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< Back Aimee Hill All The Gray In Between Two clients, two deaths, one month apart . Thirty-year-old therapist, Lexi, specialises in cases of child neglect and parental alienation, a form of abuse where one parent is intentionally negative towards the other parent. Lexi had a good childhood, but everything changed when her wealthy stepfather abused her during her teenage years. Lexi’s mother stuck with her husband, and abandoned Lexi when she reported the abuse to the police. Following her stepfathers conviction, Lexi was awarded millions of dollars in compensation, which meant she never had to work again. However, as a result of her own trauma, she was determined to help other children, and qualified as a therapist. Lexi has had an on-off relationship with Beau, a detective for the Key Sebastian Police Department, for many years. Beau was also neglected by his mother and abused as a child. Lexi loves him deeply but is scared of commitment due to their troubled upbringings. When one of Lexi’s clients commits suicide, she wonders whether she could have done more to save her life. One month later, another client also commits suicide in similar circumstances. Lexi becomes suspicious and questions the cause of both deaths. Lexi believes there is foul play and starts to investigate the case with Beau. They find a connection between the deaths and a police officer, her own brother, and the son of one of her clients. Is there a serial killer on the loose? Or is someone targeting Lexi’s clients to get to her? Meanwhile, Lexi thinks she is being followed, and her estranged mother pays her an unexpected visit. Will Lexi and Beau solve the two mysterious deaths? Will Lexi forgive her mother? And can the couple leave their past behind them and move forward with their lives together? All The Gray In Between is a harrowing, psychological thriller / crime mystery by author Aimee Hill. Hill weaves a chilling tale of a therapist whose life takes a dark and twisted turn when two of her clients are found dead in mysterious circumstances. As Lexi, and her on-off partner, Beau investigates the case, old wounds are opened, and their relationship is put to the test. With strong characters, and an original plot with plenty of twists and turns, this is a captivating read that was hard to put down. The twist at the end of the book was totally unexpected and made me reevaluate the whole story. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A harrowing, psychological thriller about a therapist whose life takes a dark and twisted turn when two of her clients are found dead. Purchase here

< Back Paula Welch Cloud Piercer A fight for survival on a treacherous mountain, by author Paula Welch When a small explosive device is found on a private jet from Sydney to Christchurch, the passengers, Henry and Gertrude, are diverted to a commercial airline, carrying 500 passengers. Joining them onboard the Airbus is a police officer named Victoria, dispatched by the Australian Federal Police to travel to Christchurch to interview one of the suspects believed to be responsible for planting the bomb. Also on the flight is Wolf, a hit man sent to finish the job he started on the private jet and kill Henry and Gertrude before they reach their destination. Just before the flight is due to land in Christchurch, news arrives of an earthquake nearby and the crew are advised to divert the flight to Auckland. Captain Benjamin turns the plane around but inadvertently flies straight through invisible gas vapours, choking the engines and causing them to shut down. The plane descends through the peaks of Mt Walter, Mt Green, and Mt Darwin and crash lands on a snowy mountain top. Many passengers are dead and seriously injured, but rescue attempts are impeded by ongoing seismic activity, and precarious conditions. As the survivors await the arrival of the mountain rescue teams, Captain Benjamin tries to maintain calm and order on the plane. The crew and passengers work together to move the dead and treat the wounded, but one passenger has other ideas. Wolf sees an opportunity to finish his job, and sets out to eliminate his targets. Cloud Piercer is a fast paced, drama and disaster fiction novel by author Paula Welch. The book brings together an aeroplane disaster, a mountain rescue, and earthquakes, avalanches, and volcanic activity; with several subplots, including a murder mystery; and a romance. Yet, this is a gripping disaster novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is a fair bit of death and tragedy, but there are also wonderful uplifting and comedy moments. The characters - each with a unique backstory – are plentiful, diverse, and well developed. The character Pauline, an eccentric, fictional character (and a parody of the author), is a really nice addition. Overall a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, gripping, drama and disaster novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Purchase here

< Back Joshua Qually Anxiety Reset 30 Days to Find Calm: A Self-Regulation Workbook for Busy Adults Book blurb... Anxiety overwhelming you? Inspired by my loss to suicide, Anxiety Reset: 30 Days to Find Calm is a 463-page workbook for busy adults. This science-backed 30-day program offers daily affirmations, narrated QR-coded videos, emergency relief cards, and accessible audio for all. With the R.E.S.T. Method, practical exercises, and trackers, it fights stress and digital overload. it’s ideal for veterans, first responders, self improvement seekers and busy adults. Purchase here

< Back A.D. Matson The Wake of the Hound Dogs Book blurb... Jill Grinager is holding her life together with one hand—literally. As the one-armed owner of the only funeral home in the fading small town of Rockdale, Minnesota, Jill’s days are already grim. Add in her responsibilities as the guardian of her Elvis-obsessed nephew, Randall, and her life feels like a tragic comedy. When Jill learns that a bully from her past, Vicky Veitch, is returning to town, things take a sharp turn for the worse. Now a rising political star, Vicky has orchestrated a lavish funeral for her infamous father-in-law, a man whose ruthless mentorship helped her transform from a grade school tormentor into a powerhouse politician. For Jill, it’s just another funeral to get through. But for Vicky, it’s the perfect opportunity to cement her political image. However, what starts as a media spectacle quickly spirals into chaos. Through a series of fatal mishaps, comical criminal blunders, and bad luck, Vicky’s polished facade begins to crumble. Jill and her rhinestone nephew find themselves the unlikely obstacles standing between Vicky and her personal ambitions Purchase here

< Back Marieke Lexmond The Magical Tarot Deck A spellbinding second instalment of the Madigan Chronicles, from author Marieke Lexmond In the second instalment of the Madigan Chronicles, Tara and her family are relieved when the Dagger of Consciousness, an artefact stolen by her evil twin sister Lucy, is recovered, and hidden safely away in a magical tarot card deck. The tarot deck, created by Tara’s husband Seamus, comprises twenty-two cards, and each card embodies a member of Madigan family. When someone draws a card from the deck, the card comes to life and the person painted on the card disappears from real life until they fulfil the question of the person who drew card. But, while Tara’s daughter Ceri is stuck in Fairyland, Lucy’s grandson, Cal, finds and steals the tarot cards and hands them over to Lucy. Lucy, set out on revenge, sees an opportunity to destroy the family and retrieve the dagger. The Madigan’s must stop Lucy before she uses their own tarot magic against them. The Magical Tarot Deck by Marieke Lexmond is an enchanting fantasy fiction novel, full of sorcery, mystery, and magic. Lexmond has written a truly unique and imaginative story, where the reader can escape to a wonderful, magical world of fairies and witches. This is a complex and fast paced story, but very easy to read. With a great plot and well-developed characters, each with their own distinctive personality traits, fantasy fiction fans will love this. You don’t need to read the first book in the series (although it is recommended) as the author provides a brief and useful summary of the previous events. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A unique and imaginative story, where the reader can escape to a wonderful, magical world of fairies and witches. A FINALIST Purchase here

< Back Dr Haseena Chokkiyil The Kintsugi Moms: Transformative Insights from a Healers Diary A collection of stories of single mothers and their path to holistic healing. The Kintsugi Moms: Transformative Insights from a Healers Diary is a memoir / self-help book by Dr Haseena Chokkiyil about the many challenges single mothers face as they raise their children alone. Chokkiyil uses the term ‘Kintsugi’ as a metaphor to describe women’s experiences of trauma and healing. ‘Kintsugi’ is an ancient Japanese art that involves mending and fixing broken pieces of pottery with gold and lacquer, thus accentuating its cracks rather than hiding them. She explains how all single mothers have gone through a broken phase, but all can be remoulded and can go on to live a happy and fulfilled life. Chokkiyil describes how she was able to mend the broken cracks in her own life, and how she was fortunate to have the opportunity to mend the broken cracks in other women’s life, as a holistic healer. In each chapter Chokkiyil shares the story of one woman, her life and the circumstances which led her to seek healing from Chokkiyil. Chokkiyil discusses the homeopathic remedies and strategies that she used to support each woman. She draws on her own personal challenges, and her twenty-seven years of experience as a holistic healer. She offers hints, tips, and tools to help other women who may be going through a similar experience. Examples include gratitude journalling, visualisation techniques, exercise and nutrition, breathwork and meditation. The Kintsugi Moms: Transformative Insights is a collection of stories of single mothers, by Dr Haseena Chokkiyil. This is a powerful and heartfelt book about the experience of being a single mom in a patriarchal society, and the impact of marriage, divorce, separation on women and children. It describes the challenges faced by single mothers and the shame and stigma that still exists in society today. The book deals sensitively with issues of physical violence, control, manipulation, sexual assault, and mental health. This book will provide inspiration, courage and hope to women who have been through divorce, separation, and who are raising their children alone. The book demonstrates the benefits of holistic healing methods, and will help readers to overcome their own challenges, including seeking expert help when needed. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An honest and authentic collection of stories and a source of inspiration for single mothers everywhere. Purchase here

< Back Mark Roeder What We Do Next Really Matters Author Mark Roeder discusses the global economic, political, environmental, societal and technological challenges that are shaping our world. The recent Covid19 pandemic has been a giant wake up call for humanity, but the reality is that the earth was already in a poor state of affairs, and our civilisation in a precarious state. How we respond to these challenges in the next few years will have significant implications for the human race and the planet. The choices we make at this critical point in our history and development, really matter. Roeder argues, if we fail to act now, we are likely to face the same fate as the Mayans, Anasazi, Akkadians, Harappa, Romans and other lesser-known civilisations that ignored the warning signs around them. Roeder questions our fundamental belief systems and explains why a fundamental change in mindset is required to solve the world’s problems. He argues that the pursuit of ‘growth at all costs’ mindset is threatening our very existence. He argues that we need to learn from the pandemic and harness the shock of Covid19, to make fundamental changes in the way we live our lives now, in order to save humanity. The book comprises three parts. Part one (Reflection) explains why humans are often reluctant to face up to difficult truths. Part two (Challenges) takes a critical look at the big challenges our world faces. Part three (Awakening) explores what it will take to put our world on a more sustainable path. Roeder proposes the development of ‘a social contract’, with a set of eight fundamental principles, which together, form the foundation of civil life. What We Do Next Really Matters by author Mark Roeder is an exceptional book about the global challenges that are shaping our world. What I particularly liked about this book, is that the author proposes a number of radical solutions. He recognises it is a difficult task, and suggests it may need to get worse before it gets better, but ‘ Once the ferocious winds die down, we may awaken to a different social landscape than the version we know now. Hopefully, one that is underpinned by a truly sustainable ethos that ensures our survival as a species.’ This is a well-written, thought-provoking book, which will appeal to anyone interested in the future of earth and the human race. It is a timely reminder that each and every one of us must play a part, and collectively we can make a difference. Everyone should read this book. We cannot ignore the warning signs. We have no choice. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exceptional, well-written, and thought-provoking book that everyone should read. It was a privilege to read and review this book. 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

< Back Henry B Zimmer Does The End Always Justify The Means? Does the End Always Justify the Means? by Henry B. Zimmer is a time-travel adventure that explores ethical dilemmas, personal choices, and the consequences of altering the past. The story follows Jake Goldstein, a 35-year-old financial analyst in 2025, who is approached by his childhood friend, Alan Cunningham, a theoretical physicist who has developed a time machine. Alan proposes sending Jake back to 1987, three years before Jake's birth, to prevent his own existence due to the paradox of two individuals with identical DNA coexisting in the same timeline. Jake's mission is to ensure his parents never meet or to kill his father before his conception. The narrative delves into Jake's troubled relationship with his father, an Orthodox Jew whose strict religious beliefs caused tension and unhappiness in the family. Jake ultimately agrees to the experiment, driven by a mix of personal revenge and the hope of giving his mother a better life. The story unfolds as Jake navigates life in 1987, using his knowledge of future events to make strategic investments and bets, amassing significant wealth. The story culminates in Jake's return to Alan's lab in 2025, where he reveals the success of the time machine and the impact of his journey. The narrative concludes with Jake reflecting on his life, the ethical dilemmas he faced, and the potential future of time travel. The story is a thought-provoking exploration of morality, the consequences of altering history, and the potential of scientific advancements to reshape humanity's future. It raises questions about the balance between personal gain and the greater good, the ethical implications of time travel, and the unintended consequences of technological progress. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and imaginative piece of writing that effectively combines speculative fiction with personal and societal reflections. Purchase here

< Back W.A. Pepper You Will Know Vengeance: A Tanto Thriller Author WA Pepper writes a new techno-charged version of the Shawshank Redemption for the 21st century A young hacker, known by his handle name, Tanto, is captured and found guilty of cyber terrorism. Imprisoned under a new US law, he has lost of all his rights as a human being. He is implanted with a tracking and torture devise and is subjected to forced labour. To secure his freedom, Tanto must capture other hackers and defend government systems from cyber-attacks. Failure to do so would result in death, or worse, a transfer to Guantanamo Bay. For eight years, Tanto follows the rules and meets the minimum capture requirements, while at the same time he protects the other inmates (his tribe). But everything changes when a new inmate, the notorious hacker Barca, enters the prison and the safety of the whole tribe is put under threat. Tanto hatches a desperate plan to protect his tribe, destroy the enemy, and escape the prison. You will Know Vengeance, is the first part of a fresh, new techno-thriller trilogy by author WA Pepper. Set within the confines of a prison, and the wilderness of cyber space, the two disparate worlds collide in a tense, gripping drama. It is a fast-paced, high-energy novel, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whilst this book will certainly appeal to techno-thriller junkies, it is an easy-to-read novel for neophytes, providing a fascinating insight into the hidden world of hackers, cyber criminals, and the dark web. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fast-paced, high-energy, techno-thriller novel, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jeremy Haymore The Bandana Express: The True Story of the 1980 Giles Spartans Book blurb... The Bandana Express chronicles the coming-of-age tale of a high school football team and their young coach, Steve Ragsdale, as he strives to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Faced with a threat directed at his star player, Coach Ragsdale unites the school and rural community behind a symbol of hope: the boy's red bandana. With a colorful cast of memorable characters, the underdog Spartans employ grit and an old-fashioned offense to propel their improbable season toward an unforgettable finish. A nostalgic journey through sports and pop culture, The Bandana Express illustrates why high school football remains an enduring thread in the American fabric. Reminiscent of Friday Night Lights, The Junction Boys, and Twelve Mighty Orphans,the true story of the 1980 Giles Spartans will captivate football diehards and casual fans alike. 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