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< Back Jeremiah Gilbert On to Plan C A Return to Travel Jeremiah Gilbert’s experience of international travel, following the Covid19 pandemic. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel by author Jeremiah Gilbert is a travel memoir / travel guidebook about the authors return to international travel after more than two years of cancellations, following the Covid19 pandemic. Gilbert, a Californian travel writer and photographer, describes his experience of travelling to Fiji, Europe, and the West Indies. In May 2022, Gilbert travelled to Fiji and describes a visit to the oldest settlement in Fiji , a nd the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere . He discusses a near death experience whilst climbing sand dunes in Sigatoka. During a trip to London in July 2022, he has afternoon tea on a Jubilee themed bus and visits Greenwich and Tower Bridge. From London, he travels to Bergen, the street art capital of Norway; Copenhagen, the capital and cultural centre of Denmark; and Berlin, where he visits the Holocaust Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. In November 2022, Gilbert takes a Christmas river cruise, travelling on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, visiting Dordrecht, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Freiburg, and the Ravenna Gorge enroute. In December 2023, Gilbert takes a three-week Caribbean cruise, visiting St. Barts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel is an insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. While Gilbert shares his experience of each destination, the main sights, activities, and cultural experiences, he also discusses his travel experience, and how he navigated the airlines and train services in a post-Covid world. Through vivid storytelling and lots of humor, Gilbert takes the reader on a journey across continents, weaving his own personal experiences with practical travel tips. The memoir aspect provides an intimate touch, allowing readers to connect with Gilbert’s experience and adventures, while the guide provides valuable insights for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey. Whether you are a virtual traveller, or are planning your own adventure, this book offers a delightful mix of inspiration and advice. What sets this book apart is Gilbert’s breathtaking photography. Each image transports the reader to the heart of the destination, capturing the landscapes, culture, and people, beautifully. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. ​ Purchase here

< Back Paul Sanders Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died: A Grateful Dead Thriller A successful author is forced to relive his childhood abuse in order to clear his name. Dan Wilcox wakes up one morning with a gash on his head, and his shirt slashed and splattered in blood. He cannot recall how he got into that state and realises he has lost four days of his memory. He changes out of his blood-stained clothes and decides to retrace his steps back to the last thing he can remember, a visit to his parents’ home in Marquette, Michigan . Dan had not spoken to his parents in fifteen years, and he had hoped to speak to them to help him deal with unresolved childhood trauma. He travels to his parent’s house and finds the house ransacked, and his mother dead on the kitchen floor, with a knife sticking out of her neck. Dan calls the police and then Diana, a p sychiatrist who as helping him process the neglect and abuse he suffered as a child, from his mother and father. Detective Robinson is assigned the case and Dan is suspected of killing his mother to inherit her wealth. Dan learns that his father has been dead for several years and his sister Louise has been missing for many years, also presumed dead. His brother, Mark, lives in California and has a solid alibi. Dan is confident he played no part in his mother’s murder and begs Diana to perform hypnosis. Diana refuses but she does review his case files and recorded therapy sessions. When Dan’s bloodied clothes are found by the police, he feels he has no choice but to run. He confides in Diana, and she agrees to flee with him, to try and help him solve the mystery of his mother’s death. As the fugitives travel across the country, they are pursued by Detective Robinson and the Michigan State Police. Dan has flashbacks to the scene of the murder, and he is forced to relive painful childhood memories. As the runaways attempt to track down Dan’s estranged relatives, they discover sordid details about his father’s meddling in a juvenile court case, and the truth about his sister’s disappearance. Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died: A Grateful Dead Thriller is a tense and gripping psychological thriller by author Paul Sanders. The novel is a well written, authentic and believable work of crime fiction. Told partly through Dan’s flashbacks with graphic descriptions of childhood abuse, it is a harrowing and difficult read in places. I enjoyed the weaving of the Grateful Dead throughout this story, and the musical references. This is a lengthy novel (at 683 pages), but it flows at a good pace and is easy to read. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy detective stories, psychological thrillers, true crime and the Grateful Dead. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense and gripping psychological thriller about one man’s search for the truth. ​ Purchase here

< Back G.S. Carline Blood Dragon Rising An enthralling first instalment in the Dragon Shadows series, by author G.S. Carline On the fictional Caribbean Island of Los Peces Pequeña, the French aristocracy are attempting to secure their future as rulers of the island by arranging a marriage between Lisette, the twenty-year-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess de Lille, and Eric, the son of the Count and Countess of d’Auguste. It’s Lisette’s birthday and her betrothal to Eric will be announced later that evening. Lisette isn’t too happy about marrying Eric, but she accepts the arrangement and her role as a future wife and mother within the French nobility. During the engagement, Eric suddenly announces he cannot marry Lisette, as it would jeopardize the islands relationship with Spain, and future trade opportunities. Lisette is drugged and kidnapped, and awakes a day later on board the L’Implacable, a notorious pirate ship, led by Captain Rocco. Lisette learns that Eric and his new lover Lady Mercedes de Medina have sold her to pirates to make way for their own wedding. By uniting the d’Auguste and de Medina families they hope to secure Spanish control of the island. Their plan is to displace Lisette, kill off the remaining members of the de Lille family, and inherit the families’ wealth. Rocco confines Lisette to his cabin before delivering her to a wealthy Spanish gentleman. Lisette manages to escape, and flees back to the ship where she finds a Blood Dragon feather and develops a close connection with her Captain. She soon settles into pirate life, and learns key seafaring and combat skills, but is determined to seek revenge on those who betrayed her. Lisette learns that Captain Rocco is afflicted by an ancient curse, and turns into a Blood Dragon after dark, seeking vengeance on all those who have wronged him. But when Lisette is accidently stabbed by one of his feathers, she too becomes cursed by the ancient magic. The couple discover that their lives are inextricably bound by the ancient curse, but will their desire for vengeance destroy them or unite them? Blood Dragon Rising is a fantasy fiction novel by author G.S. Carline, about a young woman’s fight for survival, following the ultimate betrayal of her fiancé. As a gentle noblewoman, protected from the outside world, she doesn’t stand much chance, but she develops into a strong, confident and determined woman, and a pirate you wouldn’t want to cross paths with! With a strong female protagonist, a captivating plot with an unexpected twist, and a fabulous cliff hanger that will leave readers wanting more, this book is a super, swashbuckling, fantasy adventure set on the high seas. I was fully immersed and engaged in this book, and I look forward to reading the next instalment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A super, swashbuckling, fantasy adventure set on the high seas. ​ Purchase here

< Back Kerk Murray Since the Day We Danced A second chance at love, for two Hadley Cove residents. Forty-year-old Emma Wright is forced to sell the home her grandfather gifted to her, following her divorce to Chad Jones. Throughout the marriage, Chad was cruel, manipulative, and controlling. The turbulent relationship ends when Chad had an affair with a younger woman, and Emma is left broken. With intense feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and hopelessness, she doesn’t know how to move on with her life. Her only joy is Riley, the golden retriever rescue dog she retained full custody of following the divorce. She moves into a smaller cottage, closer to the coast in Hadley Cove, Georgia. But shortly after the move, Riley escapes through an open door and Emma is distraught when she cannot find him. Riley finds his way back to his old home, where he meets new residents Luke Grayson and his seventeen-year-old son, Jeremiah. Still grieving the loss of his wife who died two years previously from cancer, Luke has moved to Hadley Cove from Chicago, to spend more time with his son. Jeremiah has struggled since his moms death and blames his dad for not being there for him when he was younger. Luke and Jeremiah grow fond of Riley and let him stay until they can track down his owner. When Emma and Riley are finally reunited, Emma develops a friendship with Luke, Hadley Cove’s handsome new bachelor. But when their friendship turns into something more intimate, they decide to keep their relationship secret, to avoid hurting Jeremiah. Will Emma ever trust a man again? Can Luke learn to love another? How will they break the news to Jeremiah? Since the Day We Danced by author Kerk Murray is a romantic novel and a tender love story between two middle aged adults who find love again after heartache. As Emma and Luke try to rebuild their lives in Hadley Cove, they are brought together by Emma’s beloved dog, Riley, and discover an unexpected companionship. But the path to finding love again isn’t easy, as each character must deal with their own pain and trauma. The novel explores the devastating impact of grief and divorce, and the healing power of connection, friendship, and love. A beautiful reminder that even after heartache, one can find love again. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tender and heartfelt love story about a widower and a divorcee who discover an unexpected companionship, and the prospect of a second chance at love. ​ Purchase here

< Back Anthony J Mohr Every Other Weekend Coming of Age With Two Different Dads A memoir by Superior Court judge, Anthony J. Mohr, about his life growing up with two dads. Every Other Weekend: Coming of Age With Two Different Dads , is a moving memoir by Anthony J. Mohr, about his extraordinary life growing up in Hollywood with two dads. Mohr served twenty-six years as a Superior Court judge in California and also served on the California Court of Appeal. Born in 1947, Mohr was the only child of Rita and Gerald Mohr. His father was an award-winning radio star in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and found fame as crime detective, Bill Lance. Mohr recalls happy memories of his childhood in Hollywood, with parties, celebrity friends, and bit-roles on TV. He enjoyed the glitz and glamour of Hollywood life, but his father was largely absent from those early years as he strived to make a name for himself on TV. But his career took a downturn in the 1950s, and he failed to achieve the same level of success on TV. In an attempt to salvage his flailing career, his father moved to Sweden to take a job on a Swedish TV show. He never returned home. Mohr later discovered that his father had an affair with the script writer of the show. His parents divorced and Mohr moved from his half-acre plot in the San Fernando Valley to a small abode in New York City. His mother later re-married wealthy business tycoon, Stanley Dashew. The family moved back to California, Beverly Hills, and Mohr became accustomed to a life of luxury. As Dashew’s business thrived, his father fell on hard times as his career continued to nosedive. This is a fascinating memoir, told through the eyes of a child growing up during the golden age of Hollywood. During a time when divorce was uncommon and frowned upon, Mohr describes his experience as he moved back and forth between two homes, and tried to find a place for himself and a sense of belonging. Mohr’s father and stepfather were polar opposites. His father: creative, charming, and charismatic, the life and soul of the party. His stepfather: quiet, sensitive, and reserved, a stable force in Mohr’s life. Mohr describes a deep love and affection for both men but grappled with divided loyalties throughout his life. This is an authentic, well-written, and witty memoir, providing a glimpse into the world of celebrity and old Hollywood, through the eyes of a young boy. The book sensitively depicts the impact of parental separation, which will resonate with many readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt and absorbing memoir about family breakdown and divorce, told through the eyes of a child growing up during the golden age of Hollywood. ​ Purchase here

< Back Alex Poppe Duende One young woman’s search for belonging and self-acceptance, by author Alex Poppe Sixteen-year-old Lava lives in Detroit, Michigan, with her mother, Lila Guajardo. Her alcoholic, drug addicted father, Jesse, is serving time in prison for drugs offences, and Lila struggles to cope with the demands of life and motherhood. As Lila grieves for the loss of her lover, she spirals into a deep depression. Lava’s only support and positive adult role model is Cody Ryan, a thirty-three-year-old Iraq war veteran who is a boarder in the family home. When Jesse is released from prison, he returns to the family home, and life for Lava becomes even more difficult. Cody is forced to leave, and Jesse continues to abuse drugs and alcohol. When Jesse asks Lava to do the unthinkable and use her own urine to pass his drug tests, she rebels and deliberately sabotages the test. Jesse confronts Lava, a fight breaks out and Lava is accidentally stabbed. Jesse is recalled to prison and Lila blames Lava. Unable to forgive her daughter, Lila evicts Lava from the family home and sends her to live with her cousin in Spain. Lava reluctantly moves to Seville and meets her mother’s cousin, Lola, a well-known and enigmatic flamenco dancer and teacher. Lava immerses herself into the culture, enrolling in Spanish language classes, and joining flamenco dance classes at Lola’s studio. She falls in love with flamenco and uses the dance to express her feelings, emotions and sensuality. As Lava settles into life in Seville, she meets new friends and experiences her first love, but her relationship with Lola is strained. Lola tolerates the teen, but is distant and elusive. As Lava attempts to learn more about her mother’s mysterious cousin, she soon discovers a dark family secret and the real reason she was sent to Seville. Duende by author Alex Poppe is a beautifully written and well-crafted coming of age novella, about one young woman’s journey from Detroit to Seville, and her search for belonging and self-acceptance. Lava’s journey of self-discovery is beautifully told through the rhythm and vibrations of flamenco music and dance. Poppe is a gifted storyteller – her prose is rich and lyrical, passionate and sensual. With vivid descriptions of flamenco and Seville, this novella is a beautiful homage to this unique artform and the place where it originated. The novella is suitable for both teen and adult readers, and will particularly appeal to those who are interested in Spanish culture and flamenco. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and well-crafted novella, and a wonderful homage to flamenco and Seville. ​ Purchase here

< Back Bryan Asher The Treasure of Lor-Rev Another gripping fantasy fiction adventure, set in the Intercontinents, by author Bryan Asher On the Intercontinent of Lor-Rev, Jared Dareje, an explorer, and collector of digital artefacts, is searching in the deserted mountains of Kal for a prototype model of the SatellaField Personal Station. When he finds the devise hidden in a cave and takes it away, he sees a projection of the late Johan Naoki, the man who created the device and the owner SatellaField, and a stark warning meant for someone, or something called Daemon. Daemon, an android built by Johan, has evolved into a cybernetic demigod. He has escaped the digital cage where he has been imprisoned, and he needs the Personal Station to link up with three other devises, to achieve his goal of enslaving humanity. But first he must find others who can help him on his mission, and he has engineered microscopic nanites to ensure that those he recruits will participate, willingly or otherwise. Meanwhile, Johan’s granddaughter Kanna, receives an alert that the device has been taken. Kanna must find and retrieve the devise before Daemon pairs the devise with the others and destroys the whole of humanity. The Treasure of Lor-Rev is the second book in a series, and another gripping fantasy fiction adventure from author Bryan Asher. With unique and memorable characters, an enticing plot, and a rich and imaginative setting, the second book in the series does not disappoint. The book stands alone, and can be read without reading the first book, The Assassin of Malcoze, but the two books together create an imaginative and mesmerising fantasy world. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A rich and imaginative fantasy fiction novel, with unique and memorable characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Danny Holst Promised Land Author Danny Holst provides a moving insight into the experiences of African American men during the Great War Robert Johnson migrated from Maryland to Harlem in 1913, with his daughter Belinda, who was born blind. Robert falls in love with Mary, a teacher at Belinda’s school, and they start to plan a future together. But, following a violent incident at a peaceful, democratic protest, Robert and his friend Clifford are wrongfully arrested. They know they will face racial discrimination if the case goes to trial, and so they reluctantly agree to sign up for the army to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. Mary takes care of Belinda and Clifford’s six children, as the pair are sent to the South for military training. Robert and Clifford face racism and brutality throughout their training, and during their military combat in the Great War. Both are sadly lost in action, but receive posthumous bravery awards from the French government. Meanwhile, Belinda is hit by a car and spends fifty years in a coma. When she finally awakes in 1969, her whole family is gone, and she is left to fend for herself. The entire world around her has changed, but racism and discrimination are still present in Harlem. Belinda faces tremendous hardship as she tries to find her way, alone, homeless and on the streets. Promised Land is an inspirational story about an African American family and their experiences of growing up in Harlem in the early 1900s. The book provides a unique insight into the experiences of African American men during World War I, and how the racial injustices they experienced at home followed them overseas and into war. With vivid dialogue and graphic descriptions, the book provides a fascinating insight into Black American history and the social, racial, and political tensions during this period. A captivating read. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating and inspirational story about an African American family and their experiences of growing up in Harlem in the early 1900s. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Paula Welch A River of Fortune An ordinary woman, in an ordinary town, finds her extraordinary self, from debut author Paula Welch Maggie Malloy, an ordinary and predictable young woman, is made redundant from her job along with her friends. Months later, while taking a hike by the river, she stumbles across a discarded security case and takes it home. She opens the case and finds 1.2 million pounds inside. Maggie decides to fulfil a promise to her late, dear friend, to be adventurous and spontaneous, and decides to keep the money. She seeks the help of her closest friends to set up a charitable fund, and uses the cash to bring much needed investment to their small town in Devon. Meanwhile, the criminals who stole (and lost) the case, and greedy, corrupt politicians, are desperately searching for the security case. Unbeknown to Maggie, a small electronic pocketbook is hidden inside a black box within the case, and is far more valuable than the money. The towns rapid regeneration eventually brings unwelcome attention to the charity’s finances. Maggie and her friends’ lives are put in danger as the criminals try to retrieve the pocketbook. However, the British intelligence Service GCHQ are also searching for the pocketbook and must catch the culprits before the secrets of the British government are exposed. A River of Fortune by Paula Welch is an enthralling, action packed novel, where a series of accidental events turn one woman’s life from ordinary to extraordinary. Set in a small provincial town in England, Maggie's determination brings her back to life, but in doing so, she is unwittingly exposed to danger. Maggie’s character is well developed, and her confidence grows throughout the book, as she fulfils her friends dying wish to be extraordinary. Overall, this is an action-packed crime fiction book, with a charming protagonist, a smattering of romance and a feel-good factor. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enthralling, action packed novel, where a series of accidental events turns one woman’s life from ordinary to extraordinary . A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Andy Lipman The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community A deeply moving collection of stories about cystic fibrosis (CF), from author Andy Lipman Author Andy Lipman writes the second volume of The CF Warrior Project: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community. The first chapter presents the profiles of many trailblazers who saved lives through a lifetime of dedication to CF, including Doris Tulcin who created the CF Foundation. Chapter two shares the stories of those living with CF, such as six year old Liam Wilson, already an advocate for CF awareness and fundraiser. In the third chapter, we hear from several people who were diagnosed later in life, including Terry Wright an African American man who was not diagnosed until aged fifty-four, after years of pain and suffering, due to biases and stereotypes in diagnosis. Chapter four tells the stories of moms who have raised children with CF, including Margarete Cassalina and Laura Bonnell, both mothers of two CF warriors. Chapter five explores the impact of CF on the entire family, and presents stories from the parents, children, siblings and spouses of those living with CF. In Chapter six, we hear from those who have survived double-lung transplants, and in chapter seven, we hear from those who run to stay healthy and active, inspire others, and raise money for CF. Chapters eight and nine present the stories of famous people who are advocates for CF, and TV celebrities living with CF. Chapter ten discusses the benefits of exercise for CF, through various sports such as softball, tandem-surfing, bodybuilding, yoga, swimming, climbing, adventure sports, and martial arts. The eleventh chapter explores the unique ways people have made a difference, through fundraising, advocacy, research, science and politics. The final chapter is a beautiful and loving tribute to the author’s mother, and CF advocate, Eva Lipman. The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community , is a collection of thoughtful and inspiring stories by author Andy Lipman. This book is the second installment in the CF Warrior Project, and explores the impact of CF on those living with disease, their loved ones and their physicians, and many others who have dedicated their lives to raising awareness of CF. Told through a series of personal stories, this is a deeply moving and insightful collection, from a wide and diverse range of people impacted by CF. Each story is unique. Each story is powerful. Each story is inspirational. Each story will give hope to anyone living with, or impacted, by CF. This is a beautifully curated and written collection, and the author has done an excellent job at bringing the stories to life. Thank you to Andy Lipman for collating these stories, and to all the individual contributors who shared their personal stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A collection of thoughtful and inspiring personal stories about cystic fibrosis, and the impact on those living with the disease, their loved ones and their physicians. ​ Purchase here

Spring 2023: Best Children's Book Age 8 to 12 J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: The Dark Messengers Charly Froh Lotti and the Impossible Dream L.T. Caton Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus Michael Dow Nurse Florence Why and How Do We Sneeze? Caryn Rivadeneira Monster Match: Frankinschool Book 1 Kathleen Troy Dylan's Villain Ryan Vernel The Lady of the Loch Lucy Kovaliv Stars of the North Edwina Dorch Summertime and The Livin' is Easy Louiza Kallona The Tickling Tale of Smoo Vy Lien The Nervous Noodle: Social Anxiety, Fitting In, and Standing Out Aurora Winter Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App Ona Gritz August Or Forever Diann Floyd Boehm Charlie and the Tire Swing - How it Began Jessica Lee Anderson Naomi Nash: Saving Snakes Nikita Kapoor Pack of the Lost- The Uninviting Forest Sandra Sorenson-Kindt Teddy: A Boy Who Swam with Angels Kristen Niedzielski A Bee In A Big Universe AC Bradburn Agent Pangolin - The Mystery of the Shiny Moon K. I. Knight and Jane R. Wood Finding Family Treasure

Book Reviews: Teen Kerrie Faye Dead Girl Aurora Winter Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App Marsha Tufft The Sea Turtle Spy Project: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures Book 4 Tyler Beauchamp Freeze Frame Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person E.K. Larson-Burnett The Bear and the Rose Daryl McCullough Story of Tree and Cloud Maggie Paredes On a Rooftop in Beijing Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 5: Taylor's Story S.M. Webb Spirited Vali Benson Blood and Silver Scott Swisher Ring Fold Renee Hayes The Girl Who Broke the World Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #2: When Darkness Tries to Hide Stacy Padula Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told Rande Goodwin The Witchfinders Serpent Terry Overton The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society Judy Liu The Vending Portal Tony M. Quintana Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed Daniel Foster Torment: Descension Alayne Smith A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled Shina Reynolds A Light in the Sky Kerk Murray Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever Kyrie Wang Forbidden Ties (Enemy's Keeper Series Book 1) Mark Bryan The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie Cassandra Crull Tied to You Alexander Sotberg Secrets of the Elementals Coriana Hope Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) Brianna and Matthew Penfold The Intrepid Three: Animus Revealed Eric Westergard Soul Scepter: Time Marauders Mary Aviyah Farkas Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy Angie Bailey Believe Ilene Grydsuk Age of Resolve: The E.V. Chronicles E.M. Leander Wren and the Tarnished Tiger