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< Back Karla Huebner In Search of the Magic Theater Two women embark on a creative journey of self-discovery, by author Karla Huebner. Twenty-two-year-old Sarah has lived with her aunt since her mother passed away when she was a little girl. Sarah is an ambitious and talented celloist, but she is introverted and socially awkward, and has lived a largely sheltered life. Sarah is dealing with significant, unresolved childhood trauma, and is still processing her mother’s tragic death. When Kari, a forty-something divorcee, rents a room in her aunt’s house, Sarah is intrigued by the mysterious new lodger. Kari is on the verge of a mid-life crisis following her divorce, and is seeking fun and adventure. Sarah takes an unhealthy interest in Kari, and fantasizes about her life and relationships. Kari develops a relationship with a much younger man, re-awakening her sexuality and creativity. Meanwhile, Sarah meets new friends, explores new musical collaborations, and is exposed to new temptations. As Sarah and Kari each embark on their own creative journey of self-discovery, their lives intertwine through their relationships and through their art. In Search of the Magic Theater, by author Karla Huebner, is a well written, multi-layered and intelligent novel about two very different women, who both embark on a creative journey of self-discovery through music, art, and performance. The plot develops at a gentle pace, and the main action doesn’t happen until the last quarter of the book, but it is well worth the wait. This is an original novel, written in the first-person perspective, which alternates between the points of view of the two main characters. With authentic and intriguing characters, rich and honest dialogue, and a unique and unusual plot, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy theatre, music, art history and classics. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A well written, unique and unusual novel, which will appeal to readers who enjoy theatre, music, art history and classics. Purchase here

< Back Iris Dorbian An Epiphany in Lilacs Book blurb... An Epiphany in Lilacs is a novel set in a displaced persons camp outside Hamburg, Germany, following the end of World War II. After liberation in May 1945, Daniel, a 14-year-old Latvian Jew, is treated in a field hospital in the British zone of partitioned Germany. A survivor of various concentration camps, Daniel fights to recover from starvation and disease. Racked by nightmares, a nearly nightly occurrence, Daniel finds sleep almost impossible. Through his love of nature and pre-war memories, Daniel struggles to find comfort. He forms an intriguing bond with an older German gentile, another survivor. Later on, as he joins a theatre troupe, Daniel tries to move on with his life, yet is still searching for the whereabouts of his mother and two sisters. 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 Geoff Sease When We Push Through Sound Can Tristan find happiness again following a painful divorce? Tristan James thought he had it all. A loving wife, a happy daughter and a successful career in a top tier investment firm. But all that changed three years ago, when his marriage to his college sweetheart, Sharon, ended, and he experienced a number of setbacks in his career. Sharon and Tristan share joint custody of their seventeen-year-old daughter, Sara, and Tristan still hopes for a reconciliation with his ex-wife. Over-worked and highly stressed, Tristan makes a series of investment errors and experiences a crisis in confidence in his career. Tristan battles with depression and self-medicates with drugs and alcohol. As he contemplates his future, he considers taking his own life. In an attempt to shop his way out of depression, Triston buys a BMW 745i. He goes on a number of innocent dates with women he knows from around town, but they never lead to anything more serious. Until one day, Tristan meets Julie, a young aspiring musician in a bagel shop, and goes on a date. He meets another woman at a work event, an advertising executive named Beth, and he feels an immediate connection. But just as Tristan starts to find happiness in his personal life, his work life becomes unmanageable, as a multi-million-dollar investment is at risk of collapse. Tristan is close to the edge, but he is supported by five women, his ex-wife, daughter, lover, friend, and assistant, who refuse to give up on him. When We Push Through Sound by debut author Geoff Sease, is about a middle-aged man on the verge of a mid-life crisis, following a painful divorce and a number of setbacks in his career. The book follows Tristan’s journey as he struggles with depression and attempts to pull his life back together. But the road to recovery is not easy, and Tristan experiences a number of challenges that push him close to the edge. Tristan is a believable and likeable character, and many readers will relate to his story. This is a remarkable and heartfelt debut novel from a talented writer with a gift for storytelling. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy romance, realistic fiction and character driven stories. Highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A remarkable and heartfelt debut novel about a middle-aged man on the verge of a mid-life crisis. Purchase here

< Back Dr Nizar M Benazzouz The innovative Animal Nizar M. Benazzouz, PhD examines the hidden pattern within all natural and human innovations. The Innovative Animal explores the concept of innovation in all its facets, from the computer field and business, to the creation of our Matrix, online streaming, and the introduction of AI. Benazzouz discusses the rapid and profound transformations that have taken place over recent times, and how they have disrupted almost every aspect of our lives, from our economy, our society, and our individual identity. He discusses how the smartphone has become an extension of ourselves, enabling us to do almost anything and everything, from ordering a taxi, to streaming movies, and communicating with loved ones. The world we live in today is almost unrecognizable from the world of the 1950s. For many, the rapid pace of change is confusing and overwhelming. Benazzouz developed “The Fundamental Identity of Innovation”, an equation, he argues, capable of describing all human and natural innovations. In the equation, innovation is a result of motivation (of the innovator), creativity (or vision), technology (or implementation), value (or outcome), and need (of the end user). This is a meticulously researched book by Digital Transformation Manager and Innovation Professor, Nizar M. Benazzouz. The book explores both the creative and destructive forces of innovation, integrating knowledge from the East and West, and exploring innovation alongside developments in other fields of science and social science, such as biology, physics, history, anthropology, philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Benazzouz’s primary motivation to write the book stems from a belief that we are approaching the apogee of the current technological revolution. An extraordinary and enlightening exploration of innovation, and its profound impact on our species and society. The book is accessible, yet thought-provoking. It offers readers a fascinating insight into the relationship between innovation and human evolution. Whether you are a tech nerd, a history buff, or just curious about innovation and the future, this book encourages reflection and debate about the intricate relationship between innovation and the world we inhabit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An extraordinary and enlightening exploration of innovation, and its profound impact on our species and society. Purchase here

< Back Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl A fascinating journey of self-discovery, by author Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl is an intimate memoir by Canadian author Jackie Ewing about her life, loves and adventures, from a small town to the big wide world. The book follows her journey from student to teacher, mother and wife; and across the globe as she travelled extensively from Canada to Kuwait, Mexico, London and beyond. Ewing talks about her experiences of teaching all over the world, her love of children and her passion and dedication to the profession. She recalls fond and funny memories of teaching ‘her kids’, and how even in the most challenging times, she attempted to bring joy into the classroom. She talks about many challenging situations throughout her life, including the breakup of her marriage, and a terrifying scare with breast cancer. All told with love, affection, and lots of humour. There are many wild and funny moments, including her first foray into a strip club, and an encounter with a wild bear while pregnant. The book comprises ten chapters, each with a life lesson at the end of the chapter. The key life lessons are: Embrace yourself; Choose people who value you; Go the extra mile; Adapt and be flexible; Suck all the marrow out of life; Get down off that high horse; Bet on yourself; Just keep getting back up; What other people think of you is none of your business. For many of us, life can be tough, unforgiving, demanding and relentless, and these are wise lessons to live by. As a forty-something woman myself, I wished I had this advice twenty years ago! Overall, this is a light-hearted, fun and inspiring self-help book, full of anecdotes and useful advice from a woman who has lived life well. Ewing writes with such honesty, warmth and humour, and it was a joy to read. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy self help books, humorous fiction and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A light-hearted, fun and inspiring self-help book. A joy to read and highly recommended. Purchase here

< Back S. C. Eston Deficiency Author S. C. Eston depicts a disturbing vision of society that is far too close for comfort. Set in Prominence City, on the planet Garadia, a prominent researcher at Thrium Laboratories, Detel Scherzel, suddenly disappears. Her profile is deleted from the data-sphere, and she is nowhere to be seen. Her brother, Artenz Scherzel, and sister-in-law, Keidi Rysinger, are frantic with worry. Keidi visits Detel’s laboratory but finds no trace of her existence. Meanwhile, it’s an important day for Artenz, as he launches a new project for his company, BlueTech Data. When Artenz nips out for lunch, enforcers enter his workplace and lock the building down. One of Artenz’s colleagues, Marti Zehron, contacts him and tells him not to return to the office, but to run and hide. The enforcers are searching for Detel, and when they learn that Artenz has left the building, they send out a team to capture him. Following Keidi’s unsuccessful visit to Detel’s laboratory, she visits Detel’s home and finds the place ransacked and destroyed. She decides to infiltrate the buildings security system, but her identity is discovered, and she is also pursued by the enforcers. Artenz is captured and taken back to BlueTech Data, where he is tortured by the enforcers. Keidi is hiding in Prominence City and, with nowhere else to turn, she seeks the assistance of an old acquaintance, and reporter for the Authentic Banners, Eltaya Ark. Eltaya and her team agree to help Keidi and they travel to the city to rescue Artenz. Artenz is taken to a place of safety, where he learns about Detel’s secret research and her mysterious disappearance. Keidi is lost somewhere in the depths of the underground, with the enforcers in hot pursuit. As Keidi tries to find her way to Artenz, Artenz plans to reveal the truth about his sisters’ research, and bring the aggressors to justice. Deficiency by author S.C. Eston, is a cleverly crafted science-fiction, dystopian novel, set on the planet Garadia, in the far distant future. Eston depicts a vision of society that is both disturbing and believable. On the surface, Prominence City is immaculate, and its citizens are healthy and law abiding, but the city harbours a dark and dirty secret. The citizens are merely pawns in a corporate game of greed, corruption, and control. It’s a vision of society that is far too close for comfort. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Overall, a cleverly crafted, sharp, and chilling novel, with an intriguing and believable plot. Purchase here

< Back Lem Moye Catching Cold Vol 2 - Redemption Can a small scientific company survive a hostile take-over from a giant pharma company? A small scientific company, CiliCold, has developed the ‘ immunology breakthrough of the century ’ , a partial antibody that can defeat many of the viruses that cause the common cold. A big-pharma company, Tripel S Pharmaceuticals, is desperate for their intellectual property and will stop at nothing to take over the company. But Tripel S has a sinister motive for acquiring CiliCold. They want to prevent the product reaching the open market, to protect their own work. A cure for the common cold would affect multi-million-dollar sales of their over-the-counter cold remedies and treatments. The CEO of CiliCold decides to relocate the team over 3,000 miles away to a secret research laboratory, to escape the clutches of Triple S. Meanwhile, the V ice P resident L egal of Triple S is forced to resign following an incident where she witnessed a colleague take her own life. She has no option but to defect to CiliCold. Triple S develop a new medicine that is successful in preventing autism, but they soon discover the medicine has catastrophic side effects. Board members disagree on how to manage the situation. Several board members want to continue with its development, arguing they would be withholding a new critical therapy from children who are going to be very sick. The CiliCold team, on the other hand, is on the verge of a breakthrough, and are in desperate need of financial assistance. Just when CiliCold receive the investment they require, they soon discover they have been duped by their biggest rival. Catching Cold Vol 2 – Redemption, by author Lem Moyé, is a tense and gritty pharmaceutical drama, about a disreputable big-pharma company that tries to take over a small scientific company, by any means possible. This is a well written, thoroughly researched and believable story about money and power, versus ethics and morality. The author clearly has excellent knowledge about science and medical research. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from Lem Moyé. This is the second instalment in a three-part series. I had not read the first book in the series, and while there were a few moments where I struggled to understand the back-story, the story was easy to follow. I would recommend readers begin with the first book in the series, to get the full enjoyment of this trilogy. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary: A tense and gritty pharmaceutical drama about money and power, versus ethics and morality. Purchase here

< Back Robin Jeffrey .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery Chance Hale is enamoured by a mysterious woman from a different planet. Chance Hale is an Arrhidaean living in the wealthy suburb or Zahia. Chance is heir to the multi-billion-dollar company, Halcyon Enterprises, headed up by his father, Felix Hale. Travelling home after a one-night stand he can hardly remember, Chance notices a woman with a phoenix tattoo on her back. He introduces himself to the woman, and learns her name is Cadence Turing, from the plant Paraesepe. New to the city, and with no where else to stay, Chance invites the stranger to stay at his house, the imposing Hale Manor. Felix is planning a party that night and has an important announcement to make. He is not happy his son has brought a stranger into the house. As Cadence learns more about the strange, new world, the party gets underway. To everyone’s surprise, Felix announces his engagement t o Desdemona Eydis, and gives her an expensive necklace. Chance is livid that his father is marrying a woman younger than him, and who he has known for just three months. When Chance confronts his father, Felix threatens to cut him off from his inheritance. The next day, Desdemona’s necklace is missing, and the following day Felix is found beaten to death in his room. As Chance becomes the prime suspect for his father’s murder, Cadence reveals her true identity, putting her own life in danger. Will Chance prove his innocence? Will Cadence’s true identity be discovered by the authorities? And can they solve the mystery of Felix’s death? .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery is a thrilling science fiction novel by author Robin Jeffrey , and the first book in the Cadence Turing mystery series. The book follows two people from two different worlds, who are unexpectedly brought together and realise they have more in common than they think. This is a classic mystery novel, set in a captivating futuristic world. With intriguing characters, and a gripping mystery plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy futuristic fantasy fiction and crime mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A classic whodunnit, with a unique, futuristic twist. Purchase here

< Back Bryan Asher The Assassin of Malcoze Debut author Bryan Asher builds a rich fantasy world in the Intercontinents The book takes place in the Intercontinent of Malcoze, a fantasy realm, comprising a floating world of continents. The Malcozeans are an advanced species, with unique powers and special abilities to augment, enhance and manipulate everyday things. Three Malcozeans, Auros, Analia and Taurong are each on an independent journey of self-discovery, finding their own way in life. Auros an eccentric, ageing mercenary is working on a contract to find a mysterious heir of the King Tarburous. Analia, Princess of Malcoze, the Kings daughter and a student with a unique talent for enchantment. Taurong, a young man studying battle arts to become a member of the Rincoyle elite military, with special aura powers. As the characters’ progress on their own journeys, they are unwittingly united by a dangerous assassin, Scoria Kith from a neighbouring continent, the Intercontinent of Kratas. Kith’s mission is to destabilise Malcoze and assassinate King Tarburous, and he will not stop until he achieves his goal. The Assassin of Malcoze is a gripping, fantasy fiction novel, set in the fantasy realm of the Intercontinents. Asher has built a rich, fantasy world with strong, well-developed characters that will appeal to fans of this genre. The second half of the book was amazing, and I couldn’t put it down. I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully crafted fantasy fiction novel, with an intriguing plot, brilliant character development, and excellent artwork. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Teri M Brown Daughters of Green Mountain Gap An Appalachian granny woman. A daughter on a crusade. A granddaughter caught between the two. Maggie McCoury, a generational healer woman, relies on family traditions, folklore, and beliefs gleaned from a local Cherokee tribe. Her daughter, Carrie Ann, believes her university training holds the answers. As they clash over the use of roots, herbs, and a dash of mountain magic versus the medicine available in the town’s apothecary, Josie Mae doesn’t know whom to follow. But what happens when neither family traditions nor science can save the ones you love most? Daughters of Green Mountain Gap weaves a compelling tale of Maggie, Carrie Ann, and Josie Mae, three generations of remarkable North Carolina women living at the turn of the twentieth century, shedding light on racism, fear of change, loss of traditions, and the intricate dynamics within a family. Author Teri M. Brown skillfully navigates the complexities of their lives, revealing that some questions are not as easy to answer as one might think. Purchase here

< Back Tony Jeton Selimi A Path to Excellence A self-help book by author, entrepreneur, coach and motivational speaker, Tony Jeton Selimi. Selimi shares his formulae of success to help readers feel more confident, empowered, and accomplished while working on their aspirations, goals, and dreams. The book is based on Selimi’s personal, professional, business, and client breakthrough experiences and thirty years of research, lessons, study, and transformations. Based on decades of teachings, Selimi developed an easy-to-follow method, a simple eight-step process, and scientifically proven principles to guide people onto the path of excellence in their chosen areas of life. The principles are - Principle 1 : To break free from ambiguity, clarify what you want, why you want it, and when you want it. Principle 2 : Awakening your astronomical vision requires committing to something bigger than yourself. Principle 3: To build your resilience, it is wise to immediately confront any issues that arise and respond mindfully and objectively. Principle 4: Making mistakes is human; correcting them awakens your excellence. Principle 5: For better, more efficient, and more effective results, seek expert advice . Principle 6: To grow on the inside and expand on the outside, collaborate. Principle 7: To unleash the power of gratitude, graciously give and accept compliments. Principle 8: Continuously celebrating small wins can change your physiology, strengthen your psychology, and maximize your potential. Alongside each principle, Selimi offers a number of tips and tricks, practical advice, and exercises to help readers practice these principles. Selimi encourages readers to practice these eight key principles daily and willingly, to see positive changes in personal, professional, and business life. A Path to Excellence by Tony Jeton Selimi is an enlightening and transformative self-help book, which aims to help readers achieve their own goals and success in life. With an easy to follow, eight step method, this book offers practical solutions to help readers make positive changes in their personal, professional, or business life. This is an authentic and credible book as Selimi shares his own journey and the significant challenges he experienced throughout his life. Selimi’s journey is inspiring, his teachings are simple yet profound. The book will appeal to any reader interested in personal development. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enlightening and transformative self-help book, which will help readers gain a deeper understanding of themselves through a simple eight step process. Purchase here