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< Back K.c. LaSaga Dragum One young woman’s search for self-love and self-acceptance, by author K.c. LaSaga Kali Colombe is an ambitious young woman, desperate to leave Vancouver, Canada, in search of independence, romance, travel and adventure. As she sets out on a journey of self-discovery, and plans an epic trip to Europe, she meets and falls in love at first sight with another woman. Kali purchases a new condo and settles into life with her new love, stalling her plans to travel to Europe. But Kali’s parents are not happy about the relationship, and want her to return to the family home in Newfoundland. Torn between her lover and her family, her home and her desire to travel, Kali falls into a depression, despite the intuitive energy ‘Dragum’ gifted to her by her grandfather. Conflict and loneliness overwhelm Kali, and she falls into a deeper depression, as she loses sense of her own identity. Kali must fight to find her true self and break free from family preferences, social norms and cultural expectations. Dragum is an intimate, coming of age story about a young woman who must learn to break free from her family and find self-love and acceptance, by author K.c. LaSaga. LaSaga wrote the book based on her own experiences of depression in early adulthood. LaSaga explains ‘ I’m writing for the adults who are still treated like kids, the queer folk who have been brave enough to come out of the closet but are not accepted and the adventure seekers who are scared to take their first steps alone.’ This is a beautifully written novel in the first-person perspective, and an honest portrait of depression and its enduring aftermath. K.c. LaSaga’s prose is raw, emotional and moving, capturing Kali’s love, passion and inner turmoil. Many readers will relate to Kali’s experience, and I hope this book will provide comfort and support to those experiencing similar troubles. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy character-based novels, and romantic fiction. It will also appeal to those from the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone who has experienced, or has been impacted, by depression or mental health. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: This is a beautifully written, intimate and heart-rending novel, which shines a light on mental health and depression. ​ 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 Alison McBain The New Empire A young prince fights for survival when he is sold into slavery and shipped across the Pacific Ocean, by author Alison McBain The New Empire tells the story of Jiangxi, the son of a Chinese emperor who is sold into slavery by his older brother, following his fathers’ death. Jiangxi is shipped across the Pacific Ocean to the west coast of North America, where he is bought by Onas, an elder and spiritual leader of the Haudenosaunee and Mutsun Native American tribes. Jiangxi becomes Onas’s personal, household slave, and unlike other slaves, Jiangxi has some, albeit limited, freedoms. He is able to spend time exploring his environment, where he meets other enslaved Chinese people, working in the corn fields. One day, he meets a young, enslaved girl and helps her escape, by sailing her up the river in a boat he found and repaired. Onas suspects Jiangxi’s involvement in the girl’s disappearance, and expels him from the house. Jiangxi is forced to work in the fields and live in the squalid and cramped longhouses. After twelve months, Jiangxi returns to Onas’s home, where he promises to obey his owner, but secretly hatches a plan to free other Chinese slaves. Over the next few years, Jiangxi slowly rebuilds Onas’s trust, and Onas repays him by giving him his freedom and making him his apprentice. But Jiangxi is conflicted, and torn between his loyalty to the man who liberated him, and the promise he made to his enslaved country people. The New Empire by author Alison McBain is a captivating and mesmerizing alternative history novel, set in the west coast of North America in the eighteenth century. The book provides an interesting perspective on what might have happened, had the Chinese been the first to settle in North America. Told from the perspective of a young boy, born to an Emperor and sold into slavery, as he comes of age and fights for survival in a new world. Despite his own predicament, Jiangxi defies the authorities and risks his freedom, and his own life, to help others. The book shows the horrors and brutality of slavery, so prevalent throughout human history, but also the power of individual acts of resistance and defiance, which can change the world. Thoroughly researched, with a gripping and believable plot, rich characters and excellent world building, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy alternative history novels. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating and mesmerizing alternative history novel, beautifully written by Alison McBain. Highly recommended. ​ 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 Jamie Anderson Drive All Day (Because I'm Too Old to Drive All Night) Author Jamie Anderson is on the road again… Jamie Anderson, author, singer-songwriter, and Youtuber, writes about her life on the road as a working musician, travelling to gigs across the country. It’s been several years since Jamie wrote her first memoir, ‘Drive all Night’, and now a little older, no longer has the energy or desire to drive for eight hours during the night. But, her passion for music remains, and she seizes new opportunities to make a living through music with new audiences. Jamie discusses her early childhood, how she was born to perform, and how she later built a successful career as a recording artist, guitar teacher and social media influencer. She shares her real-life experiences as a touring musician, the highs of performing, and the lows of shady producers and greasy spoon cafes. She also shares her love of teaching, and some of the many wonderful and colourful students she has taught over many years. Drive All Day (Because I'm Too Old to Drive All Night) by Jamie Anderson is an intimate, ‘warts and all’ memoir about the reality of life on the road as a touring musician. Jamie is an inspirational woman and a talented artist, and has a wonderful gift for storytelling. Her stories are funny, entertaining, and occasionally outrageous! This is a well written and entertaining memoir, and a fascinating insight into the not so glamorous life as a musician. The book will appeal to Jamie’s many fans, and anyone interested in the real life of a jobbing musician. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A funny, intimate, ‘warts and all’ memoir about the reality of life on the road as a touring musician ​ Purchase here

< Back DF Kennedy Nothing But The Truth The third instalment of this psychological drama reveals the identity of the mystery stalker. Nothing But The Truth is the second book in the series from DF Kennedy, which picks up around a year after Dahlia’s kidnapping. Following the birth of her baby girl, Dahlia convalesces at home, while her movie-star husband, Roland, shoots his latest film. Dahlia continues to be harassed by an anonymous stalker, #forevermrshughes, and fears for her safety. Her birth father, Cameron, a former MI5 agent, promises to find and neutralise the threat. Cameron suspects the stalker is connected to his work and narrows the investigation down to a car bombing in the 1980’s. Meanwhile, pictures emerge of a woman and her baby, who was previously suspected of having an affair with Roland. Roland hires a private investigator to locate her. Alone and afraid with her new-born baby, Dahlia turns to her best friend Charlotte for comfort and company. Charlotte reveals she was forced into an arranged marriage by her wealthy parents, and has family connections to the Irish and Italian mafia. As Dahlia agrees to help her friend, Charlotte is attacked and hospitalised. Cameron’s investigations into the car bomber run dry, but he does find a surprising connection much closer to home. As Cameron and Roland continue their own inquiries, Charlotte’s husband is found murdered. Dahlia boards a private jet to spend some quality time with her husband, but when the regular crew falls down with food poisoning, and she notices her ex-husband on board, Dahlia realises she is in big trouble. Nothing But The Truth, is the third book in this gripping psychological thriller series, by author DF Kennedy. The third book introduces more characters and more twists and turns. I devoured it in one sitting, it just gets better and better! As the identity of #forevermrshughes is finally exposed, the revelation that Charlotte is connected to the mob introduces more complexity and intrigue. I thought this book was the final one in the series, but it ends on another heart-in-mouth cliffhanger. So many plot twists. So many questions remain unanswered. A brilliant, thrilling, trilogy so far, and pleading for the next instalment. Soon, please! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating series, from book one right through to book three. To keep up this level of energy and intrigue across three books is no mean feat. ​ Purchase here

< Back George R. Hopkins When Secrets Come to Light: A novel of love and tangled friendships A psychological thriller, with a touch of the supernatural, by author George R. Hopkins. A retired homicide detective, Tom Cavanaugh, meets up with a group of old school friends at a funeral, over fifty years since they last met. Members of the ‘Terrifying Tullingers’ (Tom, Jackie, Lee, Harry, Brian, Jason) agree to meet again to play a game of cards. On the second meeting, at Harry’s house, Jason performs a ‘miracle’ on Harry’s wife, by curing her headaches through the power of prayer, but he is ridiculed by the others. Later, Jason reveals he knows the secrets of the Terrifying Tullingers, and then leaves the party early. Shortly after, there is a freak storm, and Tom and the others are forced to stay the night due to a fallen tree. During the night, Tom overhears a strange conversation between Jackie, Brian, and Harry, and thinks it might relate to Jason’s earlier revelation. Following the meeting, Jason mentions he received a series of anonymous, threatening messages. Tom sets out on a mission to find the culprits of the message and uncover the secrets of the Terrifying Tullingers. But things take a turn for the worst when Jason is brutally murdered, and Tom finds himself at the centre of a murder investigation implicating his childhood friends. But as Tom uncovers each clue, he is also forced to confront his own painful secrets. When Secrets Come to Light: A novel of love and tangled friendships is a psychological thriller, with a touch of the supernatural, by author George R. Hopkins. This is a captivating novel, which contains all the key ingredients for a gripping thriller: curious and complex characters, mystery and suspense, friendships, and betrayal. The plot is cleverly constructed, and unfolds beautifully over the course of the book, as the characters back stories and secrets are slowly revealed. This is a unique and fascinating novel, with a touch of humor. It will appeal to readers of mysteries and psychological thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating novel, with all the key ingredients for a gripping thriller: curious and complex characters, mystery and suspense, friendships, and betrayal. ​ Purchase here

< Back Christopher H. Volk The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Wealth Creation for Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Investors The ultimate guide to running a successful business, by Christopher H. Volk The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Wealth Creation for Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Investors, by Christopher H. Volk, financial writer, investor, serial entrepreneur, CEO, university lecturer and visiting professor at Cornell University. This is a comprehensive financial handbook about how to create wealth within business, and how to value a business. Volk explains how to drive business performance and maximize equity market value through six key variables: 1) sales, 2) business investment, 3) operating profit margin, 4) amount of other people’s money used (“OPM”), 5) the cost of OPM, and 6) the annual maintenance capital expense. Volk explains each variable in considerable detail and uses a simple restaurant business model as a case study example throughout. In addition, he uses many real-life business illustrations, including STORE Capital, the most recent publicly traded company he co-founded. He shares examples from global, multimillion dollar businesses, such as Google, and the hip-hop clothing brand, FUBU. Volk also shares his own personal experiences of finance, his role setting up and running numerous companies, and his experience of floating three companies on the New York Stock Exchange. Volk explains complex financial models, terms and concepts in a simple, straightforward and engaging way, that non-financial experts will easily understand. He uses images and visual illustrations throughout the book, to help guide those that might be less familiar with financial models. This book is a must read for business and economics students, and anyone interested in business, from investors, entrepreneurs and small business owners, to business leaders and CEO’s of big corporations. It will particularly appeal to those who are considering setting up a new business, those investing in a business, and those making important financial decisions about a business. Overall, this is an informative and insightful handbook, written by a credible and trusted author who is clearly an expert in this field. Through a simple but comprehensive framework, this book will help entrepreneurs and business leaders understand how to create and value wealth in business, and will help improve personal wealth opportunities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An informative and insightful handbook about how to create wealth in business. A must read for business and economics students, and anyone interested in business. ​ 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 Kelly Cheek Gazing Into the Abyss Spirit medium, Suzy Quinn, returns in the fourth book in the SpiritSense series. Suzy Quinn and Fin MacKinley decide to move in together, after three years dating. It’s been a tough few years for Suzy, after losing both her husband, Mark, and daughter, Emma, in a tragic boating accident several years previously. Suzy is a spirit medium and able to connect with the spirit world. She found notoriety in the media and was dubbed a ‘ghost whisperer’ for her ability to talk to ghosts. But despite her unique ability, she has not been able to connect with either her own husband or her daughter. The couple settle into their new living arrangements and Fin proposes to Suzy. As they look forward to spending the rest of their lives together, Suzy is contacted by the mother of an old friend, Joan Rossi. Joan explains that her daughter, Michelle, recently passed away and has been haunting her ever since. Michelle has asked her mother to call Suzy Quin, the ghost whisperer. Suzy agrees to help Joan, and within a few minutes of entering her home, she connects with Michelle’s spirit. Through her spiritual connection with Michelle, Suzy is able to see her flashbacks, and her memories of other dead people. She soon discovers that Michelle dated her husband Mark, long before Suzy had met him. Through Michelle, Suzy is able to feel, converse and experience the man she deeply loved. As Suzy continues to support Joan, in order to experience her dead husband, she questions whether marrying Fin is the right thing to do. Suzy witnesses Michelle’s flashbacks to her troubled life with her mother, her turbulent relationship with Mark, her addictions to alcohol, drugs and sex, and her devastating illness. During the final weeks of Michelle’s life, Suzy learns that her unfinished business is actually with her, and finally discovers the real truth about her death. Gazing Into the Abyss is a supernatural thriller, by author Kelly Cheek and the fourth book in the SpiritSense series. This is a gripping, page-turning thriller, about a woman who has a unique ability to connect with the spirit world. When the mother of an old friend contacts her, she gets to reconnect with the man she once deeply loved. The scenes where she observes her husband in his previous relationship are both heart-breaking and heart-warming. The characters are well developed, and the plot is well-crafted. Full of intrigue, mystery and suspense, this book was hard to put down. I had not read any of the previous books in the series, and could easily follow and enjoy the story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, page-turning supernatural thriller, full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. ​ Purchase here

< Back Lem Moye Catching Cold Vol 2 - Redemption Can a small scientific company survive a hostile take-over from a giant pharma company? A small scientific company, CiliCold, has developed the ‘ immunology breakthrough of the century ’ , a partial antibody that can defeat many of the viruses that cause the common cold. A big-pharma company, Tripel S Pharmaceuticals, is desperate for their intellectual property and will stop at nothing to take over the company. But Tripel S has a sinister motive for acquiring CiliCold. They want to prevent the product reaching the open market, to protect their own work. A cure for the common cold would affect multi-million-dollar sales of their over-the-counter cold remedies and treatments. The CEO of CiliCold decides to relocate the team over 3,000 miles away to a secret research laboratory, to escape the clutches of Triple S. Meanwhile, the V ice P resident L egal of Triple S is forced to resign following an incident where she witnessed a colleague take her own life. She has no option but to defect to CiliCold. Triple S develop a new medicine that is successful in preventing autism, but they soon discover the medicine has catastrophic side effects. Board members disagree on how to manage the situation. Several board members want to continue with its development, arguing they would be withholding a new critical therapy from children who are going to be very sick. The CiliCold team, on the other hand, is on the verge of a breakthrough, and are in desperate need of financial assistance. Just when CiliCold receive the investment they require, they soon discover they have been duped by their biggest rival. Catching Cold Vol 2 – Redemption, by author Lem Moyé, is a tense and gritty pharmaceutical drama, about a disreputable big-pharma company that tries to take over a small scientific company, by any means possible. This is a well written, thoroughly researched and believable story about money and power, versus ethics and morality. The author clearly has excellent knowledge about science and medical research. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from Lem Moyé. This is the second instalment in a three-part series. I had not read the first book in the series, and while there were a few moments where I struggled to understand the back-story, the story was easy to follow. I would recommend readers begin with the first book in the series, to get the full enjoyment of this trilogy. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary: A tense and gritty pharmaceutical drama about money and power, versus ethics and morality. ​ Purchase here

< Back Frederick Douglass Reynolds Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement An intimate memoir by author and retired Compton police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement is an inspiring and deeply moving memoir by author and retired police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Frederick discusses his turbulent childhood growing up in Detroit, with an abusive mother and an alcoholic father; and his misspent youth and association with street gangs, which resulted him spending time in a juvenile detention centre. Frederick joined the US Marine Corp in 1980, for a fresh start and to escape his life in Detroit. In 1985, he became a police officer in the Compton Police Department, one of only five Black graduates. Frederick discusses some of the cases he worked on during his time with the Compton Police Department, including murder, gang violence, and drug-dealing. He also discusses wider issues of political corruption, systemic racism, and how he struggled to overcome his own long-standing biases. Frederick describes the demanding nature of his work, and the emotional and physical trauma he experienced in the line of duty, including the murder of fellow police officers, and even an attempt on his own life. Frederick reflects on recent cases of police brutality, racism, and malpractice, but also highlights the work of hard-working police officers who risk their lives every day to make a difference within their communities. Frederick retired in 2017 with over seventy-five commendations. This is a powerful and emotional memoir by Frederick Reynolds, highlighting his struggle for survival as a Black man growing up in the US, and as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. Frederick’s writing is raw, gritty, and authentic. He masterfully captures the tension of policing in one of the most dangerous cities in the US in an age of political correctness and Black Lives Matter. The book provides a fascinating insight into the history and politics of Compton, and shows how deeply rooted racism is in all parts of our society. An essential read for anyone interested in Black culture and history, policing and law enforcement, or racial inequality. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and emotional memoir, highlighting one man’s struggle for survival as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. ​ Purchase here