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< Back John Bartell The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience One man's search of the King of Promise, by author John Bartell The Pilgrim’s Progress Desert Experience is a Christian fiction novel. Set in Egypt, a pilgrim breaks free from prison and makes his way through the desert in search of the King of Promise. The journey is long and arduous, but he must stay on the Narrow Path, guided by the Evangelist and Comforter. His faith is tested many times, as he experiences suffering and hardship. He meets lots of new people, some good and not-so-good, and he has to learn quickly what is right and what is wrong. He is seduced by many temptations, but the desert helps him learn how to live with both suffering and hardship. The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience by author John Bartell, is a captivating Christian story about one man’s journey, the suffering and hardships he experiences, and the lessons he learns along the way, through following the right path. Told through the first-person perspective, the author introduces abstract Christian concepts that people will easily understand and can relate to. This is a relatively short book, and easily accessible to adults and young adult readers. Enlightening and thought-provoking book, which will encourage people to reflect on their own journey, how they respond to situations, and how to stay positive and move forward, despite challenges and setbacks. This is a wonderful book, which is both educational and engaging. With a blend of modern cultural references, and traditional biblical teachings, this is a unique book that will appeal to readers who enjoy religious fiction and fantasy. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An educational, enlightening and engaging religious fiction novel, which will appeal to readers who enjoy religious fiction and fantasy. ​ Purchase here

< Back Peter Mazurek Modern Catholic Concerns Peter Mazurek explores the history of the Catholic Church and modern catholic concerns. Modern Catholic Concerns by Peter Mazurek considers Catholicism and the current issues facing the Catholic Church. The author discusses the existence of God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authority and authenticity of the Catholic Church, and a number of contemporary issues and controversies. He presents classic arguments, such as Five Ways of St Thomas Aquinas and the Teleological Argument, to modern theories from physicists such as Stephen Hawking. The book is divided into five parts. ‘Part 1 Parameters’ considers the Catholic faith, and the reasons or explanations for each of those beliefs. ‘Part 2 The Existence of God’ explores how-to live a life as a Catholic, covering in detail the Mass, the sacraments, and other liturgical procedures, with explanations of how these procedures work, what they achieve, and their validity. ‘ Part 3 The Divinity of Jesus Christ’ examines socioreligious norms and the theologies and teachings of Jesus Christ. It includes the Ten Commandments and their meaning and applications to contemporary issues. ‘Part 4 The Catholic Church’ deals with Christian prayer and covers in detail attitudes towards various communications with God. ‘ Part 5 Contemporary Issues’ discusses modern issues, such as euthanasia, abortion, terrorism, paedophilia, and religious cults. This is a comprehensive, extensively researched, well written and articulate book about Catholicism. Written by an extremely knowledgeable layperson, with arguments presented in layperson’s language, this book is an accessible read. The author uses his personal knowledge and experience of growing up in the Catholic faith, but he does not preach to the reader. Mazurek states ‘I do not try to convert anyone to my views of faith’ . The book provides fascinating insights into Catholicism and the Catholic Church. It explores the history of the church and contemporary issues, and will help readers make more informed choices about their own faith and life. The book will appeal to Catholics, Clerics, theology students, anyone interested in faith and the Catholic Church, and those who might be experiencing a crisis of faith. Non-Catholics will be fascinated by the history of the church, and modern catholic concerns. This was a fascinating read, and I welcomed the opportunity to understand more about the Catholic faith, something I know very little about. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and insightful book about the Catholic faith. An essential read for Catholics, and anyone interested in the Catholic church. ​ Purchase here

Autumn 2022: Best Teen Book Stacy Padula Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told Tony M. Quintana Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed Mark Bryan The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie Tyler Beauchamp Freeze Frame Scott Swisher Ring Fold Judy Liu The Vending Portal Cassandra Crull Tied to You

Autumn 2022: Best Children's Book Age 8 to 12 J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest Laurel Guillen A Bellwether Christmas: A Novel Inspired by True Events Cynthia Hughes Can I Be President of the United States at 8? E.M. Schorb FIVE AND TEN, A Fairy Tale, a Few Poems, and a Fable Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze Crowning Glory: A history of African hair tradition Heather Mateus Sappenfield The River Between Hearts Sara V Robinson Walter Bilingual Edition English/Spanish Julie Stephens Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale Cat Fan Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact Sarah Lloyd Emma Murphy and the Ultimate Power Elizabeth M Grieco Paws in Paris: The Adventures of Tenny and Bella I.K. Silver Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons Christine Copeland Have You Seen the Ghost of John Nicole Encarnacion My ABC'S to Positivity Melanie Joy Mezzancello Love Snaggs - A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey

< Back Lisa Towles Terror Bay Detective Kurt Farin investigates a case with a mysterious twist. Detective Kurt Farin wakes up in a Californian hospital with no recollection of how he got there. While drifting in and out of consciousness, he has a recurring vision of a woman deep in the ocean, trapped under the wreckage of a two-hundred-year-old ship. The woman’s name is Genevieve Lucas, and Kurt is determined to find out who she is. Kurt learns that he has sustained a traumatic brain injury, after been shot-at while investigating the murder of a young woman named Leticia Ames. The suspect is a dangerous assassin named Jimmy Breslin, who is believed to have killed Leticia as a warning to her boyfriend, who witnessed Jimmy at a crime scene in a federal case. Kurt is forced to take a leave of absence from work due to his brain injury and begins his search for the mysterious Genevieve. He finds a woman with the same name, who is a Marine Biologist and professional diver located in Bainbridge Island, Seattle. Kurt decides to pay Genevieve a visit and persuades his partner, Vaughn, to accompany him. Kurt arrives in Bainbridge Island, and meets Genevieve’s daughter, Anabel. Anabel explains that Genevieve died tragically in a diving accident and Kurt is convinced she is the woman in his vision. As Kurt learns more about the life and death of Genevieve, Anabel is attacked by a man they believe to be Jimmy. Kurt discovers a peculiar connection between Genevieve, her daughter Anabel, and the hitman, and decides to travel to the site of the shipwreck where Genevieve died. Every strange encounter on his journey brings him closer to solving the case and unravelling the mystery of the woman in his visions. Terror Bay is a gripping, edge of the seat, psychological thriller by author Lisa Towles. Detective Kurt Farin’s life changes as he begins to experience vivid visions of a mysterious woman, following a bump to the head. Driven by an inexplicable force, Kurt sets out on a mission to uncover the truth behind his apparitions. As he goes on a journey across the country, he discovers a strange connection between his visions and the case he was investigating prior to his injury. Towles seamlessly blends crime fiction, psychological thriller, and a touch of supernatural intrigue. With plenty of action, plot twists and spine-tingling suspense, this novel will appeal to readers of both crime fiction and psychological thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, edge of the seat, psychological thriller, packed full of intrigue, mystery, and suspense. ​ Purchase here

< Back Romana King House Poor No More: 9 Steps to Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth Nine steps to build long term wealth and financial independence from the value of your home, from author and real estate expert Romana King House Poor No More is a handbook for homeowners that explains how to maintain your home, increase your property value, manage household expenses, take advantage of debt, and have a better quality of life as a homeowner. Romana King provides a range of practical tools and strategies for maintaining and protecting your home, and for increasing its value. With over twenty years of real estate experience, King explains the emotional and financial need for home ownership and sets out a nine-step plan to help homeowners make smarter and more strategic decisions. House Poor No More is a valuable resource and a perfect home-buying gift for those thinking about buying their first home, or those new to homeownership. It will also appeal to those who might be more seasoned homebuyers, looking to make the most out of their investment. The book provides practical tools, hints, and tips, which are easy to understand and use by the average homeowner. The book will help homeowners with planning and decision making to build long term wealth and financial independence. I reviewed a copy of this book for Readers Choice Book Awards, but this one is definitely a keeper! I am sure I will refer back to this book, time and time again. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An essential read for homebuyers everywhere. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Mrs. Anthony I Am Woman... : Book One: My Journey, My Tony A deeply moving and powerful memoir from author, Mrs Anthony Mrs Anthony recalls happy memories growing up with loving parents in Malaysia, and playing with her older brother Shiv, and their friends and neighbours. We follow her through adolescence and young adulthood, as she falls in love with an old childhood classmate and the man of her dreams, Tony. Despite their different social and religious backgrounds the couple marry and look forward to a long and happy future together. Tony is loving, attentive and kind, everything Mrs Anthony wanted in a husband, but their marriage is thrown into turmoil, when Tony’s business starts to fail. On a path of self-destruction, Tony spends increasing amounts of time in the pub, and becomes dependent on alcohol. As Tony makes reckless business decisions and squanders their money, Mrs Anthony is left alone to care for their two young children and manage her own tutoring business. Mrs Anthony desperately tries to save her marriage and the couple move in with her parents. But as Tony’s alcohol use escalates, his health inevitably deteriorates and Mrs Anthony and her family face unimaginable loss and pain. I Am Woman is a deeply moving and powerful memoir from Mrs Anthony, as she tells the story of her life and the love she shared with her beloved husband, ‘captain’ Tony. This is a heart-wrenching story, eloquently and compassionately told by Mrs Anthony, as she describes her love, pain, despair, and helplessness as she watches her husband’s alcohol addiction spiral out of control. This book is a real and honest account of one woman’s strength and determination to protect her family from this dreadful disease. It shows the devastation caused by alcohol addiction and will provide comfort to those impacted by the disease, that they are not alone. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A heart-wrenching story from Mrs Anthony about the devastating impact of alcohol addiction. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back J J Alo The Street Between the Pines A new, chilling horror fiction series by author J. J. Alo. The residents of Forest Street, Norwich, Connecticut, have received offers from a pharmaceutical company to buy out their homes. Resident, Amy Reynolds, is separated from her husband, Curtis, who is working away for a telecommunications company in New Hampshire. With financial struggles, and the impending break-up of the marriage, Amy and Curtis are considering the offer. When Amy calls Curtis and asks him to return home immediately, Curtis travels back to Connecticut. He discovers that his neighbour, Frank Cavanaugh, has been found dead, brutally mutilated in his basement. As Curtis secures the house in preparation for a tropical storm, he discovers another dead body, decapitated, and discarded by the shoreline. The body is identified as local man, Ronny Haverhill. When the police learn that Ronny owes Curtis a significant amount of money, he becomes a potential suspect in his murder. As the storm hits Norwich , the Reynolds’ home is badly damaged, and Curtis and Amy find a monster in their flooded basement. The beast chases the couple, but they manage to escape unharmed. Curtis thinks the monster is a Norwich Norwaukus, a creature believed to have roamed the woods in southeast Connecticut in the 1960’s, killing and mutilating farm animals. Curtis investigates the creature and discovers a hidden research facility in the woods, an entire colony of Norwaukus’, and a connection to the pharmaceutical company that wants to buy out Forest Street. The Street Between the Pines is a new horror fiction series by author Joe Alo about a family and community ravaged by a dangerous creature lurking underground. This is a gripping, original horror story set in a small town in Connecticut, with a touch of folklore, science fiction, and government conspiracy. The book follows the Reynolds family, as they try to navigate their troubled past, whilst an ominous presence lurks in their basement. The author slowly builds tension and suspense as Curtis uncovers the terrifying truth about the creature and the pharmaceutical company intent on purchasing his home. The book successfully blends the chilling elements of horror, with the complexity of family dynamics. There is plenty of blood, guts, and gore, which will appeal to ardent fans of horror fiction, and enough family drama, to appeal to those who enjoy more realistic horror. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping horror novel, leaving readers wondering what they might do if they found a monster living in their basement. ​ Purchase here

< Back Pat Wahler The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel of Rose O'Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll A biographical historical fiction novel about Rose O’Neill, the creator of the Kewpie doll June 1893, nineteen-year-old Rose O’Neill travels from the Midwest to New York, determined to sell her illustrations. It’s a tough industry, and Rose is accompanied by a couple of nuns, who chaperone her as she tries to sell her wares in a profession dominated by males. Rose dreams of becoming a successful illustrator and hopes to make a better life for herself and her family back home. Following numerous rejections, Rose walks the streets of New York, knocking on the door of every publishing office she can find. When her work is finally accepted by a magazine publisher, Mr Martin, she begins to earn good money. Her illustrations prove very popular, and Rose creates Kewpie, a cute cherub character. The Kewpie character becomes popular with women and children, and Rose is approached to produce a Kewpie doll. Kewpie dolls are a huge success, and Rose earns a significant amount of money. Rose uses her income to support her family, friends and other struggling artists. But her personal life is less successful, as she marries and divorces twice, during a time when divorce is uncommon. Rose becomes heavily involved in the women’s suffragette movement, and immerses herself into her art, whilst supporting other artists. The Rose of Washington Square by Pat Wahler is a biographical historical fiction novel about the fascinating life of Rose O’Neill, illustrator and creator of the Kewpie doll. During a time when women had few legal and political rights, and limited employment opportunities, Rose became the highest earning female illustrator of her time. Yet, despite her extraordinary success, Rose faced a number of obstacles in her career and in her personal life. She never gave up hope, and she continued to follow her dream, whilst using her talent and success to help and support others less fortunate. The book provides an extraordinary insight into her fascinating life and phenomenal career. This is a well-researched and beautifully written biographical historical fiction novel, which captures the extraordinary life and legacy of Rose O’Neill. It follows her journey from artist, illustrator, writer and inventor, to philanthropist and suffragette. The book will appeal to readers of historical fiction biographies and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating rags to riches biographical historical fiction novel about Rose O’Neill, artist, illustrator, writer, inventor, philanthropist and suffragette. ​ Purchase here

< Back David Cairns The Case of the Emigrant Niece Unlikely duo, Findo and Errol, join forces to investigate the mystery of the lost inheritance. A historical fiction novel set in the 1800’s in Australia, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. Major Findo Gask sustains a serious leg injury at the start of the Indian mutiny in 1858, and is dispatched back to England to convalesce in a nursing home. On discharge he contemplates the next phase of his life and travels to Edinburgh to see his brother. He starts work as a consulting engineer with a local construction firm and is offered a position as a consultant to support the booming mining industry in Melbourne. He meets Errol Rait during a cricket match and rents a room from him on 21/2 Bourke Street. He learns that Errol is a criminal investigator, testing new finger marks to identify suspects. They meet a pretty young heiress, Mary Mitchell, and discover she has been swindled out of her inheritance. Errol decides to take on the case and Findo, keen to develop his investigative skills, decides to accompany him. With a link back to Scotland, the pair travel to Edinburgh to find the will of Mitchell’s late uncle. The investigation takes them from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands where they discover multiple murders and a sinister plot. Will Findo and Errol solve the mystery of the lost inheritance before it is too late? Will Mary receive the fortune that she rightly deserves? The Case of the Emigrant Niece is a captivating historical fiction novel by David Cairns, set in the 1800’s and spanning Australia, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. Written in the first-person point of view, from the perspective of Findo, the book follows his journey as he builds a new life for himself in Melbourne, and partners with his friend, Errol, in a fraud investigation. The novel is a work of fiction, inspired by real people, places and events. Extensively researched, and historically accurate, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction. The novel has a definite Sherlock Holmes vibe, and I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, suspense and intrigue. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery, with two memorable and eccentric criminal investigators. ​ Purchase here

< Back B.V. Glants Half Notes from Berlin A historical fiction novel about the beginning of the Nazi regime, by author B.V. Glants One hundred- and two-year-old Hans, a half-Jew, half-German, veteran of the second world war, vowed never to speak about his life during the Third Reich. But, facing isolation during the Covid19 pandemic lockdown, he decided to tell his story of the beginning of the Nazi regime. Hans recalls his youth in 1933, shortly after Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany and new laws were passed to control the ‘undesirables’ of society. In 1933, fifteen-year-old Hans barely even notices the divisions in society until one day his teacher rages about the Jews and tears down the national flag of Germany, replacing it with a large swastika. Hans believes he and his family are true-blooded Germans, and are safe from persecution, as he witnesses increasing hostility towards the Jewish community and his Jewish classmates. When Hans overhears a conversation between his parents, he learns of his true Jewish heritage, as his maternal grandparents converted from Judaism to Christianity before his birth. As Hans tries to keep his Jewish ancestry secret, he takes a stand against the brutality of the regime, and befriends and falls in love with a local Jewish girl, Rebecca. But as tensions grow at home and at school, Hans is forced to abandon his relationship with Rebecca and is pressured, and eventually tricked, into joining the Hitler Youth. Half Notes from Berlin is a moving, historical fiction novel set in 1933 about a young boy coming of age during the beginning of the Nazi regime. Beautifully written by B.V. Glants, the story is told through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Hans, as he comes to terms with his Jewish heritage and navigates life in a frightening new world. Hans experiences a number of major events in a relatively short period of time: learning of his secret Jewish ancestry, his first kiss and first love, the decline of his family’s business, and his mother’s illness. All set against the backdrop of the violence and brutality of the Nazi regime. Glants describes Hans inner turmoil and despair respectfully and with compassion, as he grapples with his conscience whether to conform and protect himself and his family, or whether to stand up against the oppressive regime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and moving historical fiction novel about a young boy coming of age during the beginning of the Nazi regime. ​ Purchase here

< Back S. Graham Vacant A chilling and frighteningly good horror novel, by author S. Graham. Becca and Mitch, and their two young boys Connor and Logan, are searching for a new home in Dallas, Texas. Mitch moves frequently with his job and the family have relocated several times over the years. Becca is hoping this next move will be the last, and the family can finally settle down in the Texas country. They think they have found the perfect vacant house, on a community with an outdoor pool, parks, and a golf course. The house is ideal for their growing family, but on the first viewing, Becca senses something isn’t quite right. Nevertheless, the couple sign the papers for 1220 Greenway Close and the family move in shortly after. Becca and Mitch soon discover that the house is not so perfect after all, and requires a lot of work to make the house safe and bring it up to scratch. But Becca has even greater worries, she feels a presence in the house and witnesses paranormal activity. Mitch is sceptical and offers a rational explanation, but as the paranormal activity escalates, the couple fear for their own safety and the safety of their boys. When Becca and Mitch finally learn the truth about the peculiar house, they discover the house was never vacant, and they have inadvertently disturbed a furious and troubled occupant. Vacant by S. Graham is a chilling and frighteningly good horror novel, inspired by true life events. The novel is simple, concise, easy to follow, and easy to read. It is a shorter read, at just over 200 pages, and perfect for young adult readers or readers new to this genre. The book is a real page turner and jam packed with action, horror, and suspense. I was gripped throughout, and the twist at the end was a real shocker! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A horror novel, inspired by true life events, jam packed with action, horror, and suspense. ​ Purchase here