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< Back Stoni Astley Sanctuary's Lights A powerful and heart-breaking novel about parental neglect and domestic violence, from author Stoni Astley. Eleven-year-old Sydney and her younger siblings, Amanda, and Dylan, move to a new house, a new town, and a new school. Their mother Barbara, alcohol dependent and addicted to prescription drugs, has moved them again, this time to Ontario to escape the prying eyes of the social services and nosey neighbours. The children have spent years in and out of social services care, due to their mother’s substance abuse and violence. As the children try to settle into their new school, the neglect, the abuse, the violence, and the range continues at home. No-one hears their cries. No-one sees their bruises. No-one cares. But when their mother’s violence escalates, Sydney confides in one teacher who shows her kindness and compassion. Just when Sydney gets the support she desperately needs, and starts to believe she will escape with her siblings, her mother loses control and the lives of all three siblings are changed forever. Sanctuary’s Lights is a powerful and heart-breaking novel of three siblings who live in constant fear of their mother. While a work of fiction, the book is inspired by the authors own traumatic childhood experiences. Honestly and sensitively told from the children’s perspective, the novel is a moving tribute to all victims and survivors of childhood neglect and domestic abuse. The book highlights the brutality of a system that repeatedly fails vulnerable children, by failing to act quickly, by separating traumatised siblings, by housing them in unsuitable homes, by repeatedly allowing them to go back to neglectful and abusive parents, and by simply not caring enough. Sadly, the story of Sydney, Amanda, and Dylan, and of the author, Stoni Astley, is not an uncommon one. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘Honestly and sensitively told from the children’s perspective, the novel is a moving tribute to all victims and survivors of childhood neglect and domestic abuse. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back DF Kennedy The Truth A gripping semi-autobiographical novel, by author DF Kennedy Dahlia Frost joins the US Air Force to escape her dysfunctional family, but during one particular mission she discovers a phobia of wearing a mask and small spaces. Unable to conquer her fears, and experiencing recurrent traumatic nightmares, Dahlia is medically retired from the Air Force. When Dahlia returns home to the US, she learns from her mother, Sylvia, the cause of her nightmares. As a child, Dahlia was abducted by her biological father, Dahmon, and driven into a lake where her father tragically drowned. Following her father’s death, her mother marries Bob, a violent man who terrorises and abuses both women. Dahlia learns she has lost six years of childhood memories and records her mother’s testimony in a journal. Several years later, Dahlia writes Daddy Issues, an autobiographical novel based on her dysfunctional family and traumatic childhood experiences. Published under the penname of Frances Slater to protect her identity, the novel becomes a worldwide bestseller. But when Dahlia’s real identity is mysteriously exposed, she is unwittingly thrust into the limelight and back into the arms of her ex-lover, Roland, an a-list Hollywood actor. The couple rekindle their relationship, but Dahlia is tormented by a secret stalker, who seems to know much more about her past than revealed in her novel. As the stalker closes in, Dahlia finally learns the truth about her childhood, and the real cause of her father’s death. The Truth by DF Kennedy is a tense, gripping and emotional semi-autobiographical novel, loosely based on the authors own experiences. The author successfully interweaves a story of horrific abuse and childhood trauma, with joyous, light-hearted moments of love and romance. Dahlia is a well-developed, complex character, with complex relationships. Readers will empathise with her and route for her, but will equally be frustrated by her decisions. This is the first volume in a planned series, and ends on a thrilling cliff-hanger. I can’t wait to read the next instalment in this series. The book will appeal to readers of drama fiction, suspense, and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense, gripping and emotional semi-autobiographical novel, which successfully interweaves a story of horrific abuse and childhood trauma with a beautiful love story. ​ Purchase here

< Back Juliet Rose Do Over Can Sam leave her past behind and ‘do over’ in a new town? Samantha (Sam) Rutliffe packs up everything she owns into her car, and drives. She doesn’t know where she is going, she just wants to leave her old life behind. She ends up in a small tourist town by the ocean and sleeps in her car overnight. The town looks like the perfect place to start a new life, enabling her to leave all of her troubles behind. Sam settles into the town, finding herself a place to live and a job as a bar tender at a local bar. She meets lots of new people, and develops a close friendship with two lifeguards, Smitty and Casey. But the whole town is shocked when Casey’s lifeless body is found in the ocean. The cause of his death is uncertain, but drugs are found in his system, and his friends suspect suicide. Rumours spread across the town, and soon the nice boy who tragically lost his life, becomes known as a worthless, back-alley junkie. As Sam comes to term with losing her friend, she grows closer to Smitty, and they soon develop an intimate relationship. But as their relationship develops, Sam learns more about Smitty’s shady past, and his involvement in the local drug scene. As Smitty’s past finally catches up with him, Sam must make a difficult decision about their future together. Will she stay with Smitty as he faces the consequences of his previous misdemeanours? Or will she pack up her car again and start anew in the next town? Do Over, by author Juliet Rose, is a heart-warming novel about a young woman’s struggle with self-acceptance and undiagnosed mental illness. Sam makes a terrible error of judgement and betrays her best friend. She is riddled with guilt and unable to move on from her mistake. She sees her only option is to pack up and leave town, and start over again. But before she can move on with her life, and accept the love she deserves from Smitty, she must face her own demons. This is an authentic, well written and easy to read novel, with likeable and relatable characters, and an intriguing plot. The book deals with issues of mental illness, crime, and drug addiction, that many readers will relate to, and empathise with. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An authentic, well written and heart-warming novel about a young woman’s struggle with self-acceptance and undiagnosed mental illness. ​ Purchase here

< Back Mary L Schmidt Her Alibi A heart-breaking story of survival, by author Mary Schmidt One of seven children, Mary tells the story of her childhood and growing up in a household where the children were neglected and abused by their mother, Marguerite. Mary describes the horrific mental and physical abuse she experienced and the trauma of living with a sociopath. Mary recalls her first memories of her mother’s rage, from around the age of two, when she was regularly beaten and force fed. She describes how she was often singled out by her mother throughout her childhood, and blamed for the misdemeanours of her siblings. Unfortunately, Marguerite’s abuse was never discovered by the authorities. From the outside, Marguerite was a warm, loving and attentive parent, but behind closed doors, she was a monster who terrorised her children, her husband, and even her own mother. While Mary describes a loving relationship with her father and grandmother, they could do little to intervene, help or protect the children, as they were subject to the same cruelty and feared the matriarch. As an adult, Mary distanced herself from her mother, as did most of her siblings. But one day, her mother unexpectedly visits her home and they spend several hours reconnecting and bonding. Mary had hoped for a reconciliation, but the next day she heard tragic news that her step father had been shot, and Mary questions the motivation for her mothers’ strange and sudden visit. Her Alibi is a heart-breaking novel and a memoir by author Mary L Schmidt. Mary describes the pain and trauma she suffered at the hands of her abusive mother, and the impact this had on her life, and the lives of her siblings. It is an open, honest and graphic account of child abuse, told through Mary’s own tragic lived experience. Whilst this is a deeply upsetting story, there is some comfort that Mary survived and was successful in her own life, despite her mother's maltreatment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling memoir about one woman’s lived experience of childhood abuse and trauma. ​ Purchase here

< Back Cynthia Hughes Live...But LIVE! Author Cynthia Hughes, tells the story of her diagnosis, treatment and recovery from cancer In 1987, the author Cynthia Hughes was diagnosed with breast cancer, at thirty-two years old. As a wife and mother of four young children, the diagnosis was devastating for the family, and Cynthia experienced a range of emotions from pride, shame, fear and a feeling of failure. Cynthia was told that surgery was the only solution to sustain her life, and underwent a full mastectomy, followed by two rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She remained strong and positive throughout her treatment, by following her faith and choosing to live her life. Following the treatment, Cynthia was advised not to have another baby, as the increase in oestrogen during pregnancy could cause the cancer to return and the cells to grow rapidly, which would put her life in danger. Thirty-nine months following her surgery, Cynthia fell pregnant and was advised by doctors not to continue the pregnancy. Cynthia ignored the doctor’s advice, followed her faith, and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The cancer did not return, and Cynthia later went on to have two more healthy babies, another son and a daughter. Thirty-six years after her cancer diagnosis, Cynthia wrote Live...But LIVE! to document her cancer journey, to share her faith in Yah, to help and support others, and to encourage others to choose life. Live...But LIVE! Is a beautiful and inspiring memoir from author Cynthia Hughes, telling the story of her diagnosis, treatment and recovery from cancer. Cynthia describes how her faith in Yah got her through this difficult period in her life, and how she chose to live her life, rather than focus on death. Cynthia describes the ten keys that allowed her to experience faith and live her life to the fullest. Cynthia’s story, guidance and keys may help others who are going through difficult times. This book provides a great record of Cynthia’s journey, which will be treasured by her loved ones for years to come, and will provide comfort, hope and inspiration to others. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and inspiring memoir that will provide comfort, hope and inspiration to others. ​ Purchase here

< Back Matthew Binder Pure Cosmos Club Can a flailing artist find his place in the lavish New York art scene? Paul, a thirty-seven-year-old New Yorker, is sacked from his job for not meeting the minimum expectations of performance. He lies to his girlfriend and keeps up the pretence of going to work for several months, while at the same time trying to set himself up as a visual artist. When his girlfriend discovers his betrayal she leaves him instantly, leaving him alone in his apartment in New York City with his disabled dog named Blanche. In an art studio with his friend and fellow artist, Danny, Paul attempts to make a living creating and selling art. But his art is unconventional and often misunderstood, and he struggles to be accepted by the traditional art world. When Paul has an affair with a married woman, he discovers that her husband is the leader of the Pure Cosmo Club, a secretive, quasi-religious cult that promotes rebirth and freedom of thought. In his quest to find his true self and a deeper purpose in life, Paul becomes obsessed with the club. He desperately tries to reach the clubs highest ranks, sacrificing his friendships and business relationships along the way. Pure Cosmos Club by author Matthew Binder is an original satirical comedy, that follows the chaotic life of an eccentric visual artist as he attempts to navigate the art world in New York City. The author delivers a hilarious and thought-provoking commentary on the world of high art, celebrity, and fashion. Paul is a typical anti-hero, self-absorbed, annoying, and deeply flawed. But somehow, he is a relatable and likeable character, that readers will root for. His relationship with his dog, is endearing. Overall, a unique, clever, funny, and entertaining novel. This is not my preferred genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy satire and dry humour. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A clever, sharp, and funny satire about the lavish art world. Wild, weird, and wonderful in equal measure. ​ Purchase here

Autumn 2023: Best Children's Book Age 8 to 12 Amanda M Cetas Thrown to the Wind Kat Farrow Bobbin and the Magic Thief D Burton Smith Quoth the Raven Laurie Anne Zaleski Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? Dr Tamara Lazic Strugar The Sunscreaming Summer Jennifer R Sommer Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, "Mother of Hubble" Space Telescope Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer The Magic Peach Tree, A Yoga Storytelling Adventure Stephanie Scott Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope Aaron Derr Baseball Buddies Building a Team Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess Barbara Mishkin TIPs Magical Journey Claudine C Wargel Hattie and Dirks Great Garden Surprise Hans Ness Rolo the Pet Earthling

< Back Carolyn Clarke And Then There's Margaret Meddlesome mother-in-law Margret moves into the Montgomery home, from debut author Carolyn Clark Mother of two, Allison Montgomery, always had a fractious relationship with her mother-in-law, Margaret. Margaret doted on her dear son, Hank, and no-one could ever live up to her lofty standards and grand expectations, let alone Allison. From the moment they first met, Margaret was dismissive of Allison, condescending and interfering. Even after two children and many years of marriage, Allison dreaded spending time with her cantankerous mother-in-law. But Allison’s life is turned upside down when her kind and loving father-in-law, George, passes away and Margaret is forced to move into the family home for a while. Allison tries her hardest to welcome and support her grieving mother-in-law, but Margaret’s constant criticism and interference drive her close to the edge. As Allisson and Hank’s marriage spirals downhill, the two women must learn to get along and co-exist to avoid the breakup of the marriage and the entire family. And Then There’s Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is a captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. As the women learn to live with one another, following the heartbreak of losing their beloved George, they find a new connection and a new lease of life. The book is a refreshing take on the typical monster-in-law narrative. This is an entertaining, witty, and sharp read, with relatable characters that many readers will connect with. The book was a joy to read, and helped me escape from the dramas of my own life for a few hours! And Then There’s Margaret will appeal to readers of women’s fiction, comedy, and family sagas. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Jon Howe Shanghaied A young man is stolen from his family and enslaved on a merchant ship. In 1810, Eamon McGrath a printer from Marblehead, Massachusetts, wakes up on board a ship in the middle of the North Atlantic ocean. With no memory of how he came to be on board the ship, he soon learns he has been kidnapped (‘shanghaied’) with four other men. The men have been stolen and are forced to work on the merchant ship, Atalanta, after a British frigate captured most of the ships original crew. The ship has been sold to a company in Hong Kong and is headed to East Asia. The men know that any attempt of mutiny would be futile, and quickly adapt to life at sea. The ship sails down the east coast of North and South America, before rounding Cape Horn at the southern tip of mainland South America, and then sails up the west coast. They cross the tropics in the North Pacific and approach Hong Kong via the Solomon Islands and the South China sea. The men learn the daily chores and rituals, but conditions on the ship are brutal and the men live in constant fear for their lives. At every port, Eamon writes a letter to his wife and his two children, hoping it will one day reach home. After the ship stops in Hong Kong, it continues to journey west towards Africa. But when they reach Port Louis in Madagascar, Eamon finally has a chance to escape when he meets the crew of a ship named Voilà . Shanghaied by Jon Howe is an enthralling and insightful historical fiction novel about a man who is stolen from his family and enslaved on a merchant ship. As Eamon McGrath and the crew circumnavigate the globe on board the Atalanta, their resilience is put to the test as they battle to survive in the horrific conditions. Set in the early nineteenth century, during a period of rapid social change and increasing global trade, the book captures the experience of many sailors during this time and the brutality of life at sea. Throughout the book, the reader is transported to the oceans of the world and the many fascinating countries, tropical islands, and ports, that the crew encounter along their journey. Thoroughly researched, with references to key historical events, the book will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction and adventures at sea. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and thought provoking read about a man enslaved on a merchant ship, and his fight for survival. ​ Purchase here

< Back Angela White Stopping Time: Life After War Another thrilling instalment in the Stopping Time series, from author Angela White Marc and the mission team have left the protection of the Safe Haven Refugee Camp, to stop the great reset following the nuclear war. Leaving behind Angela, his pregnant wife, and leader of the Safe Haven, to maintain law and order on the island. As news arrives that Marc and his team have been captured, imprisoned, and brutally tortured, Angela faces increasing pressure to rescue the mission team, from her son, Charlie, and other camp members. Tensions rise and a rage illness spreads throughout the camp, threatening the survival of the entire community. Before Angela will agree to send a team to rescue Marc, she must first be assured that her leadership team are ready to lead, and that the community will follow their orders. As Angela prepares her leaders, she embarks on a cunning plan to give the ‘normals’ the freedoms they desire. She hopes that with greater freedom, they will make bad decisions and turn on each other, which will destabilise the community. If her plan is successful, the ‘normals’ will understand the benefit of the controls that have been imposed on them, and will succumb to the leaders demands. But as Angela’s plan unfolds, an adored camp member, Samantha, is kidnapped and taken off the island. Angela and the Eagles must leave the island to find Samantha and bring the kidnapper to justice. Angela knows that Samantha is simply the bait, and that she is the real target, but puts herself in danger to rescue her friend. Ultimately, their mission to bring Samantha home will be a crucial test of any future attempt to rescue Marc. Will Angela find Samantha and bring her home? Will the kidnapper capture his real target? And how will the camp fare, when their esteemed and feared leader is away from the island? Stopping Time: Life After War, is a post-apocalyptic, science fiction novel, and the seventeenth book in the Stopping Time series from author Angela White. Life After War is an intense and high energy book with a gripping and thrilling plot. Angela has built a rich and imaginative post-apocalyptic world with strong, complex, well-developed characters. Angela’s writing is intricate, but easy to read. The plot is complex, fast paced, and full of action. With many twists and turns, the book will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This is a mammoth read, which will appeal to committed readers of this series and fans of this genre. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Life After War is an intense and high energy book with a gripping and thrilling plot. ​ Purchase here

< Back Alex Poppe Jinwar and Other Stories A collection of short stories about the experience of women in the aftermath of war. Jinwar and Other Stories is a collection of six short stories from author Alex Poppe about the experiences of young women, following the war in Syria and Iraq. ‘Jinwar’ is the story of a student nurse at a VA Hospital, who has to care for the ex-commanding officer who harassed and raped her. She describes how she was dishonourably discharged from the Marine Corps for reporting the rape, and attempted to take her own life. She goes on to work at a hot dog stand, and several failed jobs later, she works as a volunteer in Jinwar, a women-only, ecological self-sustaining village, to teach women self-defence. ‘Road Trip in War Time’, tells the story of a woman conducting research in Iraq, and a car journey to Erbil with male strangers. ‘V’ is about a Kurdish-American teenager from Oakland who is lonely, isolated and at risk of radicalisation. ‘Kurdistan’ tells the story of a teenager from Tennessee, whose parents fled to the US during the Saddam regime. After both of her parents die, she is sent to Kurdistan to live with her aunt and must learn how to adapt to Kurdish life and culture. ‘Mosul’ is about a woman who helps another woman to run away to a shelter after she is raped by her brother. The women resort to desperate measures, after she becomes pregnant. ‘Ras al-Amud’ tells the story of a nineteen-year-old woman who experiences unimaginable grief following a miscarriage. Jinwar and Other Stories is an affecting and deeply moving work of fiction by author Alex Poppe, about the aftermath of military conflict in the middle east, and its impact on women and girls. Poppe was compelled to write the book after hearing the stories of survivors of rape in the military. This short story collection shows that women and girls suffer disproportionately during and after war. Existing inequalities are magnified, and social networks are disrupted, making them more vulnerable to gender-based violence, abuse and exploitation. Yet, they show remarkable strength and resilience in conflict situations. While this book is a work of fiction, the experiences of real women ring out from every page. With sharp and eloquent prose, and carefully considered settings and characters, this is a powerful collection of short stories by Poppe. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An affecting and deeply moving novel about the aftermath of military conflict in the middle east, and its impact on women and girls. ​ Purchase here

< Back Jamie Andrea Garzot Unconventional A Memoir of Entrepreneurism Politics and Pot A unique and personal memoir by cannabis advocate and entrepreneur, Jamie Andrea Garzot Unconventional, A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot is a memoir by Jamie Andrea Garzot about her experience of setting up and running a medical cannabis store in conservative, Northern California. Garzot explains how she was not a typical cannabis user or part of ‘cannabis heritage’, but used cannabis to help her sleep during episodes of insomnia. As a user of cannabis for medicinal purposes, her experience of purchasing cannabis was not good. Typical stores were unfriendly, intimidating, dirty, and hidden away in back-alleyways. In 2009, she risked it all to leave her secure, corporate job and opened a cannabis store, seven years before full legalisation. Her goal was to create a store that was accessible and welcoming to anyone, regardless of their cannabis experience or background. Her driving force was delivering a great experience for every customer. Garzot describes how she set up the business with minimal funds, and how she went on to lead a successful, multi-million-dollar business. She discusses the many business and leadership challenges she faced, and how she navigated the complex and changing legal landscape. Garzot shares a number of stories of how cannabis played a therapeutic role for clients with Aids, Cancer, and other addictions. Garzot became an advocate for cannabis and worked tirelessly to improve the industry and further the legitimization of cannabis in society. However, whilst the business was thriving, Garzot faced many personal challenges. She discusses openly her childhood and the enduring impact of her mom’s death, her tumultuous marriage and divorce. Unconventional, A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot is a memoir by Jamie Andrea Garzot about how she made a successful and profitable business in the cannabis industry. This is an insightful and absorbing memoir by an inspirational woman who has shown, with a strong vision, hard work, commitment, and dogged determination, that anything is possible. This is a well written and fascinating book, with some heartfelt moments and lots of humor. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy memoirs, and those who are interested in enterprise, leadership, and the cannabis industry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A riveting read about an inspirational woman who made her fortune in an unconventional business. ​ Purchase here