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< Back I.K. Silver Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons A tiny dwarf goes on a big adventure into the unknown, by author I.K. Silver Snowy is a tiny, grumpy dwarf who lives in the Winter Village, where winter lingers all year long. He spends his days cutting down trees in the forest, in the freezing snow and biting winds, but he dreams of adventure and a better life. Snowy hasn’t ventured beyond the village, and wants to explore the outside world. When he reads a book about the Originem, a village from another age and time, where there is undiscovered treasure, and the sun always shines and the green grass grows, he decides that’s where he must go. So he packs his bags and leaves the pearly white village to find the Originem and its hidden treasure. Snowy sets off and meets a new friend, Kokoro, and together they travel through magical lands, where they meet lots of strange creatures and encounter many dangers along the way. Their journey is long and hard, but before they reach their final destination, the friends must first solve the mysteries surrounding the four villages of everlasting seasons. Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons is a captivating fantasy adventure book by author IK Silver, with a multitude of interesting creatures and characters, an enticing plot, and a magical world that will engage middle grade readers. This is an action-packed book, full of imagination, exploration and adventure, which will appeal to those who enjoy fantasy fiction and adventure stories. Snowy is a unique, funny and strong-willed character, who shows strength, courage and determination to leave his home and follow his dream. The book has all the key ingredients for a wonderful fantasy fiction story, a magical world, adventure and danger, colourful characters, and valuable life lessons. The book is most suited to younger readers in this age category. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating fantasy adventure, with a multitude of interesting characters, an enticing plot, and a magical world that will engage middle grade readers. Purchase here

< Back KJ The Forever and The Now Will Bron McIntyre ever find her forever and now? By author KJ Bron McIntyre, a fortysomething teacher from Melbourne, is sketching on her favourite bench in her local park, when she notices a beautiful woman. Attracted to the woman, she begins to sketch her picture, when a cyclist crashes into the woman and spills a smoothie down her shirt. Bron helps the woman clean up and starts up a conversation, where she learns the woman’s name is Kate and is going through a divorce. The pair share an instant connection, and following the cycling incident they meet up regularly in the park and become close friends. Bron develops feelings for Kate, and senses something in return, but unsure of Kate’s feelings towards her, she is scared to make the first move. Kate finally confesses her desire for Bron, and the relationship slowly develops into something more intimate. Bron has a close and supportive family, who accept Kate with open arms. Kate’s mother on the other hand is less supportive, and judgemental of her life choices. Feeling pressure from Bron, Kate reluctantly comes out to her mother, which causes tension in the relationship. Kate’s mother struggles to accept her new love, hoping Kate will return to her ex-husband, Neil. As Kate’s mother continues to meddle in their relationship, Bron and Kate feel disconnected, and they turn to a counsellor for help. But as Bron and Kate try to work through their issues, Bron notices Kate acting out of character. When the couple learn more about Kate’s uncharacteristic behaviour, their entire world begins to fall apart. The Forever and The Now, by author KJ, is a beautifully written love story of two women, whose lives become entwined and are changed forever, following a chance encounter at the park. Written in the first-person perspective, KJ’s narrative is real, emotional and authentic, and the intimate scenes between Bron and Kate are beautiful, tender and passionate. KJ beautifully describes the pleasure and power of love, the tender and unconditional love that many people dream about. But this is not a happy ever after story, there is heartbreak, pain and tragedy. Readers might need something to dry their eyes with, in order to finish this book! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written love story of two women, whose lives become entwined and are changed forever, by author KJ. 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 Lukman Clark The Alexandria Scrolls Brandon Blakes’s exploration into past life regression hypnosis takes him on a journey to ancient Egypt, by author Lukman Clark Brandon Blake’s parents died unexpectedly when he was a young boy. He grew up with his loving Aunt Grace, who treated him like her own son, but Brandon always felt there was something missing from his life. He had strange visions and memories he couldn’t understand or explain, and attempted hypnotherapy to help shed light on these inexplicable experiences. During a session of past life regression hypnosis in Bel Aire, Los Angeles, with Dr Clara d’Uccelli, Brandon discovers the lost scrolls of Hypatia of Alexandria, hidden in a cave in Libya. On waking from the hypnosis, Brandon decides to travel to Haua Fteah Cave in the Green Mountain region of Libya to retrieve the scrolls and find proof of his past life. Clara feels a deep connection to Brandon’s vision, and supports him on his journey to retrieve the scrolls. Brandon arrives in Libya, and apart from a brief encounter with a group of fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq, he retrieves the scrolls with relative ease. He flies to Malta, and spends the following months translating the scrolls under the close supervision of the doctor. As Brandon and Clara’s relationship grows intimate, the scrolls are stolen by Brandon’s girlfriend, Julia, who tries to sell them to the highest bidder. Clara reveals that she knew his mother from the time she worked as a trainee therapist, and his mother had experienced past life memories shortly after Brandon’s conception. Returning home, Brandon seeks answers from his Aunt Grace and his mothers’ therapist, Dr. Charlotte Bourne. Dr. Bourne shows Brandon a letter written to him by his mother, and left in her care. The letter explains that his parents were part of a secret and special community of extraordinary individuals and encloses a key to a safe deposit box to help him start his journey to joining the community. As Brandon goes on an epic journey in search of the stolen scrolls, he commits to learning more about regression therapy in the hope that he will learn more about his parents’ life and find closure on their untimely deaths. The Alexandria Scrolls (Book Two - The Transfiguration of Brandon Blake) by Lukman Clark is an intriguing and imaginative fiction novel. This is a fast-paced, action-packed novel set across time periods and continents, with well-developed characters, and an enthralling plot. With elements of fantasy, this book will appeal to readers of both historic fiction and fantasy fiction. The Transfiguration of Brandon Blake is the second book in a series, and can be read independently without reading the first book, In her Own Words, although readers might want to read the first book in the series to understand more about the story of Hypatia of Alexandria. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, action-packed novel, with well-developed characters, and an enthralling plot. Purchase here

< Back Margot Keene Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line Five years after the death of her brother Nathan in a tragic cave diving accident, Maddie Carter returns to the place where he died, Maverick Key, Florida. Maddie hopes to start a new life, open a veterinary clinic, and reclaim Nathan’s diving legacy. Before his death, Nathan discovered a cave site with evidence of fossilized remains, possibly linked to an ancient, cultured civilization. He died in the cave while searching for evidence, after his equipment failed. Maddie finds a map of the cave site in Nathan’s cottage, and a cryptic note, suggesting there was more to the cave accident than previously believed. She sets out to learn more about his research and uncover the truth about his death. When fortune hunters arrive in Maverick Key in search of treasure, she meets a widowed diver named Scott Rickter. Their friendship slowly develops into love, but Maddie keeps a secret from Scott that could threaten their relationship. Maddie continues her investigation, but there is someone in Maverick Key who is determined to make sure Nathan’s secrets remain dead and buried. Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line is a gripping romance and mystery novel by author Margot Keene. Set on an idyllic island just off the coast of Florida, Keene transports readers to a lush, tropical paradise of untouched natural beauty. But beyond the picture-perfect façade, Maverick Key holds deep, dark secrets. Maddie Carter’s quest to uncover the truth about her brother’s death leads to danger, unexpected love, and heartbreak. With a lush setting, a gripping plot and a compelling cast of characters, Maverick Key is a place readers will want to revisit. Maverick Key: Hearts on the Line is a strong debut that will appeal to fans of romantic fiction, mystery, and adventure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A high-stakes cave diving adventure filled with mystery, suspense, and romance. Purchase here

< Back Dr Janice Cohn Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine When war breaks out in Ukraine, a young boy named Artem is sent away to Poland with his mother, while his father stays behind to fight in the army. Artem is scared and struggles to understand. He doesn’t want to leave his country or his father. Arriving in Poland, Artem and his mother are driven by volunteers to a Welcoming Center. At the centre, Artem and his mother meet a chef named Paulo working in the World Central Kitchen. A week later, they find a place to stay with a Polish family, but Artem will never forget the kindness shown by Paolo and the other volunteers. Meanwhile, a girl in America named Hannah wanted to help the war effort in Ukraine, but didn’t know how. She decides to raise money for the World Central Kitchen to help feed Ukrainian children. She makes potato pancakes, a Ukrainian treat and wraps them with yellow and blue ribbons, the official colors of Ukraine. She sells the ‘freedom pancakes’ in her neighbourhood and sends all the money straight to the World Central Kitchen. Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine is a powerful and heartfelt book by author Dr Janice Cohn, about the impact of war on Ukrainian children. The book connects the stories of a young boy from Ukraine who is forced to flee to Poland with his mother when the war breaks out, with the story of a young American girl who raises money to help feed Ukrainian children. Based on real-life experiences of Paulo and Hannah, Artem and his mother are composite characters. Cohn gently introduces young readers to the realities of war with empathy and compassion, and encourages others to support children in need across the world. The stunning illustrations by Ukrainian Yana Holubiatnikova, with hues of yellow and blue, capture the sombre mood of fear and displacement. They elevate this story into something unforgettable. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A timely and age appropriate exploration of the war in Ukraine, told from the perspective of children. Purchase here

< Back Christina Ford In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt In The Pursuit of Happily Ever After Real-life Bridget Jones meets Sex in the City In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt in The Pursuit of Happily Ever After, is a memoir by businesswoman and blogger, Christina Ford, exploring love, sex, marriage, parenting and divorce. Divided into seven books, each book tells the story of a phase in her life, defined by her relationships with men. The names of her lovers are changed, i nspired by characters in Jane Austen novels. Growing up on a diet of romantic novels and Disney princess movies, Ford hoped one day to find enduring love and live ‘happily ever after.’ In the first book, Ford describes her relationship with her beloved father, the impact he had on her life and her relationships with men. In the ‘Book of Brandon,’ Ford discusses her first marriage and her early career in television production. The marriage lasted just over a year. After her divorce, Ford concentrates on her career and begins a relationship with Jackson, a handsome and charming client. But the relationship with Jackson ends when his alcoholism spirals out of control. In the ‘Book of John,’ Ford meets her future husband. The marriage is happy, and the couple have two daughters, but the transition to motherhood is not easy, and Ford experiences post-partum depression. When Ford discovers her husband has been unfaithful, the marriage ends in divorce. In the ‘Book of Edward,’ Ford discusses her relationship with a married man, becoming a stepmother to his daughter, and moving from Toronto to London to be with her man. As Ford builds a life for herself in a new country, she discovers Edward has cheated on her. In her fifties, Ford embarks on a new journey of independence and self-discovery. In Search of Mr Darcy is an intimate, moving, and funny memoir of one woman’s life, and her search for love and happiness. Spanning four decades of her life, Ford describes her tumultuous relationships with honesty and humor, recalling the good and the bad, the highs and the lows of her romantic escapades. From the euphoria of a new relationship to the crushing heartbreak of separation – this memoir covers it all, warts and all. With each relationship experience, Ford learns valuable lessons about herself. This is a fascinating memoir by an inspirational woman who has had an extraordinary life. A life well lived, full of love and lots of laughter. For any woman searching for ‘happily ever after’ - you might find you are searching in the wrong place! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An intimate, moving and funny memoir of one woman’s extraordinary life, and her search for love and happiness. Purchase here

< Back Jeremiah Gilbert On to Plan C A Return to Travel Jeremiah Gilbert’s experience of international travel, following the Covid19 pandemic. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel by author Jeremiah Gilbert is a travel memoir / travel guidebook about the authors return to international travel after more than two years of cancellations, following the Covid19 pandemic. Gilbert, a Californian travel writer and photographer, describes his experience of travelling to Fiji, Europe, and the West Indies. In May 2022, Gilbert travelled to Fiji and describes a visit to the oldest settlement in Fiji , a nd the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere . He discusses a near death experience whilst climbing sand dunes in Sigatoka. During a trip to London in July 2022, he has afternoon tea on a Jubilee themed bus and visits Greenwich and Tower Bridge. From London, he travels to Bergen, the street art capital of Norway; Copenhagen, the capital and cultural centre of Denmark; and Berlin, where he visits the Holocaust Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. In November 2022, Gilbert takes a Christmas river cruise, travelling on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, visiting Dordrecht, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Freiburg, and the Ravenna Gorge enroute. In December 2023, Gilbert takes a three-week Caribbean cruise, visiting St. Barts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel is an insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. While Gilbert shares his experience of each destination, the main sights, activities, and cultural experiences, he also discusses his travel experience, and how he navigated the airlines and train services in a post-Covid world. Through vivid storytelling and lots of humor, Gilbert takes the reader on a journey across continents, weaving his own personal experiences with practical travel tips. The memoir aspect provides an intimate touch, allowing readers to connect with Gilbert’s experience and adventures, while the guide provides valuable insights for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey. Whether you are a virtual traveller, or are planning your own adventure, this book offers a delightful mix of inspiration and advice. What sets this book apart is Gilbert’s breathtaking photography. Each image transports the reader to the heart of the destination, capturing the landscapes, culture, and people, beautifully. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. Purchase here

< Back Lisa Towles Salt Island Private Investigators, Ellwyn and Abernathy, face their most complex case and the biggest challenge of their lives, by author Lisa Towles. Marissa (Mari) Ellwyn and Derek Abernathy are partners and Private Investigators, at E&A Investigations, a private detective agency in Santa Monica, California. As Derek takes on a new case to investigate the accidental deaths of two workers following an explosion at a farm in the Central Valley; Mari takes on a case for her college friend, investigating the blackmail of a CEO in a multi-million-dollar IPO deal. Meanwhile, Mari is concerned about her father, Richard Ellwyn, a former CIA agent. Apart from a few cryptic postcards, she hasn’t seen or heard from him in two years. She decides to investigate her own case and secretly travels to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, to try and find him. Tortola was one of her father’s favourite hiding places when Mari was a young girl, and she hopes to find clues about his disappearance. But on the ferry journey over to Tortola, a dead body is found floating in the ocean, and Mari is interrogated by the Coast Guard. Arriving in Tortola, Mari finds a possible connection to her father, but has to rush back to California when she learns that her mother has had a stroke. As Mari and Derek further their investigations, they find a connection between their cases and a dangerous underworld of illegal drug manufacturing and toxic waste dumping, and a potential lead to her missing father. Mari and Derek must work together to solve their most complex case and the biggest challenge of their lives. Salt Island is a crime thriller, by author Lisa Towles, and the second book in the E&A Investigations series. This book is an intricate, immersive, and riveting thriller, with plenty of surprising twists and turns. The characters are believable and well developed, and Mari in particular is a memorable, tough-as-nails, female detective. The plot is intricate, fast paced, and full of mystery and suspense. The novel moves seamlessly between California and the Caribbean, and parallel storylines. A gripping page-turner, not to be missed. This book will appeal to readers of crime and detective fiction, espionage, and political thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling, character driven, crime, thriller, with a tough-as-nails female protagonist. Purchase here

< Back Nikita Kapoor Pack of the Lost- The Uninviting Forest Two young wolves must face their fears and enter a dangerous forest, by author Nikita Kapoor A pack of majestic wolves live peacefully in a cave on the edge of the forest on a crooked mountain. But when the roof collapses and the cave crumbles, two young wolves, Daffodil and Jasper, become separated from the pack. Jasper tries to persuade Daffodil to search for the pack in the forbidden, uninviting forest. The forest has hidden dangers and Daffodil is scared, but she won’t allow Jasper to journey alone. She reluctantly agrees, and together they venture into the depths of the forest. Jasper and Daffodil are chased by hungry tigers, and become separated. Jasper desperately searches for Daffodil, and whilst trying to avoid danger, he meets two dogs, Cosmo and Nova. Meanwhile, Daffodil is lost, scared and alone, deep in the forest. She meets a white wolf named Iris and finds a magical amulet, with a connection to her ancestors and the wolf god, Felix. The ghost of Felix helps the pair out of danger and the friends are reunited, but Daffodil is troubled by inner turmoil, and Jasper is haunted by a disturbing dream. Will the pair ever find their way out of the uninviting forest? And can they rebuild their pack? The Uninviting Forest, by ten-year old author Nikita Kapoor, is an imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel for middle grade readers. This is the first book in the Pack of the Lost series, and is packed full of action and adventure. The two main characters show strength, determination and leadership skills, as they face their fears and overcome many challenges in the forest. With excellent writing for someone so young, superb world-building, and captivating characters, Nikita Kapoor is a talent to watch out for. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel, packed full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Juliet Rose Carrying the Dead A young woman embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. When H annah Moore discovers she is pregnant, she is devastated. Neither Hannah or her partner, Parker, want to keep the baby and discuss adoption. At twelve weeks, Hannah miscarries and experiences unimaginable grief for the unborn child she never wanted. Hannah doesn’t receive the support she needs from Parker, and the relationship breaks down. Hannah is in a horrific road traffic collision, and an innocent motorcyclist, eighteen-year-old Logan Slip, is killed. At the scene of the accident Hannah breaks down, as memories of her miscarriage come flooding back to her. She is admitted to a mental hospital, where she meets George (Buzzy), a healthcare worker. Hannah attends support groups and receives therapy and medication. Six weeks after her admission, Hannah is released from hospital and experiences recurrent nightmares and visions of Logan and a young boy who looks like Parker. George continues to provide comfort and support for Hannah after her release, and they develop a close friendship. When Hannah’s nightmares and visions continue, George believes they are trying to give her a message embedded in an ancient culture. He suggests they travel to Mexico to meet Miguel and Sebastián, who helped him through drug addiction, following a caving accident. The couple fly to Texas and cross the border to Mexico. They rent a RV, and George teaches Hannah self-defence and meditation techniques. On their journey to meet Miguel and Sebastián, they visit ancient ruins and caves, and Hannah feels a spiritual connection to the sacred sites. Hannah and George’s relationship further develops, as they go on a journey of spiritual awakening, and discover a connection between Hannah’s unborn child and the motorcyclist. Carrying the Dead by author Juliet Rose is a mystical fiction novel about an unlikely couple who embark on a transformational journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. This is an emotional and powerful novel that blends themes of grief, addiction, healing, and romance. Hannah is grieving for the loss of her unborn child, and George is recovering from drug addiction. The couple help each other navigate their feelings and deal with trauma, and I enjoyed seeing the growth of both characters throughout the book. Part horror, part mystery, part mysticism and part romance, this is a moving, engaging and thoroughly absorbing read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A moving, engaging and thoroughly absorbing mystical fiction novel. Purchase here

< Back Deborah S. Greenhut The Hoarder's Wife Inside the secret world of the hoarder, by debut author Deborah Greenhut Sixty-five-year-old Grace Berg receives a telephone call and is told that her ex-husband, and the father of her two children, Professor Ludwig Berg, has tragically taken his own life. As Grace grieves for the man she once loved, she reads her old journal and reflects on the life she shared with him. The signs were there from the start of their relationship. The clutter. The mess. The lack of empathy. The signs of disorder. Grace recalls how Ludwig took control of their finances and slowly accumulated lots of possessions, throwing their family home into disarray. The couple seek specialist help and Ludwig is diagnosed with adult ADHD, OCD, ODD, perfectionism, procrastination, and depression. But as Ludwig’s hoarding and anger escalates, Grace finally reaches breaking point and makes a heart-breaking decision to reclaim her life, after thirty-five years of marriage. The Hoarder’s Wife by Deborah Greenhut is an engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. Written as a series of journal entries, this is an intimate and personal story about one woman’s experience of living with someone with a severe mental illness, and the devasting impact of hoarding disorder on families and relationships. Greenhut writes about the disorder with sensitivity and compassion, describing Grace’s turmoil as she makes the most difficult decision of her life. This is a deeply moving and emotional story, and it will appeal to readers of women’s fiction and literary fiction. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here