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< Back E.N. Chanting Origin of Violet Origin of Violet by E.N. Chanting is a haunting and emotionally charged novella that delves into the harrowing journey of Violet, a twelve-year-old girl who endures unimaginable abuse and trauma. The story begins with Violet taking a drastic and violent step to escape her abusive stepfather, she calls "The Beast." The opening chapter is raw and unsettling, plunging readers into Violet's dark and chaotic world. As the story unfolds, Violet must face the consequences of her actions, including legal battles, therapy, and confinement in a psychiatric ward. Despite her traumatic past, Violet's sharp wit and determination shine through, making her a compelling and multidimensional protagonist. E.N. Chanting portrays the long road to healing, but due to the length of the novella there isn’t a great deal of time to capture the full psychological impact of the abuse on Violet. The novella doesn't shy away from the grim realities of Violet's experiences, but it also offers moments of hope and light, particularly through the relationships she forms with her therapist, attorney, and foster parents. These characters provide a sense of stability and love that helps Violet begin to rebuild her life. The author skilfully balances the dark themes with moments of humor, friendship, and hope, creating a story that is both heart-breaking and uplifting. Origin of Violet is a powerful and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the devastating impact of childhood abuse. It sets the stage for the continuation of Violet's story, leaving readers eager to see how she navigates her new life and confronts her past. The story will appeal to readers of thriller, horror, and realistic fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A haunting and emotionally charged novella about childhood abuse and the resilience of the human spirit. Purchase here

< Back Raejean Kanter Who Held the Door Open?: Mentoring Through Life's Challenges Author, Raejean Kanter, discusses the positive impact of mentoring. Raejean Kanter has mentored over fifty people in her lifetime. She shares her own personal experience of going through a troubling time. She explains how she hit rock bottom, and the only thing that kept her going, was to focus on the positive things that happened to her that day. As a mentor, she questioned how she could mentor others when her own life was falling apart. She recalls that she became involved in mentoring as a result of people that mentored her, and ‘held the door open’, believing in her, encouraging her. One of those mentors was her father, and another, the owner of a weight loss business who gave her a job following breast cancer. Kanter presents the true stories of three women she mentored. Each story is written by the mentee in her own words. The first story is from Stacey Kent. Stacey met Raejean whilst at university, at a time when she was having lots of fun, but her grades were slipping. Raejean helped Stacy define her aims and establish some life goals. Stacey remains friends with RaeJean to this day. The second story is from Rhonda Ronsman who describes Raejean as a mentor and number one friend. RaeJean supported Rhonda through one of her most difficult times, including following a period of heavy drinking. In the third story, Vân Thanh Nguyễn, a student from Vietnam discusses her relationship with Raejean and other mentors during her studies in the United States. Raejean even visited her home in Vietnam when she struggled to adapt to life back home. In the final story, Theresa Nemetz, describes how Raejean became her first professional mentor, and she uses her experience of working with many mentors to encourage readers to take action and challenge themselves. Raejean shares four beautiful stories of four incredible women. In each story, each woman shares their personal life journey, and how mentors supported them through challenges and helped them to achieve their goals. They describe their friendship with Raejean and other mentors, and how they made a positive difference to their lives. Each story is unique, powerful, and inspiring. The book demonstrates that we all need a friend and mentor, and we are all capable of opening the door to others. As Theresa Nemetz says, ‘I wish everyone could have a Raejean in their life’. I do too! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational woman shares four beautiful stories of women she has mentored. Each story is unique, powerful and inspiring. Purchase here

< Back Glendall C Jackson III Naked Came the Detective An escort turned super sleuth, investigates the mysterious death of a client. An unnamed high-end escort entertains a wealthy, high profile client in a hotel room in Washington DC. The next day her client, Ben, is found bludgeoned to death in an alleyway just outside the hotel. The police believe his death was a mugging gone awry, but the escort believes there is something strange about the case. As she continues her business in Washington’s luxury hotels, she takes it upon herself to investigate the case. She questions her friends and clients, and learns that Ben was an unscrupulous businessman running an illegal Ponzi scheme. As she tends to her regular clients, she learns that many of them had invested, and lost, large amounts of money in Ben’s ‘business’. Her clients, including a lawyer and the medical examiner, are reluctant to talk, but she uses her skills of seduction to tease out important information about Ben’s life and business dealings. Any one of her clients could be a potential suspect in his murder, but the police continue to stick to their mugging theory. When she returns back to the hotel where Ben was killed, she recognises a familiar number plate, and gets the feeling she is being watched. As she starts to look closer to home and her own relationships, she soon finds herself right in the middle of the investigation. With her life in grave danger, she develops an elaborate plot to expose the killer. Naked Came the Detective by author Glendall C Jackson III is a cosy mystery novella, with a sexy twist. Set within the sex industry and the business world of Washington DC, the story focuses on the brutal murder of a well-known businessman. The unnamed protagonist is an escort with a sharp mind and a mysterious past, who is unwittingly thrust into the role of an amateur detective. Fuelled by a mixture of grief and curiosity, she is determined to unravel the mystery behind his death. This is a compelling and gripping mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative is fast paced with plenty of twists and turns, and Jackson’s exploration of the sex industry is both respectful and enlightening. This is a short novella at just 100 pages, and I devoured it in a single setting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and gripping mystery novella, with a sexy twist. Purchase here

< Back Liza Gino Imelda's Secret Author Liza Gino details the horrors of the Pacific War from a woman’s perspective Cousins Imelda and Gloria witness Japanese soldiers shoot a neighbour in cold blood and take captive a young woman during the Pacific War. Imelda’s father, Don Fulgencio, fears for the girl’s safety and hides them in the basement, cutting their hair short and dressing them like boys. But when Don tragically passes away, the girls are captured and subjected to horrific abuse by Japanese soldiers. Kenji, an old friend of Imelda’s, and now a Colonel in the Japanese Imperial Army, rescues the girls and takes them to a place of safety. Forty years later, as Gloria lays in a hospital bed in San Francisco, the women reflect on their experiences during the war and the sexual violence they suffered at the hands of the Japanese. Gloria’s dying wish is to talk about their experience and expose the Japanese for their war crimes against women. But Imelda has never discussed the crimes with her family and is reluctant to share her experience. When Kenji suddenly reappears, Imelda finds the strength and courage to tell her story, and she can finally start to heal from her past trauma. Set during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, Imelda’s Secret is a heart-breaking novel, based on the real-life experiences of women who endured horrific abuse and sexual violence by the Japanese Imperial Army. This is a powerful and thought-provoking novel, which details the horrors of war and tells the story from a woman’s perspective. The book is for all those women and girls who experienced sexual abuse and exploitation during war and conflict. Their story will not be forgotten. Thank you, Liza Gino, for sharing this story and for all the work you do for women and girls by raising awareness of rape, sexual slavery, and crimes against humanity. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A powerful and thought-provoking novel, detailing the horrific abuse and sexual violence experienced by women during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in World War II. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Peter Eliott A Dream of Shadows A notorious criminal joins a bunch of misfits, to take down a powerful villain. Vazeer the Lash is a notorious criminal, born and raised in the nefarious underworld capital of Hell’s Labyrinth. Having spent most of his life in the seedy underworld, he is keen to retire from a life of crime. When Vazeer’s contract broker offers him big money to join the Shadow Bidders, he sees it as an opportunity to walk away from his life of crime, and he hopes it will be his final contract. The Shadow Bidders are a group of misfit criminals and include a locksmith, an actress, an assassin, and a Line Man. Their mission is to hunt down and take out the Count Ulan Gueritus (the ‘Raving Blade’), one of Hell’s Labyrinth’s most powerful brokers. The evil Count has a reputation for torturing his victims and has blackmailed the Countess of Odel. His actions have sparked outrage and could result in war in the once peaceful city of Sullward. The Shadow Bidders have just forty-eight hours to hunt down the target and complete the task. Each member of the team must risk their lives to defeat the Count, by harnessing their own distinctive and unique talents. But, with their lives in imminent danger, the team soon discovers that nothing is quite as it seems in this strange case. Will the Shadow Bidders defeat the Count? Will they restore peace to the city of Sullward? Can Vazeer move on from his life of crime? And will this really be his final contract? A Dream of Shadows is a remarkable, fantasy novel by debut author Peter Eliott, about a career criminal desperate to escape his life of crime, who risks it all for one last shot at the big money. With beautiful prose, fantastic world building, and fascinating, well-developed, multi-layered characters, this is an immersive and gripping novel. Peter Eliott is a creative and masterful writer, and a talent to watch out for. This is an exceptional novel at every level, and highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A brilliantly plotted fantasy fiction novel. I couldn't put this compelling debut book down. Purchase here

< Back Renee Hamilton Norey Loo Glory's Adoption Story Book blurb... Celebrate adoption through the eyes and heart of nine year old Norey Loo Glory, as she sets the record straight that "adoption is an awesome option". Purchase here

< Back Brandon Moore Bridget Kimble Learns Self Control Bridget Kimble is looking forward to her first day at EnMotion elementary school and cannot wait to meet lots of new friends. She travels to school by bus and meets her teacher, Ms Widget. Ms Widget explains the school rules and asks each student to introduce themselves. But, when it is Bridget’s turn to introduce herself, a boy interrupts her. Bridget is upset but Ms Widget steps in and allows the boy to introduce himself first. Bridget stays quiet and when the boy has finished talking, she calmly introduces herself. Later, Ms Widget explains why she stepped in and praises Bridget for demonstrating self-control. Rather than reacting to the boy, Bridget processed the situation and made a decision to control her emotions. Bridget Kimble Learns Self Control is an illustrated picture book by Brandon Moore about a little girl’s first day at elementary school and the big feelings that come with it. When an interaction in the classroom doesn’t go as planned, her teacher gently guides her through a lesson in self-control and kindness. Moore skilfully captures the emotional highs and lows of a first day at school, offering readers a realistic and relatable experience. The story will help children learn that it is okay to feel sad or upset when someone doesn’t follow the rules, and how to pause, breathe and respond calmly. The anime-style illustrations by Mick Edrick M. Marcellana are vibrant and expressive, perfectly capturing Bridget’s experience and emotions. The book not only helps young readers learn important life skills, it also introduces them to this striking and expressive art-form. With additional creative content at the end of the book, this is a great resource for budding comic book or anime artists. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet and empowering first-day-at-school story that will help young children learn self-control and important life skills. Purchase here

< Back Peter Mazurek Modern Catholic Concerns Peter Mazurek explores the history of the Catholic Church and modern catholic concerns. Modern Catholic Concerns by Peter Mazurek considers Catholicism and the current issues facing the Catholic Church. The author discusses the existence of God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the authority and authenticity of the Catholic Church, and a number of contemporary issues and controversies. He presents classic arguments, such as Five Ways of St Thomas Aquinas and the Teleological Argument, to modern theories from physicists such as Stephen Hawking. The book is divided into five parts. ‘Part 1 Parameters’ considers the Catholic faith, and the reasons or explanations for each of those beliefs. ‘Part 2 The Existence of God’ explores how-to live a life as a Catholic, covering in detail the Mass, the sacraments, and other liturgical procedures, with explanations of how these procedures work, what they achieve, and their validity. ‘ Part 3 The Divinity of Jesus Christ’ examines socioreligious norms and the theologies and teachings of Jesus Christ. It includes the Ten Commandments and their meaning and applications to contemporary issues. ‘Part 4 The Catholic Church’ deals with Christian prayer and covers in detail attitudes towards various communications with God. ‘ Part 5 Contemporary Issues’ discusses modern issues, such as euthanasia, abortion, terrorism, paedophilia, and religious cults. This is a comprehensive, extensively researched, well written and articulate book about Catholicism. Written by an extremely knowledgeable layperson, with arguments presented in layperson’s language, this book is an accessible read. The author uses his personal knowledge and experience of growing up in the Catholic faith, but he does not preach to the reader. Mazurek states ‘I do not try to convert anyone to my views of faith’ . The book provides fascinating insights into Catholicism and the Catholic Church. It explores the history of the church and contemporary issues, and will help readers make more informed choices about their own faith and life. The book will appeal to Catholics, Clerics, theology students, anyone interested in faith and the Catholic Church, and those who might be experiencing a crisis of faith. Non-Catholics will be fascinated by the history of the church, and modern catholic concerns. This was a fascinating read, and I welcomed the opportunity to understand more about the Catholic faith, something I know very little about. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and insightful book about the Catholic faith. An essential read for Catholics, and anyone interested in the Catholic church. Purchase here

< Back Sarah Lloyd Emma Murphy and the Ultimate Power An imaginative and entertaining debut novel by author Sarah Lloyd. Emma Murphy is a quiet, shy, ordinary girl, but on one extraordinary day at school, her life is turned upside down and changed forever. Her Uncle Rossa unexpectedly turns up at her school, and teleports her to another part of the city, where she meets her Aunt Scarlet and her cousins Jade and Simon. Emma learns that her parents have been arrested and detained by an alien government agency, and that her family has harboured a dark secret for many years. Emma and her family set out to rescue her parents and find shelter in a secret safe house. Emma discovers that her parents are not who she thought they were, and that she is a direct descendant of an alien Queen, with magical, superhuman powers. As Emma comes to terms with her new identity and new powers, she is thrust into battle with the aliens. Will Emma learn how to control her powers and save her family? And will she take up her rightful place as Queen of an alien planet? Emma Murphy and the Ultimate Power is an imaginative and entertaining chapter book about a young girl who discovers her true identity and is thrown into an extraordinary alien world of wonder and magic. The first book in a series of three, the ‘Ultimate Power’ is a great introduction to science fiction for younger readers. Emma is a relatable and likeable character, who must conquer her fears to save her family and secure her future. Her confidence grows throughout the book, and she transforms from a shy, anxious girl, into a strong, powerful, young woman. A great role model for girls and young women! I can’t wait to read more about Emma and her alien adventures in the future. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Set in an extraordinary alien world with a strong female protagonist, this is a great introduction to science fiction for younger readers. Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven A wonderful adaptation of a medieval French fairy-tale, by Jennifer Ivy Walker Fourteen-year-old Issylte, the Emerald Princess of Ireland, is forced to flee her home, when her father, King Donnchadh of Ireland, marries Princess Morag of Scotland. Queen Morag, unable to conceive a child of her own and fearful of the heirs’ future claim to the throne, orders her death. Issylte is lured into the forest, but she is spared from death by two loyal guards. She is taken to the enchanted Hazelwood Forest, where she is sheltered by Maiwenn, a wizened witch, and the forest fairies. Issylte’s identity is hidden and she lives an idyllic life, where she learns how to wield the herbal essences of the forest and develops her powers of healing. After several years living in Hazelwood, Issylte’s true identity is discovered. Queen Morag is furious to learn the princess is alive and sends an army to find and kill her. Issylte is forced to flee again, leaving behind her dear Maiwenn, who is brutally murdered by the Queens army. Issylte finds sanctuary on the mystical island of Avalon, with Maiwenn’s friend and mother of Lancelot, Viviane. Her identity is changed once again and Issylte becomes an acolyte and gifted healer. She meets and falls in love with Ronan, an Avalonian Elf. When Queen Morag’s army savagely attacks the Kingdom of Cornwall, the Blue Knight of Cornwall and heir to the Cornish Crown, Tristan, is severely injured and sent to Avalon for treatment and recovery. Issylte heals Tristan and discovers a deep and powerful connection with the warrior. Queen Morag, now betrothed to the King of Cornwall following her murder of King Donnchadh, learns of Issylte’s and Tristen’s location on the protected Isle. She sends her army to kill both Issylte and Tristen, as the heirs to the Irish and Cornish crowns. Issylte must decide whether to leave the safety of Avalon and her beloved Ronan, or flee with Tristan to France, avenge her father’s death and become the rightful Queen of Ireland. The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a sensational, well-crafted, medieval fantasy fiction novel by author Jennifer Ivy Walker. The novel is an adaptation of a medieval French classic, with a perfect blend of magic, mysticism, romance, tragedy, drama, and suspense. This novel will captivate and enthral readers from the outset. I was fully immersed in this wonderful story and invested in the two main characters, whose lives and journeys are seamlessly interwoven in this beautiful magical, fantasy world. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sensational, well-crafted, fantasy fiction novel, with a perfect blend of magic, mysticism, romance, tragedy, drama, and suspense. Purchase here

< 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