma, and unreliable narration. Laurel’s fragmented recollections of the night of the fire, combined with her art therapy sessions and interactions with skeptical adults, create a sense of uncertainty that keeps readers guessing. The plot twists intensify as Laurel discovers evidence that points to a deeper conspiracy. Dragonfly Down is a tightly plotted, emotionally charged thriller that uses its central mystery to explore themes of family, love, and resilience. Annette Masters keeps readers engaged with well-timed twists and a protagonist whose determination and vulnerability make her journey both suspenseful and deeply moving. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense and satisfying thriller that masterfully weaves family drama, mystery, and suspense into a heart-racing story of sisterhood and resilience. 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

STEAMed Off to China: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Adventure in a Foreign Land < Back Roy Davis STEAMed Off to China: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Adventure in a Foreign Land Book blurb... STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, ADVENTURE and Math. Oh, yes, Art. But ADVENTURE takes center stage in this story of Ellie Brown as she returns to China for another stint solving technical, political and even criminal mysteries. A phone call on a lazy Sunday afternoon jolts Ellie out of her busy routine of an engineer working at a California high-tech company. It is a call to duty that hours later puts her in the middle of a very public mess in Beijing, China. Three engineers from previous exploits pitch in to help get to the bottom of frustrating technical challenges A fellow female engineer shows great promise as a problem solver and makes Ellie proud. Three new members join the team, each with their own talents, but a lot to learn. The call was from the CEO, urging Ellie to come to the defense of the corporation with a single technical problem. Little does she know there are more and darker troubles to deal with before she can head for home. It is not all suffering. The team of engineers enjoy each other’s sharp wit and ability to help overcome obstacles. Even the legal, security and management people show them a good time and a pleasure trip to Shanghai. Food figures heavily in Ellie’s happiness. She discovers two secret restaurants in Beijing and the best Mexican in Shanghai. However, missing meals from the pressing work saves her figure. Along the way there are lessons learned by everyone about wireless technology. Even the seasoned expert Ellie gains new insight into how cellular networks can malfunction…and how to fix them on the spot. If you have thought about being an engineer, here is an example based on real events of how a career can be anything but boring. Purchase here

Aylen Isle < Back Aud Supplee Aylen Isle Fourteen-year-old Winnie Harris (aka General Windemere) is a renowned warrior and Frama-traveller, who uses frama-scopes to journey between alternate worlds. Winnie has just returned to Earth following a mission to an alternate world, Hutra, with her stepbrother, Mikey, and their friend and magician, Kip. During the mission, six year old Mikey found a toad and brought it back to Earth as his pet. Winnie is visited in a dream by Princess Gwenevieve of the Aylen Isle Kingdom and learns that she has been enchanted by a spell and trapped in the body of Mikey’s pet toad, Stompy. Princess Gwenevieve asks for Winnie’s help to transport her back to Aylen Isle, so she can be turned back into her original form before she is stuck as a toad forever. Winnie, Mikey, and Kip travel to Aylen Isle to try and reverse Princess Gwenevieve’s enchantment, and at the same time return an alien bird to his original world. While Winnie tries to find the conjurer who will turn the toad back to a princess, she learns of a prophecy that a young female warrior in pink armour will save Aylen Isle from an enemy invasion. Aylen Isle: Winnie and the “Wizard” is the third book in this captivating teen, fantasy fiction series, by Aud Supplee. The book follows the journey of Winnie Harris as she embarks on an epic mission to an alternate world, to save an enchanted princess. This is an imaginative and well-crafted novel, which draws readers into a magical world of adventure and self-discovery. With a well-paced plot, timely-twists and turns, and a relatable female protagonist, the book will keep readers engaged until the very end. A must read for young adult readers who love fantasy fiction. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary: A n exquisite novel for young adult readers, packed full of action and adventure, and familiar fantasy fiction themes. Purchase here

The King's Labyrinth < Back Zachary Palmer The King's Labyrinth A young man wrongly accused of a crime, is thrust into a perilous quest to clear his name. The King's Labyrinth is set in Xelea, a magical world based on a system of magical architecture that can slow down time, and shift and shape reality . Novice architect Matthias, and his friends, Ceaser and Calli, are wrongly accused of conspiring with his master and quarry-leader, Irk, of selling the rights to mine creanite to the Architect’s Guild. Creanite is a powerful substance that gives Rooms in Xelea their magical power and cannot be mined without the consent of the royal family. Irk is killed, while Matthias and his friends are sentenced to death. Matthias is thrown into Room 204, an inescapable time-pinching Room, created by the greatest architect of all time . But when Matthias miraculously escapes from Room 204, he and his friends are forced to assist Prince Calum in order to clear their names. They join the prince on an expedition to the Labyrinth, the most dangerous place in Xelea, to retrieve a sacred chisel. As the friends set out on their mission , outside the Labyrinth a battle ensues for control of Xelea. The King's Labyrinth is a mesmerising fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, by debut author Zachary Palmer. This is the first instalment of a planned trilogy, where readers are transported to a world where architecture itself is alive and ever-changing. The novel tells the story of a young man named Matthias, wrongly accused of a crime. To clear his name, Matthias is thrust into a perilous quest to retrieve an artefact hidden deep within the dangerous Labyrinth. Matthias’ quest to clear his name by navigating the Labyrinth will keep readers hooked until the very last page. Zachary Palmer has crafted a unique and imaginative novel, with a thrilling blend of action and adventure, magic and mystery. The blend of architectural innovation with fantasy elements creates a unique and captivating setting. With its rich, immersive world-building, gripping plot, and memorable characters, this book is pure escapism for fantasy fiction readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A mesmerising, must-read, fantasy fiction novel, with a thrilling blend of action and adventure, magic and mystery. Purchase here