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< Back Danny Holst The Harlem Story A harrowing and moving account of a young African American man growing up in Harlem, from debut author Danny Holst The Harlem Story is an intriguing novel, originally written as a musical screenplay. The novel follows the lives of James Harris and Diane Smith, who witness the murder of their parents at the age of six in 1963, outside their church, by the Klan. James’ great aunt Millie takes the children inside the chapel for safety when it is set on fire. Luckily, the children escape, and they leave with Aunt Millie from their home in the South, to Harlem. The children are raised by their aunt, and they grow up in the Christian faith, singing in church choir. James and Diane become accomplished singers and win an amateur singing contest, singing ‘Lift Every Voice.’ Diane goes on to be a successful recording artist, but James’ singing career is short lived after he is wrongfully arrested and imprisoned for murder in 1983. James is finally exonerated in 1990, but he has lost all of his faith in God. He struggles to reignite his passion for singing and his life spirals out of control. James faces unimaginable pain and hardship, but ten years on from his first singing contest, he reunites with his sister to sing again. This is a beautifully written and profoundly moving story about a young African American man and how he triumphs over adversity. The book deals with painful issues of hate and discrimination, murder, and sexual assault, yet there are wonderful and joyous moments of happiness, love, and romance. The harrowing events are told sensitively and with compassion, and the author does a remarkable job at developing a real connection and empathy for the main characters. The book gives hope that out of darkness, one can find light; and out of hate, one can find love. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully written and profoundly moving story about a young man and how he triumphs over adversity. A SILVER WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

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

< Back Ben Merrick Where the Valley Meets the Sky A fantasy tale about a nomadic clan, and their fight for survival. The nomadic, Achare clan, find their promised land and settle on a sheltered area on the plain of Kalanos. They live in relative peace, but their homes and existence remain under constant threat from neighbouring, warring clans. The Achare clan’s beliefs are steeped in superstition, and they distrust anyone who has survived a near death experience. As a young boy Rennik nearly lost his life in a drowning incident. He is feared and ostracised by his fellow clan members. Following his father’s untimely death, young Rennik is forced to grow up quickly and take responsibility for his mother and younger brother. At age eighteen, Rennik is a quiet, independent, young man and a talented hunter, who provides for his family but continues to be shunned by the community. When the Achare people are threatened by the warring clans, Rennik is forced to leave behind his mother and brother, to track down and hunt the enemy . He is sent out with a scouting party of the best Achare fighters , to assess the threat. As Rennik and the scouting party journey into the unknown, they are ambushed by neighbouring clans. Rennik survives the attack and manages to escape back to the village. But on his return, Rennik is thrust into a battle for leadership, where he must decide whether the clan should stay in their promised land or return back to a nomadic lifestyle. Where the Valley Meets the Sky, by author Ben Merrick, is an epic fantasy tale of a peaceful nomadic clan, and their relentless struggle for survival in the settlement they call their promised land. This is a captivating coming of age story about one clan member, a quiet and unassuming young man, who is reluctantly thrust into a leadership position. The book follows his journey from outcast to inspiring leader, as he attempts to lead his family and community out of danger. With superb storytelling and brilliant characterisation, this is an impressive fantasy fiction novel that packs more than a punch. A must read for any fantasy fiction enthusiast. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic fantasy fiction novel, about the relentless struggle for survival amongst a peaceful, nomadic clan. Superbly written by Ben Merrick. Purchase here

< Back Ashley Wall The Day I Had a Fire Truck Luke is busy cleaning out the garage one day, when he finds a big red fire truck parked outside his house. Inside the truck is a note from the firefighters asking Luke to find a crew and take over for the day. Luke, with his trusted dog Bobo by his side, sets out to assemble a crew. He picks up his friends, Noah, Mikey, and Emma, when the radio operator tells them that Mrs Lola’s cat, Fefe, is stuck in a tree. The four friends turn on the lights and sirens, and drive to the scene. Fefe is stuck in the tallest tree and the crew have to use the trucks aerial ladder to rescue her. After lunch, a report comes in of a fire near the park. The ice cream shop is at risk of burning down. Noah and his friends hurry to the park and find a trash can on fire. Can the young firefighters handle the machinery and put out the fire? Will the ice cream shop, and visitors to the park, be saved by Noah and his crew? The Day I Had a Fire Truck is an illustrated picture book by author Ashley Wall. Noah and his friends have the adventure of their life as they take over firefighting duties for the day. With a big red truck, a shiny helmet and a team to assemble, Luke must make sure the young firefighters are ready for action. This is a delightful picture book that captures the excitement of fire trucks and firefighters, through the eyes of a young boy. The engaging story encourages friendships, teamwork and problem solving skills. The book introduces young readers to firefighting terminology and safety tips, making it both an educational and entertaining read. A must read for aspiring firefighters, and children who enjoy role playing and other adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful and engaging picture book, and an excellent choice for young readers who dream of heroic adventures. Purchase here

< Back Paul Sanders Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died: A Grateful Dead Thriller A successful author is forced to relive his childhood abuse in order to clear his name. Dan Wilcox wakes up one morning with a gash on his head, and his shirt slashed and splattered in blood. He cannot recall how he got into that state and realises he has lost four days of his memory. He changes out of his blood-stained clothes and decides to retrace his steps back to the last thing he can remember, a visit to his parents’ home in Marquette, Michigan . Dan had not spoken to his parents in fifteen years, and he had hoped to speak to them to help him deal with unresolved childhood trauma. He travels to his parent’s house and finds the house ransacked, and his mother dead on the kitchen floor, with a knife sticking out of her neck. Dan calls the police and then Diana, a p sychiatrist who as helping him process the neglect and abuse he suffered as a child, from his mother and father. Detective Robinson is assigned the case and Dan is suspected of killing his mother to inherit her wealth. Dan learns that his father has been dead for several years and his sister Louise has been missing for many years, also presumed dead. His brother, Mark, lives in California and has a solid alibi. Dan is confident he played no part in his mother’s murder and begs Diana to perform hypnosis. Diana refuses but she does review his case files and recorded therapy sessions. When Dan’s bloodied clothes are found by the police, he feels he has no choice but to run. He confides in Diana, and she agrees to flee with him, to try and help him solve the mystery of his mother’s death. As the fugitives travel across the country, they are pursued by Detective Robinson and the Michigan State Police. Dan has flashbacks to the scene of the murder, and he is forced to relive painful childhood memories. As the runaways attempt to track down Dan’s estranged relatives, they discover sordid details about his father’s meddling in a juvenile court case, and the truth about his sister’s disappearance. Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died: A Grateful Dead Thriller is a tense and gripping psychological thriller by author Paul Sanders. The novel is a well written, authentic and believable work of crime fiction. Told partly through Dan’s flashbacks with graphic descriptions of childhood abuse, it is a harrowing and difficult read in places. I enjoyed the weaving of the Grateful Dead throughout this story, and the musical references. This is a lengthy novel (at 683 pages), but it flows at a good pace and is easy to read. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy detective stories, psychological thrillers, true crime and the Grateful Dead. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense and gripping psychological thriller about one man’s search for the truth. Purchase here

< Back Lesley Beiro and Heather Scott Over the Lotion Over the Lotion is a true story, written by mother and daughter Heather Scott and Lesley Beiro. Written primarily by Scott, a white woman who grew up in South Africa during the 1950s and 1960s. The book follows Scott’s journey from childhood through to adulthood, from her early years in Pretoria , to her emigration to the United States in later life. The latter part of the book is written by her daughter, Biero, following her death. Set against a backdrop of apartheid in South Africa, Scott recalls the social and political changes that happened throughout her life, and the impact on her family and community. From the release of Nelson Mandela, civil unrest, and the turbulent transition into post-apartheid South Africa. Scott faced many personal struggles throughout her life. She survived polio as a teenager, and later married a man she discovered was an alcoholic. Early in her marriage Scott experienced the tragic loss of a baby, and her husband was often violent towards her. As Scott tried to make a good life for herself and her children, she sought comfort, guidance and strength from God. Over the Lotion is a deeply personal and heartfelt memoir that chronicles one woman’s experience of life in South Africa during apartheid and in the immediate post-apartheid period. As Scott witnesses the social and political upheaval of her beloved country, she has to make a difficult decision for her family. Scott does not shy away from the moral dilemmas of many white South African farmers – those who grew up calling South Africa home, but were left feeling alienated and abandoned as society changed. Beiro finished the memoir following Scott’s death, and is a beautiful and touching tribute to a much-loved mother and grandmother. For readers interested in personal histories of South Africa, and the US immigrant experience, this book offers a gripping and emotionally charged perspective . Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heartfelt and thought-provoking memoir of a white woman growing up in South Africa during apartheid. Purchase here

< Back Nathalie Martin The Inspired Retirement: Purpose and Passion in Your Next Adventure Book blurb... Retirement Can Be Anything We Want, As Long as We Know What We Want. Most people plan for retirement by checking their portfolios. Yet there is so much more to a happy retirement. This book focuses not on the money but what you'll actually do in retirement, helping readers plan and live a joyful, healthy, meaningful retirement. In a fun and thoughtful way, this book helps you picture, plan and start living a purposeful and inspired next chapter. Through its exploration of your own unique values, skills, and passions, it will infuse joy and direction into your life as you navigate one of life's most complex transitions. It playfully balances planning for a bright future with making the most of the here and now. Two of my back-cover endorsers are #1 New York Times Bestselling authors. Purchase here

< Back Regan Walker The Irish Yankee Book blurb... In June 1775, amid the Revolutionary War’s early stirrings, Irish Yankee Jeremiah O’Brien, seizes a British armed schooner off the Maine coast to thwart the cargo of lumber she was escorting from reaching British forces in Boston. Inspired by this daring victory, Jeremiah abandons his lumber business to command privateer vessels, relentlessly pursuing British merchant ships across dangerous waters. Defying the British navy’s tightening grip on the Massachusetts coast, he risks his life and his ships to capture many prizes. Yet his greatest battle may lay onshore: winning the heart of Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, a fiercely independent woman who loves the freedom he fights for. Only a man worthy of the title “the hero of the Lexington of the Sea” could earn her love and prove himself worthy of her strength. Purchase here

< Back Kay Smith-Blum Tangles In 1963, Luke Hinson, a PhD student of biochemistry at Oregon State University, is investigating all possible causes for the increase in cancer in the region. Luke has a personal interest in the research, as many of his childhood friends died of cancer and his own father died from unidentified health hazards. During his research, a whale is harpooned off the Oregon coast, and Luke discovers it is contaminated with radiation. He suspects radioactive waste dumped into the Columbia River is the source of the contamination. When he plans to publish his findings in a scientific journal, the US Atomic Energy Commission pulls the funding for his doctorate and confiscates his samples and data. As a child, Luke lived in Richland, Washington State, next door to Mary and Matt Boone, a young couple who both worked at Hanford, a nuclear site established during World War II. In his teen years, Luke developed a close friendship with Mary, based on a mutual love of science. Mary worked as a secretary at Hanford, in a classified laboratory testing plutonium. Concerned about the impact of radioactive waste being pumped into the Columbia River, Mary made carbon copies of her work. Several years later, while Luke is at college, Mary mysteriously disappears, and the classified papers she smuggled out of the lab, disappeared with her. As Luke continues with his investigation, his research takes him back to Richland, his relationship with Mary, and the wartime effort to build an atomic bomb. When a thirteen year old time-capsule is unearthed, the truth about Mary’s work at Hanford and her disappearance is finally revealed. Tangles is a historical fiction novel by Kay Smith-Blum, set during World War II and the cold war period, and inspired by real people and events. Beautifully written and meticulously researched, the novel delves into the circumstances surrounding the environmental disaster at the Hanford Nuclear Power Plant. Smith-Blum does a fantastic job of weaving together real-life events with fictional characters, creating a narrative that allows readers to connect with this significant period in history. At the heart of the novel is a story of love, tragedy and loss, that both warms the heart and tugs at the heart strings. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fascinating and thought-provoking historical fiction novel, with two memorable characters and a gripping plot inspired by real-life events. Purchase here

< Back J Paul Rieger Jr Clonk! A refreshing and entertaining take on the detective genre. Clonk! by author J Paul Rieger Jr is a dark detective comedy novel about a group of high school friends and social misfits, who meet at Ignatius High School. The story takes place in Baltimore from the mid-1990s to 2020, and follows the friends journey from graduation through to middle age, as they continue to support one another through good and bad times. The main character, Kev Dixit, joined the Baltimore City Police Force and after several failed attempts, was promoted to Detective. A dedicated family man, and a shrewd but unorthodox cop, Kev is the glue that keeps the friends together. Kev and his detective partner, Dinetta Laurence, are investigating the murder of a local artist in Roland Park. With few clues, the pressure to close the case is intense. Can one of her own paintings solve the mystery of her murder? Meanwhile, classmates and real estate businessmen Lou Ricciti and Pete Palanzo find themselves embroiled in a fraudulent scheme with some unsavoury characters. Kev is reluctant to get involved, but forced to step in when things get out of hand. Chris Waxley, an actor, who everyone thinks is gay, but isn’t, is helping another classmate, undertaker Brian (the Troll), to stop his meddling parents interfering in his love life, by pretending to be in a relationship with him. Clonk! is an exceptional crime detective novel, with a fusion of mystery and dark comedy. The clever juxtapositioning of dark and comedic elements will keep readers thoroughly engaged. Kev Dixit is an endearing crime detective, and the supporting, eccentric cast, adds to the comedic charm. Clonk! captures the essence of lifelong friendships, and the camaraderie and banter amongst the friends brings a sense of warmth and familiarity to the characters. Spanning multiple timelines, the plot unfolds slowly, keeping readers guessing to the very end. Clonk! offers a refreshing and entertaining take on the detective genre. If you’re a fan of detective stories and enjoy dark humor, you will love this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Clonk! captures the essence of lifelong friendships, while delivering a satisfying and unforgettable mystery. Purchase here

< Back Kate Mathos Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern In 1941, as Europe is ravaged by the second World War, a ten-year old girl from Chicago faces an entirely different battle. Georgia Karras’s father has enlisted in the army to help with the war effort, while Georgia discovers a strange green light emanating from her attic. Georgia and her best friend Sam follow the light and find a curious letter and a small bottle of pixie potion. They fall through the floorboards and find themselves in a strange world, known as the Kingdom of Nern. As Georgia and Sam try to make sense of their new world, they meet a pixie named Lizl and a purple ‘fuzzball’ creature named Ned. They learn that many years ago, the current King of Nern began a war with the rightful Queen Aurelia. Georgia and Sam are sent on a perilous quest across Nern to find a mysterious amulet and to right the wrongs perpetrated by the King. On the journey, Georgia discovers that her father’s involvement in the war effort was not quite what she was led to believe. As Georgia tries to find the truth about her father, and restore the rightful queen on the throne, the Kings Guard and evil Leechers will stop at nothing to catch her. Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern is a fantasy fiction novel for middle-grade readers, by author Kate Mathos. Set in 1940’s Chicago, the book whisks readers away to an alternate world, brimming with magic and mystery. The story follows Georgia, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny. Packed full of action and adventure, with a colourful cast of characters, and captivating twists and turns, the book will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. With pixies, sea witches, merfolk, dragons, pirates, and many more wonderful creatures, this book has all the ingredients for an epic fantasy fiction story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A captivating fantasy fiction novel, with a colourful cast of characters, set in the magical and mysterious world of Nern. https://a.co/d/cS3yBPT Purchase here

< Back Richard Lui Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness The story of an award-winning news anchor who paused his successful career to care for his father. Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness is a guidebook, by author and former news anchor, Richard Lui. Lui shares his personal story, how he became a successful news anchor, and why he gave it all up at the height of his career. His father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Lui had a difficult decision to make, whether to continue to pursue his career, or whether to give it all up to care for his father. He decided his father was more important than what happens on camera and paused his career to take care of him. It was a difficult decision, and the care-giving lifestyle was not easy, so Lui set out to understand the psychology of selflessness. Lui discusses claims made by eminent social scientists, such as Charles Darwin and Richard Dawkins, that humans are not naturally selfless, and that pure altruism does not exist. Lui questions these theories and examines other evidence to suggest that selfless communities can survive adeptly. Lui argues that selflessness has many positive benefits, and he provides evidence to suggest that people who act selflessly are more likely to be healthier, happier, live longer and have more prosperous careers. Lui discusses his own personal journey, and the stories of many people he encountered during his journalism career. Lui challenges the traditional self-help / self-care trope and calls his book an ‘anti-self-help’ book. He offers advice, tips and tricks, and practical tools to help readers live a more fulfilled life, through thinking and behaving more selflessly. He shares the lessons learned from his journey and provides examples from others who have shown remarkable selflessness when faced with tragedy and loss. Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness is an inspiring and engaging book by an award-winning news anchor who performed an act of selflessness to pause his career and care for his father. The book will inspire readers to pursue more selfless goals and will help them to live a more balanced and fulfilled life. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy self-help books and who are interested in personal development. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thought provoking, inspiring and engaging book about the power and impact of selflessness. Purchase here