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< Back Felicia Taylor E. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale Poet, Felicia Taylor E, shares her memories of childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a collection of poems by Felicia Taylor E. centered around her childhood memories, adolescence and young adulthood. There are four distinct collections: ‘Beginning’, ‘Piney Woods Time’, ‘Blues of Life and Love’ and ‘Grateful’. The first is a collection about her early childhood, with sweet memories watching and learning from television, her love of books and her imaginary friends, movies, and her adventures with her mom and dad. But also, some traumatic memories of discrimination, random strangers touching her hair, the cruelty of her early years’ teacher, and a terrifying encounter with the Klu Klux Klan. The second collection is about her time growing up, spending time with her grandmother and grandfather, her love of music, playing out with friends, and the joy of singing in the church choir. In the third collection, Felicia describes her youth, her growing understanding of the world around her, the stories of others who fought every day for survival in an unjust society, the cruelty of dementia on patients and their loved ones, her growth as a young woman and a poet, a blossoming love with a ‘brown eyed Knight’, and thoughts about death. In the final collection, Felicia shares beautiful memories of lost loved ones. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a beautiful and poignant collection of poetry by Felicia Taylor E. The poems are both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as Felicia takes the reader on a journey through her life, and shares her experiences of growing up as a Black girl and woman in the South. The diverse collection of poems shows the authors ‘multilayers’ of womanhood and being a Black woman. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and poignant collection of poetry that are both heart-warming and heart-breaking. ​ Purchase here

< Back Katie Jay Murder most Vegan There is a new amateur sleuth in town, by author Katie Jay Cecilia, a fifty-something environmental health officer from Glenelg Council, Adelaide, is annoyed when a routine health inspection at The Vegan Café, is derailed by the presence of the cook sprawled out on the kitchen floor. Cecilia notices a bottle of vodka on the counter and presumes the cook has passed out from drinking too much alcohol. But when there is no response after she prods the cook with her stiletto heel, she realises there is something not quite right. The cook is pronounced dead, presumed murdered, by the police. The next day, Cecilia returns back to the café to help the police with their investigations, and using her skills of health and environmental safety investigations, notices a few things awry in the kitchen. Cecilia turns amateur detective and joins forces with Aldo Giovanni, a handsome police detective, to help solve the mystery. Who could possibly want to kill a peaceful vegan in a sleepy coastal town? And why does the owner of the café seem intent on publicising the death of her cook? Murder most vegan, by author Katie Jay, is a charming cosy mystery novel, about a middle-aged woman from Adelaide who is thrown into the curious world of criminal investigation, following a death of a cook on her patch. Cecilia is a well-developed, likeable protagonist, and a charming amateur sleuth for a cosy murder mystery series. This is a light-hearted and funny novel, which will entertain adults and young adult readers. Well written, with a gripping plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy women's fiction and cosy mysteries. I hope there will be more investigations from amateur sleuth Cecilia, in the future. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A laugh out loud cosy mystery, with a charming new amateur sleuth. ​ Purchase here

< Back Glenda Brown The Story of Raine One woman fights for survival when she learns her marriage is built on lies, by author Glenda Brown Following a short, whirlwind romance, seventeen-year-old Lana marries Sloan and moves to Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains to live with his family. The grand home and farm, named the ‘Shaddeau’, is set in 1,500 acres of land, far from Lana’s modest family home in Missouri. As Lana settles into life in Virginia, she soon becomes pregnant, and her baby girl, she names Raine, is born in the middle of a storm. Raine spends much of her childhood alone, while her father is busy working on the farm, and her mother is depressed. She grows up to be a shy but independent young woman, with dreams of becoming a lawyer. Raine attends college in Maryland, and meets her roommate JaDee who introduces her to an Italian named Anthony Riconi. Raine confides in her friend that one day she will marry Anthony. But JaDee warns her that he might not be a good match and his family has a questionable reputation. During a storm one evening, Raine is badly injured in a terrible car accident. Raine is rush to hospital and spends several weeks in a coma. JaDee suggests they call Anthony to her bedside, and on hearing his voice, she quickly recovers. Several years later, after Raine graduates and finds a job in real estate, Anthony proposes. The couple marry and Raine becomes pregnant with her first child. Raine feels blessed she has a good life, with a loving husband, a perfect baby, a nice apartment and financial stability. Yet, when Anthony continues to take lengthy trips home to see his family, Raine becomes suspicious. She knows little about his career, or how he earns his money, and she remembers JaDee’s warning when they first met. Raine follows her husband back to New Jersey to find out the truth, but in doing so she uncovers a whole web of lies, which puts her life, and her family home, the Shaddeau, at risk. The Story of Raine is a compelling and captivating Christian fiction novel by author Glenda Brown. Set between 1935 and 1969, the story is about a woman who is born into a privileged life, but largely neglected by her parents. It shows how her experiences as a young child and teen, and her relationship with her parents, impacted her later life choices. As she finds her own independence and marries the man of her dreams, she soon realises that she has been duped. The novel is easy to read, and hard to put down. It is quite a lengthy novel (at 444 pages), but I was hooked throughout. I particularly enjoyed the way the author weaved in the presence of storms throughout Raine’s life, from her birth right through to her death. This is a Christian novel, and there are some subtle references to God and Christian values, but this does not overwhelm the story. With a blend of romance, tragedy, mystery and suspense, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, women’s fiction and Christian fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and captivating Christian fiction novel, that is both easy to read and hard to put down. ​ Purchase here

Shina Reynolds A Light in the Sky Vali Benson Blood and Silver Daryl McCullough Story of Tree and Cloud Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 5: Taylor's Story Mary Aviyah Farkas Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy 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) Angie Bailey Believe Spring 2022: Best Teen Book

< Back Juliet Rose Trigger Point Love and loss on a mountainside in Montana, by Juliet Rose. Zoey Sanders is a paramedic intern, completing her final rotation with the Mountaintop Search and Rescue, in the Beartooth Mountain Range in Montana. A new dog handler arrives at base camp, Micah Byrne, with his two dogs, Trek and Chef. Micah is deaf and communicates with his dogs via hand signals. Zoey is immediately attracted to Micah, and they become close friends. Zoey knows a little sign language and she is able to communicate with Micah using finger spelling. As Micah settles into base camp, he teaches Zoey American Sign Language. Zoey and Micah’s relationship becomes intimate, and Zoey moves into Micah’s cabin. But their relationship is put to the test when there is a huge avalanche on the mountain, triggered by a drunk man on a snowmobile. Over twenty-five people are on the mountainside, with multiple buried and many injured. As the team deal with the injured, a toboggan carrying dead bodies arrives in base camp. Zoey soon learns that one of the dead is her little brother, Charlie, who was out on the mountain snowboarding. Zoey is distraught and takes a leave of absence from Search and Rescue, moving back into her parent’s farmhouse. Overwhelmed by grief and anger, Zoey pushes Micah and her loved ones away. Zoey’s parents decide to sell the farmhouse and Zoey returns to the mountain. How will Zoey cope when she returns to the place her little brother died? And can she restore her relationship with Micah? Trigger Point is an emotional, heart-breaking and gripping romantic drama of love and loss, by author Juliet Rose. Zoey meets the love of her life on a mountainside in Montana, but everything changes when her little brother is killed in a catastrophic avalanche. Zoey’s life is shattered, as she struggles with grief and pushes away everyone around her. Rose portrays death and grief honestly, sensitively and with compassion. Her prose is heart-rending, and I was overcome with emotion on several occasions. This is a beautifully written novel, with well developed, likeable and interesting characters. I particularly liked the introduction of a strong lead character with a disability. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heart-breaking, emotional and gripping romantic drama about love and loss. ​ Purchase here

< Back Lachlan Pirie The Resolution A dark, psychological thriller by debut author Lachlan Pirie Daniel Rodrigues is serving time in the Wolston Correctional Centre in Wacol for causing grievous bodily harm to his wife, Janet. It is his third prison sentence, and he has been incarcerated for thirty years in total, for numerous assaults on his wife. Janet visits Daniel in prison and he attacks her again, and threatens to kill her. His desire to kill his wife, has morphed into a chronic, cyclic obsession. Another prison inmate, Jonathon (Jon) Little, is an ex-lawyer, who was convicted of defrauding his wife of five million dollars. When his wife, Kay, serves Jon his divorce papers in prison, he is enraged. Daniel first meets Jon when he is transferred to his prison cell in Wolston, and the pair concoct an elaborate plan to kill their wives. Jon’s experience as a criminal lawyer, leads him to believe he has the perfect ‘murder exchange’ strategy. The plan involves each prisoner killing the others wife, while the husband is out of the country and has a solid alibi. There is no money involved, just a pact between two fellow inmates and disgruntled husbands. Their only ‘reward is purely their own satisfaction’ . When both inmates are released on parole, they set out to complete the task. But can each prisoner really trust their fellow inmate? And will each man fulfil their murderous pact? The Resolution by Lachlan Pirie is a dark, psychological thriller about a couple of disturbed prison inmates who plan to murder each other’s wives when they are released from prison. Written in the third-person point of view, alongside a collection of excerpts taken from the personal journal written by Daniel Rodriguez’s alternate personality Tinkler Rodriguez. The journal provides a narrative on the events the happen following Daniel’s/Tinkler’s release from prison. This is such a unique concept, and I was hooked from the first chapter. The characters are very well developed – vile, but at the same time, intriguing. The plot is clever, intricate and fast moving. The writing is excellent, and I particularly enjoyed the alternating perspectives of the main characters . There is a big unexpected twist at the end, which will make you question every little detail in book. Totally unexpected. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A clever and complex psychological thriller. I couldn't put this compelling debut down. ​ Purchase here

< Back Julia Brewer Daily ;The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret A modern Texas ranch has an ancient secret. Twenty-two-year-old Emma Rosales has trained all of her life to take over ‘The Thorn’, a million-acre ranch in Texas. As sole heir to the property, Emma is ready to take over the property after recently graduating from college with a degree in veterinary medicine. Emma is fierce and headstrong, and follows in a long line of strong, female matriarchs. However, she is disheartened to learn that her boyfriend is more in love with the ranch than he is with her. While her parents, Josie and John, are out of the country on a trip to Europe, Emma decides to explore the vast ranch on her horse, Honey-Boy. But, when Honey-Boy falls and breaks a leg, she is forced to put him down. She takes shelter in a cave and discovers a group of people living there. The ‘People’ have been completely isolated from the modern world, and they live a primitive but peaceful life. Afraid that Emma might reveal their secret, they hold her captive in the secret cave. While her distraught parents search frantically for their missing daughter, Emma has an important decision to make. Will she try to escape and return to her beloved parents? Or will she live with the ‘People’ and remain hidden in the cave forever? The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch: A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret, by author Julia Brewer Daily, is a gripping adventure and romance novel set in the Texas wilderness. This is a unique and imaginative novel, with many twists and turns. Beautifully written, with a fascinating plot and well developed, believable and relatable characters, the book will appeal to readers who enjoy women’s fiction, adventure stories and romance. I particularly enjoyed reading the different perspectives of the two primary characters, Emma, and her mother Josie. With vivid descriptions of Texas, the book captures the breath-taking beauty and the vastness of the Lone Star State. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping adventure, with a fascinating plot and well developed, believable and relatable characters. ​ Purchase here

< Back Carol Amorosi Death on the Line A classic murder mystery, by debut author Carol Amorosi In 1763, a young Scot named Angus MacKay was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, to work as an apprentice on a ground-breaking surveying project, to define the border between the American colonies of Maryland and Pennsylvania, using new technologies. The border had been fiercely contested for many years, and the King had ordered British surveyors, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, to resolve the issue once and for all. Angus sells everything he owns and sets sail from London to America, in search of a better life in the colonies. But during the ten-week journey, he notices some suspicious activity between a sailor and a crewman, as they secretly exchange a package. Arriving in Philadelphia, Angus notices the same sailor exchanging packages with another man, and senses something is not quite right. The surveying team leave Philadelphia and travel towards the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland, where Angus befriends Susquehannock Natives, Running Bear and Gray Wolf. But during their journey, the team hears news of brutal attacks on the Conestoga, a Native American tribe, and Angus notices the team are being followed by a one-armed man. But when Angus stumbles over a dead body, he becomes the prime murder suspect. Desperate to clear his name, Angus must do everything he can, to learn the truth and find the killer. Death on the Line is a thrilling murder mystery, and the first book in The MacKay Mysteries historical fiction series. Extensively researched, and based on real events cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book provides a fascinating insight into colonial America and the experiences of the Native Americans and the early settlers. With wonderful descriptions of the landscape, rich characterisation with authentic dialogue, and a unique and gripping plot, this is an excellent book and will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling murder mystery, extensively researched, and cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries. ​ Purchase here

< Back Gail Grant Park We Are Shadows An Irish Ghost Story Three sisters use unconventional methods to solve mysteries of the past. We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story, follows three siblings, twins Moira and Deirdre Gallagher , and their younger sister Nuala. Moira has had a special connection with the Otherworld ever since her best friend died in a tragic car accident when she was just five years old. A month after her friend’s death, Moira was visited by her spirit. Soon, she was visited by the spirits of other dearly departed loved ones, including her own grandmother, Brigid. Brigid watches over her grandchildren closely and guides them through life. To capitalise on this extraordinary gift, Moira and Deidre set up Gallagher Investigations, a detective agency to investigate paranormal activity and solve mysteries of the past. Soon, the twins are joined by their younger sister Nuala, and together the sisters investigate cold cases utilising unconventional methods. Each sister has a unique gift. As well as Moira’s ability to talk with the dead, Deirdre has many connections in the world of law and herbal medicine, and Nuala has a passion and knack for dreamwork. When they are contacted by a man named Séan Kennedy to help him solve the mystery of his family’s past, the sisters agree to take on the case. The case opens up a whole new world of dark spirits and haunted homes, and exposes the sisters to evil forces from the Otherworld. We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story by author Gail Grant Park is a thrilling and captivating mystery novel, with a paranormal twist and a cast of strong female characters. The book is divided into four connecting parts with each part written as a short story, making this an accessible and easy to read collection for adults and younger audiences too. The main characters are beautifully developed. Each sibling has her own unique gift, and distinct personality and character. I particularly liked the strong bond between the sisters. I also enjoyed the Irish dialogue and the addition of the Irish proverbs, which capture the beautiful Irish language, lilt, and lore. Overall, a wonderful read, full of suspense with many unexpected twists and turns. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy mystery, drama, suspense, and paranormal stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: The past and present collide, in this absorbing paranormal cosy mystery. ​ Purchase here

Spring 2022: Best Children's Book Age 3 to 7 Ron Keres The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard Marta Almansa Esteva Nurse Bear Does First Aid Angela Delf Trixie Bixby and Her 66 Pairs of Socks Linda Harkey Chatty the Hen Pheasant: Travels with the Pack Charlene McIver Medieval Mashup Sasha Graham Whitney Wins Everything: A Tiny Ninja Book Ron Keres It's Not That 'Big a Deal' JB Van Cleave PTSDragon Alan Claycomb Maisley's Moon Brett Gunning & Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book Two Julia Coldicott Just Being Fred Amy Lee Westervelt The Colors Inside of Me Joe Burud AJ and the Bouncing Ball Jessica Wendi Abel The Little Blue Rocket Ship Charlene McIver Squishy Sand Deborah Wade Always In Your Heart Leah Ingledew Meowl! Billy Baldwin Orbit's Monster Nebula Anna Kutishcheva Jake and Nick's Spooky Fall Leah Ingledew Where's My Shell? Deanna Chesley What If We Had A Pet Shark? Janet Lau The Little Grey Pig: A Story About Self-Confidence Michelle Medlock Adams Dachshund Through the Snow Carina Ho & Jesse Byrd Mighty Mara Mariam Latifi A to Z of Mini Muslims Tracey Lear Eli’s Story What Makes Me, ME! Mr Z The Mayfly and the Methuselah Tree Joanne Russo Insull Sarah and the Crows Clean Up

< Back DF Kennedy The Whole Truth Dahlia Frost returns in this gripping second instalment, by author DF Kennedy. The Whole Truth is the second book in a series from author DF Kennedy, which follows on where the first book, The Truth, ended. Following her kidnapping in Scotland, pregnant Dahlia returns home to rebuild her life with her fiancé, Roland. Dahlia suspects her stepfather Bob was involved in her kidnapping, and confronts him at his home, threatening to kill him. With Roland away at a movie premier, Dahlia calls her ex-husband, Daniel, for support. There is an altercation at the river, when they find Bob in a boat with her mother, Sylvia. Bob is reported missing when his boat washes up on the bank, empty. Sylvia is rushed to hospital with a suspected brain bleed, brought on by ongoing health issues, the stress of Bob’s disappearance and recent revelations in Dahlia’s autobiographical novel. Meanwhile, as Dahlia tries to settle into her new home with Roland, she finds a letter in her mother’s possessions with the real identity of her birth father. When Bob’s dead body is found in the river with a bullet wound, the scene bears an uncanny resemblance to the death of Dahlia’s father, many years ago. While Roland is away, Daniel visits Dahlia in the hope of a reconciliation. When Dahlia turns down his advances, Daniel threatens to tell the police that she killed Bob, unless she leaves Roland and tells him the baby is not his. Dahlia plays along and attempts to leave Roland, but when Roland’s life is put in danger, she finally reveals the truth. Daniel informs the police and Dahlia is arrested and taken in for questioning. The murder weapon is found with Dahlias fingerprints. The police interrogate Dahlia and review her autobiography, finding a compelling motive for his murder. The Whole Truth by DF Kennedy is a gripping psychological thriller, loosely based on the authors own experiences. The second book in the series, this novel explores further the relationships between the main characters, and their backstories. This is a captivating novel, with a complex, intricate and well-crafted plot, and well-developed, authentic characters. The book had me gripped from start to finish. There are a number of clues and key pieces of evidence featured throughout the book, but I still have no idea where this book will end! I cannot wait for the next instalment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping psychological thriller, with a complex, intricate and well-crafted plot, and well-developed, authentic characters. ​ Purchase here

< Back Leslie Kain Secrets In The Mirror A moving novel about a dysfunctional family, by author Leslie Kain Secrets in the Mirror is a psychological drama about the DiMasi family, parents Tony and Colleen, and mirror twin brothers, Devon Umberto and Gavin O’Malley. While the twins look alike, they are very different. ‘Devious Devon’, the older twin by ten minutes, is arrogant and has a rebellious streak. Whereas ‘Goodie Gavin’ is quiet, sensible and sensitive. He dreams of becoming a chef and making a better life for himself. Gavin is ridiculed and tormented by Devon, and bullied by his father, who favours the first-born twin. Tony considers Gavin weak, but still expects him to look out for his older brother. Tony has connections to the mob, and is resentful of his wife, who has a PhD. At the twins sixteenth birthday party, Devon gets drunk and steals a friend’s car. He is seriously injured in a car crash and diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Following the accident, Devon spirals out of control and is drawn into a life of drugs and crime, causing his mother and Gavin significant distress. He takes over the family business and puts everyone’s life in danger when he gets involved with the mob. Gavin leaves the family and vows never to return, but he can't hide from his brother forever. Secrets in the Mirror is a thrilling, drama about a dysfunctional family and the habits they develop over many years. Author Leslie Kain pulls no punches, and dives into the ugly, complicated layers of domestic violence, abuse, addiction and co-dependency. The book follows the twins from their teenage years, through to adulthood, and explores the vicious cycle of abuse and the enduring impact on family relationships. This is a tense, dark, psychological drama that is as hard to take in, as it is difficult to put down. If you enjoy gritty family dramas, you will love this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling family psychological drama that explores the vicious cycle of abuse and the enduring impact on family relationships. ​ Purchase here