Search Results

< Back Elizabeth H. Cottrell HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and INspire Author Elizabeth H. Cottrell demonstrates how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a guidebook by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell about how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Cottrell explains how handwritten notes have been effective, meaningful tools for connection throughout her life. She shares her experience of writing personal and professional notes, and offers advice and guidance to help readers find and write their own words. The book is divided into six key sections. In Chapter 1, Cottrell explains why she wrote the book, and discusses the history of note writing. In Chapter 2 she describes how note writing can build deeper and more meaningful connections with people. Chapter 3 describes her secret NOTES formula for note writing, and Chapter 4 examine how to apply the formula in different scenarios. In Chapter 5, Cottrell provides examples of notes in less common or difficult situations. Chapter 6 demonstrates how to apply the same principles to business and professional correspondence. The remaining chapters and appendices include a variety of tools and tips, and further resources to help readers on their personal note writing journey. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a beautifully written and insightful book by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell. Cottrell shares her own personal experiences and describes the power of note writing to connect, comfort, encourage, and inspire. The book provides insight, advice, hints and tips, and helpful tools, to help readers craft meaningful and impactful notes for any occasion. With a simple and easy to follow NOTES formula, the book will help develop readers confidence and skills in note writing. The book is a comprehensive and valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their note writing skills, and will appeal to any reader interested in note writing, in either a personal or professional capacity. I hope this beautiful book will inspire a love of this art-form. Cottrell’s expertise in note writing, and her passion for more meaningful communication, shines throughout this book. Cottrell speaks from the heart and this book is very special. Truly heart spoken. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A definitive guide to more meaningful and impactful communication through the art of note writing. 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 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 Rick Soshensky The Music Therapy Studio: Empowering the Soul's Truth A masterpiece of non-fiction, by author Rick Soshensky Rick Soshensky, a music therapist for thirty years, writes a ground-breaking non-fiction book about the power of music, and its ability to integrate, heal and transform peoples’ lives. Rick discusses his love of music, his life as a musician, and his work as a music therapist. Based on extensive research, and many years of clinical practice, Rick describes his approach to music therapy as the Music Therapy Studio, and organises his approach into three sections: The Foundation, which sets out the theoretical groundwork for his work; The Framework, which identifies the different components of music and the relationship between conventional musicianship and music therapy, and; The Philosophy, which examines the underlying principles and assumptions including esoteric and metaphysical concepts. Rick presents a number of real-life stories, of people he has supported through music therapy, including Daniel, a young blind man with a number of other diagnoses including Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Tourette’s Syndrome. Daniel had an innate musical talent and Rick describes the impact of musical therapy on him and his family. According to Daniel’s adopted mother, “Music has helped Daniel to find himself through the adversity and handicapping of his autism, OCD, Tourette’s and total darkness in blindness. Music truly has given him the gift of life.” This is an emotional and powerful book that demonstrates the therapeutic effects of music, through real life stories. Beautifully written by Rick Soshensky with such respect, care and compassion for his clients, this book will appeal to anyone interested in music therapy, and the benefits of music more generally. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring and thought-provoking book for anyone interested in the therapeutic effects of music. Purchase here

< Back Chloe AH Lewis The Covenant of Saints A young art students life takes an extraordinary turn when she inherits a locket from her late grandfather . Twenty-five-year-old, Nola, is a gifted Fine Arts student from Kansas City, Missouri. She returns to Lockwood Manor, the seat of her paternal family line going back three generations. Her beloved grandfather, Nolan Lockwood, has passed away and Nola wants to pay her last respects. Her uncle gives her a small white box and a letter, an early birthday present gifted by her grandfather before he died. She does not read the letter immediately, but inside the box is a locket with a black polished oval cut stone, a precious family heirloom. Returning home, Nola is attacked in an alleyway by three mysterious figures. She is helped by a stranger named Cade, who fights off the attackers. Cade breaks into Nola’s apartment and follows her to her workplace. He explains that her life is in grave danger, and he has been sent to protect her and keep her alive, as a Guardian. Nola learns that she has descended from a longline of conjurers in the ‘Unseen World.’ The three mysterious figures were Hunters, sent by the Head of the Warlock Council to retrieve her. The Hunters need Nola and her precious locket to bring the Council’s ‘Final Solution’ to fruition. The Final Solution is infinite power and immortality, and they will stop at nothing to find her. Cade takes Nola away for her own protection, where she must crossover from the ‘Mundane Society’ into the ‘Unseen World’ to protect her people – a process of ‘Ascension.’ As Nola takes in the extraordinary news, she reads the letter from her grandfather. He asks her to continue the legacy of the family’s magick and answer her ancestors’ call. Will Nola fulfil her grandfather’s final wishes? Can Nola protect her people and secure the family bloodline? And can Cade keep her safe from the demon Warlocks and Hunters? The Covenant of Saints by author Chloe A.H. Lewis is a gripping urban fantasy fiction novel, with elements of historical fiction, romance and horror. The novel follows the journey of Nola, a gifted artist, whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she inherits a locket from her late grandfather. With multiple timelines and points of view, the past and present intertwine through the discovery of the family heirloom. This is a captivating and satisfying novel with an intriguing and multi-layered storyline, and deep, multi-dimensional characterisation. Lewis has created an exquisite slow-burner, packed full of magick and mystery. I was engrossed from cover to cover. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gem of a book, which will captivate readers with its blend of fantasy, magic, mystery, suspense and horror. Purchase here

< Back Ed Norwood Be a Giant Killer: Overcoming Your Everyday Goliaths Author Ed Norwood helps others to face their fears, through following the teachings found in the Bible. Be a Giant Killer: Overcoming Your Everyday Goliaths by Ed Norwood is a non-fiction Christian book about how to overcome adversity and take back control of your life. The author draws on his experience of losing twenty-seven members of his own family, when cult leader, Jim Jones, massacred over 900 people in Jonestown, Guyana in 1978. Norwood describes the guilt and shame this placed on his own family, and how the tragedy turned many of his relatives away from God. This tragic event overshadowed his own life until he reconnected with God and discovered the life lessons in this book. He refers to negative events, people, and thoughts as ‘giants’, which exist to intimidate us and kill our dreams. Rather than run away from these giants, he explains that we must run towards them, confront them, and face our fears with courage to break the chain of transmission to the next generation. Norwood identifies seven giants (fear, dissatisfaction, unforgiveness, addiction, laziness, procrastination, and folly) that many of us will face in life, and he uses the biblical story of David and Goliath throughout the book to show how we can overcome those giants. This is a powerful, deeply moving, and inspiring, self-help book that will help readers identify and conquer their own giants. Whilst this book will appeal to those who might be seeking spiritual guidance, you do not need to be religious to understand the messages within this book. Ed Norwood is an inspirational man, and he tells his story with honesty and compassion. He has shown how he has slayed his own giants through following the teachings found in the Bible, and he uses his experiences to help others to overcome their own struggles. A remarkable book, by a remarkable man, and highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful, deeply moving, and inspiring, self-help book that will help readers identify and conquer their own giants. Purchase here

< Back Leon Conrad Story and Structure: A complete guide An essential read for anyone interested in writing and storytelling, by Leon Conrad ‘Story and Structure: A complete guide’ is a handbook for anyone interested in writing and storytell ing. It tells the untold story of what makes a story, a ‘story’. Conrad describes his approach, which is based on six primary symbols (inspired by Professor George Spencer-Brown’s book ‘Laws of Form’), as a simple, visual way to analyse and compare different story structures. The six sy mbols approach is a useful way to understand how story works, how and why structures differ, and why story is a much wider phenomena than most people underst and. It has the potential to help us not only understand stories better, but also to underst and ourselves better. He provides examples of 18 distinct story structures, some well-known and some less well known , from across different cultures and eras (from the earliest written records to the present day). Conrad describes the methodology of the approach and applies it to different story structures, as well as describing the implications for the approach, and how the methodology can be applied in the practice of writing, from poetry to creative writing, teaching and anthropology. ‘Story and Structure: A complete guide’ by Leon Conrad is a comprehensive, well-researched and insightful handbook. The book is well structured, and easy to read and understand. This book will help readers appreciate the importance of story structure, and will help anyone to write better stories. It is an essential read for anyone interested in writing and storytelling, includ ing writers, storytellers, teachers, poets, and readers. I really wi sh I had read this book ten years ago, when I started my own writing journey. Star rating: 5 St ars Summary: A fascin ating insight into how story works, which will help readers appreciate the import ance of story structure. Purchase here

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

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

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

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

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