Petals & Teeth < Back Renee Hayes Petals & Teeth Book blurb... Magic is dark, magic is wrong, and magic is banned in all of Martarell. The Demon King is at war with people of Martarell, but when a violent storm tears through Inola Dreston’s cottage, it shakes something loose in her world – and in herself. Desperate for coin, she seeks work at the crumbling Cattenburg Manor, where shadows linger, ravens gather, and an injured soldier named Silas captures her heart before vanishing without a trace. The deeper Inola digs, the more the manor reveals strange memories, a stirring power, and secrets buried beneath the dust – the mysterious Elwin Cattenburg. As the Demon King’s army marches closer, Inola uncovers a truth long stolen – not just from her, but from all of Martarell. Magic is waking, and Inola may be the key to stopping the darkness. Because fire kills demons… and she’s ready to burn. Purchase here

Lucky Enough < Back Katie Wesorick Lucky Enough Book blurb... The book follows Becky ("Becks"), a young girl navigating the challenges of high school, friendships, and self-confidence. She struggles with feeling invisible, dealing with social pressures, and developing feelings for her longtime crush, Nate. Alongside her best friend Trina, she aspires to make the competitive dance team while overcoming personal insecurities. A special four-leaf clover necklace given to her by her grandfather seems to bring her unexpected luck, setting her on a path of self-discovery, resilience, and newfound confidence. Purchase here

Spirited < Back S.M. Webb Spirited A new teen fantasy fiction series, by debut author S.M. Webb Teens, Sienna and Cassidy, attend the same school in the small town of Fleet. The girls share the same friendship group, but they do not have a great deal in common. Sienna is quiet, humble and reserved. She has a long-term boyfriend and is content with her modest life in the small town. Cassidy is from a wealthy family, and is loud, obnoxious and a little spoiled. She cannot wait to leave home and explore life outside of the small town. But their paths cross unexpectedly, when they have a near-death experience on a dark, mountain-side road. Both are driving home one evening, when they spot a mysterious figure in the middle of the road and are forced to stop. Cassidy’s father collides into the back of his daughter’s car, narrowly missing the girls who scramble to safety, inches away from the cliff edge. The near-death experience doesn’t bring the girls together and they continue with their daily lives. But when the girls are forced to sit together on a bus trip to a charity event, both of their lives are changed forever. A catastrophic event forces Sienna and Cassidy together, and they must work as one to make the best out of an unimaginable situation. The girls must learn how to put their differences aside and capitalise on their strengths, to secure a positive future for themselves in a different world. Spirited by author S.M. Webb is a beautifully written and profound novel for young adult readers. This is a believable fantasy fiction novel, with plenty of action, teen drama and a touch of romance. The novel questions whether life exists after death, and deals with philosophical and religious issues in a way that will captivate and engage the target reader group. Author S.M. Webb has crafted a unique fantasy world, with well-developed and relatable characters, and a gripping plot. The book will appeal to teens and adults alike. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading the next edition in this series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written fantasy fiction novel, with plenty of action, teen drama and romance. 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

Brave New Game < Back SK Michalowski Brave New Game Book blurb... "Brave New Game is pure gold! As in Charlie Gold, the flawed but lovable character at the heart of this tale. Michalowski takes us inside the game and out, laying out a fast-moving story that reveals that character and honesty still matter, no matter what game you are playing. The next time I fill out my March Madness bracket, I’m going to call Charlie and ask for some tips! This is a great read for basketball fans of all ages." Seth Davis, College Basketball Analyst, CBS Sports Purchase here

Over the Wall < Back Catherine Kramer Over the Wall Book blurb... A tale of courage, friendship and adventure, the story centers around a group of children who find themselves in circumstances which they must change in order to survive. This book takes place in the past, in a small mountain village and farm community whose local government has been overthrown with military force, lead by a power-hungry commandant. Villagers have lost their homes and livelihoods, and many forced into hiding while they attempt to resist the occupation and invasion of their homeland. During the round-up of potential resistors, several children are captured and imprisoned in an old convent run by a drunken and selfish caretaker and an equally depraved guard. Conditions become dire at the convent and the children plot a daring escape and eventually play a key role in ending the tyranny and returning their village to its former peace. Purchase here

Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever < Back Kerk Murray Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever A funny, emotional, and heart-breaking book about Kerk Murray’s life with his amazing dogs Pawprints On Our Hearts is a memoir by Kerk Murray about his life with his beloved pets, and how they supported him through some of the most challenging times of his life. He writes about his first encounter with a dog, when he was chased by a terrifying Doberman Pinscher, at the age of thirteen. Shortly after, his mom brought home an old, miniature Pinscher, Chelsea, rescued from an abusive situation. At first, Kerk was a little unsure and cautious, but he soon learned to love the ageing dog. Chelsea became an integral part of the family and Kerk recalls fond memories of playing with her, walking her, and how she provided comfort when he experienced bullying at school. Chelsea was later joined by an excited border collie and Labrador mix puppy, Lexi, and the two dogs became inseparable. Kerk describes how Lexi brought him immense joy during his young adult life and how she was by his side through major life events, even saving him from a suicide attempt. The latest editions to Kerk’s family are a Yorkie-poo, Maximus, and a Morkie, Spartacus. Kerk also describes how he set up an animal rescue organisation, the Lexis’s Legacy Foundation, following a chance encounter with an abandoned dog, Gunner. This is a well written and moving memoir, which captures the love between a man and his canine best friends. It is a warm, funny, emotional, and heart-breaking book, and a must read for animal lovers everywhere. Kerk describes a deep and profound connection with each of his wonderful dogs, and how they supported him throughout his life, providing companionship and comfort through the darkest times. This book is a beautiful and loving tribute to Kerk’s canine friends, past and present. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A well written and moving memoir of the love between a man and his canine best friends, A must read for animal lovers everywhere. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

The Witchfinders Serpent < Back Rande Goodwin The Witchfinders Serpent Orphaned brothers find themselves in a race against time to defeat a supernatural force. Brothers, Nate and Marc Watson, are sent to live with their Aunt Celia in Windsor, Connecticut, following their father’s death. The siblings are anxious as they have never met their Aunt Celia, and curious why their father kept her a secret. The brothers have free rein of the house, but Celia forbids them to enter one room on the second floor. When they hear Celia talking to someone in the forbidden room, and they find an old photograph of their dad as a young boy with a woman who looks exactly like their aunt, the boys are puzzled. When Celia is out of the house one day, Marc finds the key to the forbidden room and the brothers start to explore. The room is full of strange objects and artefacts, and a book titled The Discovery of Witches. Nate picks up a metallic snake like object, which coils around his wrist, and clamps into his flesh. He panics, and accidently breaks an old bottle. Nate tries everything to remove the snake, but nothing works. Eventually, he confesses to Aunt Celia, and she reveals the origins of the snake. They discover that the broken bottle has released a dark and powerful force that has put all of their lives in imminent danger. The boys learn of Celia’s true identity and a family connection to events that took place in Windsor in the 1600’s. While Nate is desperate to free himself from the snake’s jaw, he learns that someone is desperate to retrieve it. As the brothers learn more about their aunt and their family history, they find themselves in a race against time to defeat a supernatural force. The Witchfinder's Serpent is a magical, teen fantasy fiction novel about two brothers whose world is turned upside down when they move to Connecticut with their mysterious aunt. As the brothers delve deeper into their aunt’s world, they discover family secrets that tie their own destinies to the witch trials of the 1600’s. Alternating between the 1600’s and the present day, this is a contemporary teen novel, with an intriguing historical backdrop. Readers are immersed into a world where the past and present collide, and where the supernatural is hidden among the mundane. This is a thrilling and compelling read for young adults and adult readers who enjoy magic and suspense. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A new magical fantasy adventure, inspired by the witch trials of the 1600’s. Purchase here

Quantum Rock < Back CJ Stephen Quantum Rock Book blurb... A rock doesn’t bleed. But when fourteen-year-old Alan Chandler wipes out on a lonely trail outside Kachina Village, Arizona, his blood soaks into a strange, dark blue stone...and something wakes up. By morning, his injuries are gone. By night, he’s faster than he should be… and the “rock” is shrinking. Then a voice speaks inside his mind. Ru is an alien intelligence - stranded, trapped, and running out of time. The nanites in Alan’s body can make him extraordinary, but only if Alan helps Ru reach the warship that’s been lost in the asteroid belt for thousands of years. Alan has five days to choose: Keep the power and become the key to a war humanity doesn’t even know exists OR Walk away and pray the universe doesn’t come looking for what he’s carrying. Quantum Rock is a high-tension YA sci‑fi thriller packed with first contact, secrets, superhuman abilities, and a choice that could cost Alan everything. Purchase here

A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled < Back Alayne Smith A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled Ellen Jones helps her aunt solve a family mystery, by author Alayne Smith It’s 1962, and Ellen Jones is considering her future, before she returns back to her studies in broadcast journalism at Columbus University, Miami. What journalism career will she pursue? Should she get together with JoJo, following her split from Luke? But first, her Aunt Essie recruits Ellen to help her solve a mystery. She has found a carving in an antique mint julep cabinet, with the date of her great grandmothers wedding, Mary Ellen Davis marries Thaddeus Baird, May 1866 . But family records also show that Mary Ellen married another man, Thomas Brown Mitchell, in December of the same year. Aunt Essie is curious and determined to solve the mystery. Who was Thaddeus Baird and what happened to him? And why did her great grandmother marry twice in such a short space of time? Ellen agrees to help her aunt and discovers that Mary Ellen wrote for a local newspaper, the Marshall-Times Standard. She also discovered that she volunteered at the Jericho School, where she met Thomas Brown Mitchell, a soldier who set up the school in a converted kitchen behind the old Garvey plantation house. They find a journal belonging to Mary Ellen, with declarations of her love for Thaddeus Baird. As Ellen and Aunt Essie delve further into Mary Ellen’s past, they soon discover that their ancestor was embroiled in a scandal that nearly destroyed her reputation. Then, when a dead body is found in a tunnel beneath the old Garvey plantation house, Ellen and Aunt Essie believe there is a connection to Mary Ellen. A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled is a superb mystery novel for young adult readers, by author Alayne Smith. Spanning two time periods (1962 and 1866), the book follows two young women as they come of age in different eras. The book provides a fascinating insight into the lives of women during the 1800’s and 1960’s. While their lives are very different, they experience similar challenges and dilemmas. The book moves at a gentle pace, but is packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Well written, with a fascinating plot, this book will appeal to those who enjoy mystery, suspense and historical fiction. The book is the third instalment of the Ellen Jones series. I had not read the first two books in the series, and I could easily follow the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I hope to go back to the other books, to learn more about Ellen Jones’ back-story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Well written, with a fascinating plot that spans two time periods, this is a superb novel packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Purchase here

On a Rooftop in Beijing < Back Maggie Paredes On a Rooftop in Beijing Love endures on a rooftop in Beijing, by Maggie Paredes North Korean swimmer, Jae Sung, was successful in winning a swimming scholarship to attend the prestigious Kim Il Sung University. His life and future depended on doing well in the sport, and he was determined to make his parents proud. When North Korea was permitted to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games, held in Beijing, Jae was selected for the swim team. Seventeen-year-old Sloane, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, had spent much of her life in the swimming pool and had trained to compete on the world stage. When she was selected to represent the USA swim team at the Beijing Olympics, Sloane was excited to compete, but also eager to travel and experience life in East Asia. During the Olympic opening ceremony, Jae and Sloane’s eyes meet across the stadium and they are immediately drawn to one another. During training the next day, they meet again, and Jae sends Sloane a secret note to meet him on the roof at midnight. Over the course of the games, Jae and Sloane pass secret notes and meet in secret every night on the rooftops of Beijing. The teens fall deeply in love but must keep their relationship hidden from their coaches and fellow athletes. Under the autocratic rule of the Supreme Leader, Jae is not permitted to speak to anyone from another nation. Disobedience could lead to incarceration or even death. Furthermore, if he doesn’t take a medal back home to North Korea, he would be severely punished. Sloane knows that she must stay focused on the competition, and that her secret liaison could risk the chance of a gold medal. Can Jae and Sloane keep their relationship a secret? And will they risk their chance of an Olympic medal, for love? On a Rooftop in Beijing by author Maggie Paredes is a captivating romantic fiction novel, about two young athletes who risk their lives and sporting careers in pursuit of love and happiness. Written in the first-person perspective, the book alternates from the viewpoints of the two main characters, Jae and Sloane. This is an enjoyable and interesting novel, which gives a unique and fascinating insight into the history, lifestyle and culture of North Korea. I liked the setting of the book in the Olympic village and the secret rendezvous on the rooftops, and I enjoyed the blossoming relationship between the teenagers. The book beautifully captures the intense, overwhelming emotion of teen love, the terrifying fear of being caught, and the fear of failing at such an important competition. The book will appeal to young adult readers who enjoy romantic fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating romantic fiction novel, about two young athletes who risk everything for love. Purchase here

Lightwaves < Back David Edgar Grinnell Lightwaves Spring 1941, in the midst of World War II, a young Jewish man named Michael is hiding from the Gestapo in a secret room in a church. His father was murdered, and his mother was captured by the nazi’s and believed to be taken to a concentration camp. He meets the Dembitz family, a Jewish family with a daughter named Emily, also in hiding. Despite the horrendous situation, Michael and Emily fall in love and marry in secret in 1942, when Emily discovers she is pregnant. But the family are separated when they are captured by the Gestapo and are taken to different concentration camps across Europe. In 2016, Charlie Campel is fired from his job at the National Civil War Museum in Washington DC. When he visits the Holocaust Museum in search of alternative employment, he finds a ring with the inscription of Michael Luke Adelman and a Star of David, dated 1942. He is unable to locate the owner of the ring at the museum and takes it home for safe keeping. He is determined to keep the ring safe until he can find the rightful owner. Charlie meets a young woman named Luna, and they fall madly in love. But Luna is distraught when she cannot find a family heirloom she promised to pass on to her one true love. As Charlie and Luna’s relationship blossoms, they soon discover a connection that takes the couple back to the horrors of World War II. Lightwaves is a novella for young adult readers, by author David Edgar Grinnell. Set primarily in Washington DC in 2016, with an alternate storyline set in Europe following the outbreak of World War II, the book provides multiple perspectives on religious persecution. Whilst the book deals with difficult themes of antisemitism, war and terrorism, it is ultimately a story of love. Both couples find love unexpectedly, but their love is torn apart by outside forces. Grinnell seamlessly weaves together the past and present, in a way that will connect with young readers. It is a reminder that antisemitism is still present today, long after the end of World War II. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A poignant and moving story of love and tragedy. Purchase here