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< Back Ralph L. Bayrer Liberty, Science and Wealth: The Evolution to Modern Society An essential read for historians, sociologists and economists, by author Ralph L. Bayrer Author Ralph L. Bayrer reposes a question asked two centuries ago, about why some countries prosper and others remain poor, despite having access to science and international capital markets. He describes the key features that are prominent in developed countries and stunted in undeveloped ones, and why America has become the wealthiest nation of our time, through free market systems and reduced government spending, regulation and taxation. He explains how societies are in constant competition with one another and fight for survival in an evolutionary dynamic process. He e xplores the American way of life, and the role that human cooperation and freedom has played in the creation of a modern affluent society. The book explores these issues in eight chapters. Chapter 1 explores the economic development gap between developed and less developed countries. Chapter 2 presents the theory of societal evolution. Chapter 3 describes man’s propensity for enterprise and commerce, and in Chapter 4, how commerce and enterprise led to the evolution of political institutions. Chapter 5 describes the emergence of science in the West, and how the west evolved into a culture of individual empowerment, in Chapter 6. In Chapter 7, Bayrer explores how other cultures have responded to the west’s advancements, and Chapter 8 explores why some countries have failed to advance. Liberty, Science and Wealth: The Evolution to Modern Society by author Ralph L. Bayrer is an engaging and thought-provoking non-fiction book, which provides a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of modern society. Well written and extensively researched, this book provides interesting new perspectives on humanity and society. This is a fascinating and insightful work of non-fiction, which will appeal to readers of educational and reference books, and students of the political and social sciences. This is an essential read for historians, sociologists and economists, and anyone who would like to learn more about modern society and its evolution. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A well written and extensively researched non-fiction book, which provides a fascinating insight into the history and evolution of modern society. ​ Purchase here

< Back Angie Bailey Believe Abigale believes there is more to life than the dull, grey world she inhabits, by author Angie Bailey Thirteen-year-old Abigale Johnson was born into a family of Never-Believers. A family who did not believe in Christmas, or birthdays, or fun, adventure or magic. A family whose life was dull and grey. But Abigale was a little different from the Johnson’s. She had dreams of a better life, and a life a little less grey. So Abigale spent most her time tyring to avoid her family, particularly her brothers who were the meanest of the mean, and teased and taunted Abigale every single day. One day, on a dreaded train trip to visit her despicable and very grey Aunt Violet, Abigale’s life changes for ever. After a knock on the head, Abigale discovers an alternate Fae world of wonder and magic, fae-folk, and Believers. Whizzing along on the Faedora magic train, Abigale meets lots of new friends and discovers Christmas and other wonderful celebrations. At thirteen, Abigale has her first ever birthday party, full of love and laughter. But not everyone on the magical train is happy with Abigale’s arrival, and they plot a sinister spell to extract her from the train during the next pink moon, putting her life in mortal danger. As Abigale’s new friends try to save her from doom, they soon discover Abigale has some important royal connections, and even her despicable Aunt Violet is not quite who she seems. Believe is an imaginative and enchanting novel. Well written by Angie Bailey and full of wonder, mystery and magic, the book has fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers. The book is the first part of a series, and we can’t wait to read the next instalment in Abigale’s magical journey. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enchanting novel, with fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Joshua Hershey Linden Falls Can a young woman free her people from darkness? Orphan, Mabel, was brought up by her grandmother, Gigi, in Linden, a nation cursed and shrouded by dark and evil forces. Mabel’s parents died of the plague when she was a young girl, but Gigi never discussed their life or death. Mabel always thought she was different from other children and had vivid dreams she was a witch. Rumors had even spread at school that Mabel was a possessed dreamer, who uses magic to enter shadows and speak with the dead. When Gigi dies, Mabel is left penniless and alone. She visits Gigi’s cabin to retrieve her belongings and feels a strange presence. When she spots a book that she had seen in her dream, she must open it. The book emits light and fire, and Mabel is spellbound. The magic book creates a cyclone and Mabel flees the cabin by stepping through a door of fire. Mabel is chased by a serpent, Lavian, and a hoard of Dark Angels. She is saved by the Light Angels and taken to Citadel; a fortress suspended above the Earth. Mabel learns from the Light Angels that the book has special powers, and she was chosen by the one who wrote the book to break the darkness over Linden. She also learns there are two worlds, the world where she lives and the unseen realm that permeates the heavens and Earth. Mable has two choices, to return to her old life in Linden and give up the book, or to harness the book’s powers and continue the path of her calling. Which path will Mabel take? Can she end the darkness that presides over Linden? And will she find out the truth about her parents, and her special powers? Linden Falls is an imaginative and thrilling dark fantasy fiction novel by author Joshua Hershey. This is a well written and tightly crafted story, with a gripping plot, and rich, memorable characters. Mabel is a strong female protagonist, who overcomes adversity to free her people. There are strong Christian messages throughout the book, which make this a unique and powerful read. Hershey has created a spellbinding world that will appeal to those who enjoy action-adventure, fantasy fiction, and Christian fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable and spellbinding read. ​ Purchase here

< Back Stephen Alder Deehabta's Song One woman’s journey to find her true self, from author Stephen Alder Deehabta’s Song is set on the futuristic planet of Erunanta (Roon). We first meet the main character Krissa in 4025 AFS (After First Settlement), in her sixties, one day away from retirement as a government official in the Great Library. As Krissa looks forward to a new chapter in her life, she decides to bring in a roommate, and a young woman named Jo moves into her home. We next see Krissa as a young woman in her thirties, in 3995 AFS, where she teaches a style of martial arts which has originated from the neighbouring planet, Caderyn. We learn that this fighting style was banned following the interplanetary war between Roon and Caderyn, due to the prohibition against the spread of Caderyn military tactics. As a result, Krissa is subjected to harassment and abuse by the EPF (Emperor’s Protection Force). Back in 4025, Krissa is troubled and experiences unusual feelings and nightmares, as a result of her experiences during the war. Jo notices that Krissa possesses mysterious qualities and supports her to travel back to Caderyn where she learns the truth about her real identity and is finally set free from her past trauma. Deehabta’s song by Stephen Alder is an imaginative and thrilling science fantasy novel, set in a futuristic world, over two time periods. This is a well written and cleverly crafted story, with a gripping, well-developed plot, and relatable, realistic characters. Alder has created a rich, futuristic world and he builds momentum and suspense through movement between two different time periods. The book will appeal to those who enjoy both science fiction and fantasy. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A cleverly crafted story, with a gripping plot, and realistic characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Angel A Holy Parrot Can a young teen convince her village she is the mother of the new Christ? Leonard (Leo) Lumière, a twenty-one-year-old Australian and science student from Melbourne University, is working in a laboratory in a small village in Buritaca, on Colombia's Caribbean coast. He is studying why the local people have longer than average life-expectancy, when he meets a young woman named Maria Santos. Maria, a naive but strong-willed sixteen-year-old, confides in Leo that she is pregnant. She agrees to help Leo find the ‘elixir of life’, in exchange for a pregnancy test. Maria seeks refuge in Leo’s lab when her father is furious by her pregnancy. Maria and Leo develop a close friendship, and Leo becomes embroiled in the family drama that unfolds. Leo conducts the test and confirms she is pregnant; however, Maria claims she is a virgin. She declares that she was told by a holy parrot name Garbriel that she was to be the mother of the new Christ. Her parents and many villagers believe her story and shower her with gifts and lots of attention. Others are not convinced, including Leo, and suspect a local boy named Pablo is the father. Her father shares the news, and the world descends on the village to worship Maria and the parrot. As Maria continues to stand by her story, the book explores the connection between religion and science, and the human experience. Holy Parrot by author Angel A is a unique and original fiction novel, about a pregnant teenager named Maria who is convinced she will be the mother of the new Christ. The story is told from the perspective of Leo, an Australian student who meets Maria and becomes her protector as the world descends on the small Colombia village to worship the virgin mother-to-be. This is a fresh and fascinating read, which raises questions about science, faith, culture, humanity, and the world we inhabit. The characters are well developed, full of personality and complexity; and the setting in the Colombian jungle and beaches is breathtaking. This is a rich and compelling read with a complex, multi-faceted plot, and fascinating characters. Although the story might seem a little far-fetched, I was totally taken in by every moment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating story of faith, science, and self-discovery. ​ Purchase here

< Back Don Ake Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life A memoir and life-help book by author and blogger, Don Ake. Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life is a memoir and life-help book by author and blogger, Don Ake. Ake took a departure from his usual humor writing to embark on a book of essays about the serious issues of life. Written during the Covid19 pandemic, Ake reflects on the stress, pain, and fear he experienced during this time, but also how his faith got him through some of the darkest moments of his life. The book is divided into two parts: Part 1: Remembering What’s Important in Life; and Part 2: Dealing With Hardship and Other Life Challenges. Each part contains six essays, where Ake discuses a range of diverse topics, from the joy of giving and the importance of purposeful acts of kindness; the art of making good friends and the importance of accepting people as they are; how to win at the ‘Game of Life’ and the personal traits required for a fuller and richer life. All of Ake’s essays and life-lessons are centered around family, friends, and faith. He talks openly and honestly about his personal life, the birth of his daughter, losing his job, and the deaths of loved ones. He discusses the trauma of the pandemic, and how we must all let go of the sorrows and struggles of the past to fully embrace the future. Sharing learnings from his own personal experiences, Ake offers practical advice to readers who might be going through similar struggles. Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life by author Don Ake is a powerful, poignant, and thought-provoking collection of essays. Ake shares his experiences and wisdom to help guide and support others through the challenges that life inevitably brings. The book offers light and hope to anyone experiencing or recovering from trauma. While the book does deal with some ‘deep heavy’ issues, Ake writes with sensitivity, honesty and also much humor. The essays can be read in any order, and the book can be picked up by readers at any time they need a little extra guidance or motivation. I expect readers will revisit the essays time and time again, through the ebbs and flows of life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful, poignant, and thought-provoking collection of essays, and a valuable resource for anyone seeking to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. ​ Purchase here

< Back Ashley Porsche Bugge The Ocean is Calling A poignant memoir of love and loss, beautifully written by author Ashley Porsche Bugge Thirty-five-year-old Brian James Bugge, sailor, explorer, naval officer, and diver, died tragically in a scuba diving accident in Hawaii on May 20, 2018, leaving behind his two young children, Izzy and Hudson, and wife, Ashley, pregnant with their third child, Adeline. Ashley is heartbroken, as she tries to come to terms with the loss of her beloved husband, best friend and soul mate. Brian was stationed in Hawaii as a US Naval Officer, and the family had built a beautiful home and incredible life on the paradise island. But, with memories and visions of Brian on every part of the island, Ashley is unable to stay in their family home. Just three weeks after Brian’s funeral, Ashley packs up her life and moves with the children to Boise, Idaho, with Brian’s sister, Nikki, and her family. Ashley is stricken with grief and struggles to eat, sleep and drink. She cannot see a future without Brian, and contemplates ending her own life. As her health deteriorates, Ashley is diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and hospitalised. At thirty-five weeks, Ashley is induced early, and baby Adeline is born safely in July 2018. The next few months are hard for Ashley, as she learns how to cope with new motherhood without her ‘tried and true.’ Ashley is determined to pull through and knows she must find something to look forward to. So, she decides to plan an epic trip to Europe, including seven countries in eight weeks. Several months later, with her best friend Kasey, nanny Kayla, and three young children in tow, the party embark on a European adventure of a lifetime. The trip is an opportunity for fun and adventure, but also allows time for Ashley to heal and recover, as she fondly remembers Brian and scatters his ashes in the ocean of each country she visits. Returning home, Ashley is comforted by a letter from one of Brian’s organ donor recipients and she deposits his remaining ashes in the dive site where he tragically lost his life. The Ocean is Calling is a poignant memoir, beautifully written by Ashley Porsche Bugge, wife of Brian who tragically lost his life in a scuba diving accident. Ashley writes about their life together, and his tragic death, with such openness and tenderness. She describes the impact of his death on her health and life with pure, raw emotion. The scenes she describes when she first learnt about his death, said goodbye in the hospital, carried his urn through the airport, and contemplated her own life, are truly heart-breaking. This book is a beautiful and loving tribute, to a man well loved. I’m sure it will provide much comfort to Brian’s family and friends, and his children as they grow older and start to process their own grief. It will help them to remember his life was a life well-lived. It will help them to remember what an extraordinary woman their mother was to overcome such unimaginable pain and loss, and their amazing travels through Europe. The book will provide hope to anyone who has lost a loved one, that even in the darkest of times, one can find happiness. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and loving tribute, to a man well loved. ​ Purchase here

< 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