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< Back Carter Fielding Murder in the Tea Leaves: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery--Book 2 Monkey mayhem and murder mystery, from author Carter Fielding Finley Blake, a freelance travel writer from Manhattan, is asked by a high-end travel magazine to write a piece about Sri Lanka. She snaps up the opportunity and travels out to Sri Lanka, where she meets up with her sister, Whitt, and is later joined by her boyfriend, Max, and her sister’s boyfriend David. On a visit to a tea factory, a dead body is found, and the sisters help the police identify the victim as a young woman residing at their hotel. As they start their adventure again and explore the local Sri Lankan wildlife, another dead body is found – and another familiar face from their expedition. The police think that the deaths are accidental, but Finley and Whitt notice a couple acting very strangely, and some rather odd monkey business. Will Finley and Whitt discover the truth before any more bodies are found? Murder in the Tea Leaves is a cosy mystery novel by Carter Fielding and the second instalment in the Blake Sisters Travel Mystery series. This is an excellent mystery, intertwined with a little romance, monkey business, and a travel adventure of a lifetime. Fielding is an excellent storyteller, who really knows how to plot a mystery and build suspense. I was gripped until the very end. I hadn’t read the first book in the series, and while there were some references to previous events, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the book, or my understanding of the story. With vivid descriptions of the beautiful Sri Lankan landscape, history, culture, and wildlife, I was transported to this idyllic paradise for a while. This is a perfect novel for fans of cosy mysteries, women’s fiction, and travel fiction. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An excellent mystery, intertwined with a little romance, monkey business and a travel adventure of a lifetime. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Jeremy Bazley My China - Living Inside the Dragon A fascinating insight into China and Chinese culture, by author Jeremy Bazley. My China - Living inside the Dragon is a memoir by author Jeremy Bazley about his experiences and observations of living, working and travelling in China between 2002-2017. Bazley went to work in China in 2002, on behalf of a UK based entrepreneur, managing a joint venture with a state-controlled company making high quality cigarette paper for the huge Chinese market. During this fifteen-year period, Bazley visited twenty-four out of thirty-three regions, covering 73 per cent by region in all geographic areas of China. The book provides a unique western perspective on living in China, away from the more ‘isolated chattering classes, intelligencia and professional communities of the larger cities’ . Bazley built a home and life for himself in a country where he initially did not speak the language. He benefited from many privileges that came with his job, but he also made significant personal sacrifices, that impacted his marriage and children. Bazley’s work brought him in contact with all aspects of Chinese life and culture, from Beijing to the modern mega cities and the rural countryside. Bazley describes his early days in the city of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province in eastern China; his experience of China and ways of life, including Chinese drinking culture, food, leisure pursuits, business dealings, politics and education; his personal life, and his travels across the country. Bazley provides a non-judgmental commentary on China’s politics, economic growth and culture during a period of historic growth and evolution. During his time in China, Bazley was presented with various awards of recognition through the all-important ‘Friendship’, from the Jiaxing city and Zhejiang provincial governments in China. This is an enlightening, engaging and entertaining book about an English man’s life, work and travels across China. I particularly enjoyed Bazley’s extracts from detailed personal diary notes , which were heartfelt, funny and fascinating. The book will appeal to readers who are interested in China, and Chinese culture and politics, those who are considering working and living in China, and anyone interested in travel and adventure. China is an amazing country and is now firmly on my bucket list! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enlightening, engaging and entertaining book about an English man’s life, work and travels across China. ​ Purchase here

< Back Joanne Griffin and Declan Foster Humology: How to put humans back at the heart of technology Griffin and Foster explore how to put humans into the heart of technology. Humology: How to Put Humans Back at the Heart of Technology, by authors Joanne Griffin and Declan Foster, explores the impact of technology on humans and society. The authors were motivated to write the book to urge others to design technology with humans in mind, not just for the sake of progress. The book is divided into six parts: The Shifting Landscape, Managing Change, Designing with Humans in Mind, Seeing Humans Through Five ‘I’s, Ethical Design and The Humology Approach. It considers the evolution of technology from the dawn of the digital age to the present day, the impact of technology on market dynamics and human behaviours. It examines the complexity of change and the various approaches taken to increase success, including change and project management. The authors seek to understand human psychology through a Five ‘I’s framework (Impatient, Impressionable, Inattentive, Inert, and Irrational) and they describe their human-first approach to solving challenges with technology, ‘The Humology Approach.’ Humology: How to Put Humans Back at the Heart of Technology is an informative and thought-provoking book about the impact of technology on our lives. Well written and thoroughly researched, the book examines the rapid advancement in technology and the challenges and opportunities this presents. The book is easy to read, engaging and very accessible. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between humans and technology. This book provides practical tools and solutions for those designing and building technological solutions. The book will appeal to readers involved in designing and implementing technology, anyone using technology, and anyone interested in the role technology plays in our lives. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An informative and thought-provoking book about the impact of technology in our lives. ​ Purchase here

< Back J Paul Rieger Jr The Big Comb Over A wild satirical comedy about one extended Baltimore family. It’s 2050 and forty-something Robbie is attempting another DNA test, following several botched results. He is keen to learn more about his ancestry after joining a book circle and learning more about his friends lineage. While contemplating his odd DNA results, Robbie reflects on his life and precious memories of his childhood spent with his brother, cousins, and uncles. He remembers deep, spiritual conversations with his late uncle, Tim Elders (Tim, Tim). Tim had a long history of drug abuse and mental health issues, and Robbie’s parents discouraged contact between them. Robbie recalls happy memories of Tim, who shared extraordinary stories of their long family history. Tim said he could trace the family tree back to biblical times, and claimed the family had special superpowers to help and heal others. Robbie thinks about his strange DNA results and remembers a time when he saved a girl from drowning, even though he could not swim himself. He wonders whether Tim’s stories were in fact true all along. As Robbie further ponders his life, he remembers a particularly special trip with his uncles and nephews to London, when his Uncle Stefan married a distant member of the British royal family. As the men and boys explored the sights and sounds of London, they found themselves in a few sticky situations with the police, radical environmental groups, and neo-Nazi gangs. The Big Comb Over is a satirical comedy by author J. P. Rieger about a Baltimore family, and the special bond between brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews. Spanning multiple timelines and incorporating multiple perspectives, the book takes readers on a hilarious journey through the lives of one extended family. During one overseas trip, the family stumble through a series of misadventures, whereby readers will simultaneously scratch their heads and laugh-out-loud uncontrollably. If you are in the mood for a laugh-out-loud comedy that defies reason and revels in ridiculousness, this book is for you! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A hilarious satirical comedy about the special bond between brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews, and their many misadventures. ​ 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 Marlayne Jan Giron Second Chance Inn A couple cross cultural boundaries and find love after tragic loss. Rachel Winston is grieving the loss of her husband, Barry, who died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. After a year of financial struggles following his death, Rachel decides to sell her home in Southern California, and moves to Pennsylvania with her sixteen-year-old adopted daughter, Karen. With the proceeds from the sale of her house, she buys a six-bedroom farm from an Amish man, Samuel Miller. She plans to convert the farm into a traditional Amish style bed and breakfast. As part of the sale agreement, Samuel will continue to work on the farm and is allowed to live rent-free in the Dawdi (in-law) house. Samuel is grieving the loss of his wife and five children, following a tragic buggy accident. As Rachel and Karen settle into their new home, they learn about Amish life, values, and culture. Karen misses her old friends and complains about the lack of internet, electricity, and plumbing. Rachel and Karen’s relationship becomes strained, and Samuel intervenes when Karen disrespects her mother. Rachel and Samuel grow increasingly close, but Rachel feels it is too soon to start a new relationship; and Samuel fears he would be excommunicated from the Amish community. Karen soon settles into the community, meets other teenagers, and starts a relationship with a young Amish man. Meanwhile, Rachel struggles to fit in, and experiences further financial hardship as the renovation costs escalate. Rachel and Samuel have important decisions to make about their life in Pennsylvania and their future in the Amish community. Second Chance Inn by author Marlayne Jan Giron is a compelling and heartwarming novel about a couple from different cultures, who unexpectedly find love after tragic loss. Set in the picturesque countryside, the novel follows the journey of Rachel, a spirited Englisch (non-Amish) woman, as she builds a new life for herself in Pennsylvania and falls in love with Samuel, a devout Amish man. The book provides a fascinating insight into the Amish community, exploring their values, customs, beliefs, and ways of life. It is a testament to the transformative power of love, and the strength to follow one’s heart. The novel is a must read for readers who enjoy romance, and those interested in Amish culture. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and heartwarming novel about the transformative power of love. ​ Purchase here

< Back Sherman E Ross Code Name: Juggernaut A relentless cat and mouse chase between a seasoned detective and a cold-bloodied assassin. The FBI is investigating the brutal murder of several high-profile Black men, believed to be targeted by white supremist gangs. When another prominent Black man, Reverend Williams, is shot dead in broad daylight, Special Agent Douglas Rabson is called in to crack the case. Rabson is a rising star in the bureau and a member of the Bureau’s elite Domestic Counter-terrorism Strike Force. A jew, whose maternal great-grandparents had been murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust, Rabson is concerned by the disturbing resurgence of racism and anti-Semitism in the country. Rabson’s investigation leads him to Utah, and a compound named ‘JerUSAlem,’ the home of the Aryan Church of Yahweh the Creator, a violent, racist, white neo-Nazi supremacist gang. The gang believe they are ‘Aryan chosen people’ and are preparing to destroy the government in a race war. Forensic investigations link the William’s murder to other killings and gang member, Jacqueline 'Jack-L' Diane Lynch, is identified as the prime suspect. Jack-L , a twenty-nine-year-old ex-Marine and professional assassin is in a relationship with another gang member, Howard Brennan, a former USAF colonel and nuclear engineer. As Rabson's investigation continues , Brennan comes up with a bizarre plan to take down the government that wrecked his health and destroyed his career. Will Jack-L assist Brennan with his murderous plan? And will Rabson find her before she takes her next hit? Code Name: Juggernaut by Sherman E. Ross i s a gripping crime thriller and a chilling exploration of radicalisation, extremist ideology, and the threat of a nuclear race war. This is a thought-provoking and unsettling novel with graphic descriptions of racism, violence, and murder. Whilst the subject matter is disturbing, it is a timely reminder of the dangers of radicalisation and the urgent need to combat extremism and intolerance in all its forms. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, thought-provoking and provocative novel that raises important questions about humanity and society. ​ Purchase here

< Back Angela Williams Loving Me: After Abuse Loving yourself after abuse is the path to greater healing. Loving Me: After Abuse is a heart wrenching but inspiring memoir by Angela Williams that follows her journey towards healing and restoration, following years of childhood abuse. Williams discusses the horrific physical, emotional, and sexual abuse she experienced by her stepfather between the ages of three and seventeen. She describes the pain and trauma she experienced, and the significant impact of the abuse on all facets of her life. The abuse stole her innocence, and ravaged her confidence and self-respect, but it did not destroy her. Williams describes how the abuse made her stronger. Through professional counselling and listening to God, she was able to overcome the pain, trauma, and shame of the abuse, and learnt how to love herself. Divided into ten chapters, Williams describes her own personal journey towards loving herself, her life, and others. “ I’ve learned that a critical step on this healing journey is to learn to love myself in light of horrific circumstances that taught me to hate myself.” Williams uses her personal experience to help and support other survivors of abuse on their own healing journey. With guidance, such as maintaining good health, positive affirmations, sharing struggles, grounding techniques, seeking professional help, and connecting with a church, Williams hopes to break the cycle of abuse. Loving Me: After Abuse by Angela Williams is a deeply personal and moving memoir that chronicles Williams journey towards self-love after enduring many years of childhood abuse. This memoir was heart wrenching to read in places, as Williams discusses the abuse she experienced, and the impact this had on her life, including several attempted suicides. While the memoir deals with a difficult subject matter, it does have a positive message that will provide hope and healing to other survivors of childhood abuse. Loving Me: After Abuse is not just a memoir, but a source of inspiration and hope for anyone on their own journey towards healing. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and moving memoir, which will provide hope and healing to other survivors of childhood abuse. ​ Purchase here

< Back Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self A collection of heartfelt poems from author Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self is a collection of twenty-five poems by author Kyli Santiago. This is an inspiring and heartfelt collection of poems, based on Kyli’s own lived experience. The poems were written during the authors darkest moments and follow her personal journey from the depths of depression towards recovery. Kyli experienced significant trauma, as a child and throughout adulthood, and the cathartic process of writing poetry supported her healing process. This is an emotional, touching and deeply personal poetry collection, which deals with issues of abuse, rape and suicide. One cannot fail to be moved by this book – Kyli’s words are powerful and will remain with me for a very long time. The book will provide comfort and encouragement to anyone who has experienced trauma or depression, and hope that one can find true happiness and fulfil their potential, if they move forward in life, rather than look back. Kyli’s bio states she is a poet and performer, and I can imagine these poems would be even more impactful in the spoken word. The poems have a wonderful lyrical quality, and I would love to hear these poems performed on stage. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written collection of poems about one woman’s journey from the depths of depression towards recovery and healing. ​ 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 Dr Pietro Emanuele Garbelli The Doctor's Voice - Empowering Solutions to Physicians' Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies ‘Empowered doctors are catalysts for purposeful healthcare transformation’. In The Doctor's Voice - Empowering Solutions to Physicians' Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies, Pietro Emanuele Garbelli, Doctor of Medicine and founder of Transforming Healthcare Ltd, shares his experience of working as a doctor in the National Health Service in England. Dr Pietro describes his journey to becoming a doctor, from his own experiences as a young patient in Northern Italy and his struggles to fit in in an environment full of prejudices; through to his medical training in Italy, and his move to London to further develop his skills and clinical practice. Drawing on his own personal experiences, he shares his frustrations of working in a modern, complex healthcare system, and offers potential solutions to the common problems faced by doctors. He discusses ten common sources of frustrations and their impact on the workforce, such as: constrained budgets; the imbalance of supply and demand for healthcare services; increasing bureaucracy and restrictions placed on doctors; workload pressures, retention, stress, and burnout; and management and leadership challenges. As Dr Pietro writes, ‘ A common feeling I have experienced and observed time and time again is disempowerment: perceiving that we have no control over any of the problems affecting us, believing that the solutions depend on remote higher powers we cannot control or even influence, essentially feeling stuck and powerless .’ Dr Pietro aims to empower doctors and encourages them to become changemakers. This is an inspirational and provocative book that gives a much-needed voice to all those doctors and healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. Through this book, Dr Pietro hopes to raise awareness of work-related frustrations, stress and burnout that are so common in healthcare and in many other workplace environments. Dr Pietro has written this book about/to f rustrated doctors, to help raise awareness of these issues and to drive a more positive workplace culture and environment. What I particularly liked about the book is that Dr Pietro doesn’t complain about these issues, he acknowledges the challenges and offers thoughtful and practical solutions to help doctors and improve patient care. Authentic, engaging, and accessible for all audiences, the book is a must read for anyone working in or with healthcare, including students, junior doctors, consultants, and healthcare managers. It will also appeal to those who are interested in the National Health Service and are passionate about health care reform. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational and provocative book that gives a much-needed voice to all those doctors and healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. ​ Purchase here

Book Reviews: Age 8 to 12 Kathleen J Shields The First Unicorn Jo-Ann Scranton Kathi Q Builds a Time Machine? Eliana Hidalgo Mrs Owl's Messy Library Dr Tamara Lazic Strugar The Sunscreaming Summer Kat Farrow Bobbin and the Magic Thief Amanda M Cetas Thrown to the Wind Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess Danielle Marietta and Marissa Kearney Truth Tales: The Air Fair-He Victoria E Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson The Big Dream Aaron Derr Baseball Buddies Building a Team Laurie Anne Zaleski Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer The Magic Peach Tree, A Yoga Storytelling Adventure D Burton Smith Quoth the Raven Stephanie Scott Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope Hazem Nassar The Diversity Cube and the Cloud Wizard Cheryl Johnson Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination Victoria, Texas and Beyond Barbara Mishkin TIPs Magical Journey Claudine C Wargel Hattie and Dirks Great Garden Surprise Jennifer R Sommer Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, "Mother of Hubble" Space Telescope Hans Ness Rolo the Pet Earthling