< Back Carol Amorosi Death on the Line A classic murder mystery, by debut author Carol Amorosi In 1763, a young Scot named Angus MacKay was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, to work as an apprentice on a ground-breaking surveying project, to define the border between the American colonies of Maryland and Pennsylvania, using new technologies. The border had been fiercely contested for many years, and the King had ordered British surveyors, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, to resolve the issue once and for all. Angus sells everything he owns and sets sail from London to America, in search of a better life in the colonies. But during the ten-week journey, he notices some suspicious activity between a sailor and a crewman, as they secretly exchange a package. Arriving in Philadelphia, Angus notices the same sailor exchanging packages with another man, and senses something is not quite right. The surveying team leave Philadelphia and travel towards the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland, where Angus befriends Susquehannock Natives, Running Bear and Gray Wolf. But during their journey, the team hears news of brutal attacks on the Conestoga, a Native American tribe, and Angus notices the team are being followed by a one-armed man. But when Angus stumbles over a dead body, he becomes the prime murder suspect. Desperate to clear his name, Angus must do everything he can, to learn the truth and find the killer. Death on the Line is a thrilling murder mystery, and the first book in The MacKay Mysteries historical fiction series. Extensively researched, and based on real events cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book provides a fascinating insight into colonial America and the experiences of the Native Americans and the early settlers. With wonderful descriptions of the landscape, rich characterisation with authentic dialogue, and a unique and gripping plot, this is an excellent book and will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling murder mystery, extensively researched, and cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries. Purchase here

< Back E.R. Bellamy Chasing My Childs Education - A Staten Island Mothers Struggle Chasing My Child’s Education: A Staten Island Mother’s Struggle, is a heartfelt and deeply personal memoir by E.R. Bellamy, about her relentless journey to secure the best possible education for her two sons, both diagnosed with Dyslexia and Disorder of Written Expression. The book explores the challenges, frustrations, and triumphs of navigating an educational system that often falls short in addressing the needs of children with learning differences. Bellamy discusses how her young sons, Michael and Nicholas, both struggled with reading, writing, and concentration. She initially suspected Dyslexia, but her concerns were repeatedly dismissed by educators and administrators. The memoir is both inspiring and heart-breaking, as Bellamy details the numerous school transfers, IEP meetings, and interventions she pursued to help her sons. From public schools to private institutions in Brooklyn and Queens, and finally to a specialist school in New Jersey, Bellamy’s determination to find the right fit for her children is unwavering. Her story highlights the systemic challenges faced by parents of children with learning difficulties, including the lack of resources, the stigma of labels like “Special Education,” and the financial burden of private schooling. The memoir is a valuable resource for both parents and educators. Bellamy provides practical advice and shares resources, such as information about the Wilson Reading System and Orton-Gillingham, which were instrumental in her sons’ progress. This book is a must-read for anyone navigating their child’s special education journey. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A powerful and poignant memoir that sheds light on the challenges faced by families navigating the educational system for children with Dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Purchase here

< Back Chantal Patenaude It Is What It Is - Walking Beside My Mother Through Dementia Book blurb... Having recently returned home after decades living abroad, Chantal persuades her seventy-nine-year-old mother to also return home to Ottawa from California. Chantal anticipates worrying less now that they're living nearby. Instead, she witnesses increasingly troubling "senior moments" that lead to a devastating diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As her mother's world grows smaller and more confusing, Chantal steps into the unfamiliar role of primary caregiver and discovers a new kind of relationship along the way. She makes a simple vow: to make her mother smile every time she sees her. Some days she fails. But in choosing to meet her mother exactly where she is, through each stage of loss and decline, she finds moments of joy woven through the heartbreak. It Is What It Is tells the story of what endures when dementia takes almost everything. With unflinching honesty, Chantal reveals how the progressive disease transforms her mother, yet somehow never touches her gentle, grateful essence. This memoir explores adaptation, family relationships, and finding connection across the growing divide of dementia. It is a story of love, resilience, and the unexpected truth that caring for an aging parent can be as rewarding as it is devastating. Purchase here

< Back G.K. Woolf Still Here Still Here by G.K. Woolf is a haunting and intricately woven psychological thriller set in a small Australian town, where the unresolved disappearance of a child continues to cast a long shadow over a family and community. The novel is narrated primarily by Anna Monetti, a teacher whose life has been defined by the mysterious vanishing of her younger sister, Hattie, a decade earlier. Anna’s voice is raw and honest, often laced with dark humor and self-deprecation, which makes her both relatable and deeply sympathetic. Through her interactions with students, colleagues, and her fractured family, the reader is drawn into the emotional labyrinth that unresolved trauma creates. Woolf skillfully interlaces the present-day investigation with flashbacks and community gossip, gradually revealing the layers of suspicion, secrets, and missed opportunities that have plagued the case. The supporting cast—Anna’s parents, her friend Jess, ex-boyfriend Jacob (now a police officer), and various townsfolk—are rendered with depth, each carrying their own burdens and perspectives on Hattie’s disappearance. The novel’s structure, alternating between Anna’s perspective and occasional insights from Jacob, adds to the suspense and complexity. Woolf’s prose is evocative, with sharp dialogue and atmospheric descriptions that bring Hartford and its inhabitants to life. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for both introspection and mounting tension, culminating in a resolution that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. It is recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven mysteries, small-town dynamics, and stories that grapple with the messy realities of loss and hope. Woolf’s novel lingers long after the final page, inviting reflection on the stories we tell ourselves to survive—and the truths we sometimes bury to keep going. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling debut that deftly balances suspense with psychological insight Purchase here

< Back Tanya A. Taibl The Words She Left Behind-How Alzheimer's Changed Our Story The Words She Left Behind is a deeply personal memoir by Tanya A. Taibl, chronicling her family's journey as caretakers for her estranged aunt, Toni, who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The memoir is structured in a series of thematic chapters, each beginning with a poignant quote or journal entry from Toni. This approach gives readers intimate access to Toni's inner world, her struggles with paranoia, loneliness, and her gradual cognitive decline. The narrative alternates between Tanya's present-day experiences as a caretaker and her discoveries about her aunt's past through journals, letters, and family stories. Taibl's writing is candid and unflinching. She does not shy away from describing her own resentment and hatred toward her aunt, which makes her eventual journey toward forgiveness even more powerful. The prose is accessible, often conversational, and punctuated by moments of raw emotion and dark humor. The memoir vividly illustrates how Alzheimer's affects not just the patient but the entire family. Taibl describes the "slow funeral" of watching a loved one fade away, the emotional toll on caregivers, and the isolation that often accompanies the role. She provides practical insights into the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, memory care placement, and the daily unpredictability of dementia. A significant portion of the memoir is devoted to uncovering Toni's past through her journals and personal effects. These discoveries reveal a woman plagued by undiagnosed depression, failed relationships, and a lifelong struggle for acceptance and love. The author’s process of piecing together her aunt’s life story is both detective work and an act of compassion, leading to a deeper understanding of Toni’s behavior and mental health. One of the memoir’s most compelling arcs is Taibl’s transformation from resentment to empathy. Through caregiving, she learns to see her aunt not just as a source of family pain but as a vulnerable human being shaped by trauma and illness. The memoir’s honesty about the emotional complexities of caregiving is refreshing and relatable. Taibl includes practical advice, "Do's and Don'ts" for interacting with dementia patients, and resources for families, making the book useful as well as moving. This book is especially recommended for caregivers, family members of dementia patients, and anyone interested in memoirs that tackle difficult family dynamics with honesty and grace. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt, honest, and ultimately hopeful memoir about the ravages of Alzheimer’s and the redemptive power of understanding and forgiveness. Purchase here

< Back Alex Poppe Duende One young woman’s search for belonging and self-acceptance, by author Alex Poppe Sixteen-year-old Lava lives in Detroit, Michigan, with her mother, Lila Guajardo. Her alcoholic, drug addicted father, Jesse, is serving time in prison for drugs offences, and Lila struggles to cope with the demands of life and motherhood. As Lila grieves for the loss of her lover, she spirals into a deep depression. Lava’s only support and positive adult role model is Cody Ryan, a thirty-three-year-old Iraq war veteran who is a boarder in the family home. When Jesse is released from prison, he returns to the family home, and life for Lava becomes even more difficult. Cody is forced to leave, and Jesse continues to abuse drugs and alcohol. When Jesse asks Lava to do the unthinkable and use her own urine to pass his drug tests, she rebels and deliberately sabotages the test. Jesse confronts Lava, a fight breaks out and Lava is accidentally stabbed. Jesse is recalled to prison and Lila blames Lava. Unable to forgive her daughter, Lila evicts Lava from the family home and sends her to live with her cousin in Spain. Lava reluctantly moves to Seville and meets her mother’s cousin, Lola, a well-known and enigmatic flamenco dancer and teacher. Lava immerses herself into the culture, enrolling in Spanish language classes, and joining flamenco dance classes at Lola’s studio. She falls in love with flamenco and uses the dance to express her feelings, emotions and sensuality. As Lava settles into life in Seville, she meets new friends and experiences her first love, but her relationship with Lola is strained. Lola tolerates the teen, but is distant and elusive. As Lava attempts to learn more about her mother’s mysterious cousin, she soon discovers a dark family secret and the real reason she was sent to Seville. Duende by author Alex Poppe is a beautifully written and well-crafted coming of age novella, about one young woman’s journey from Detroit to Seville, and her search for belonging and self-acceptance. Lava’s journey of self-discovery is beautifully told through the rhythm and vibrations of flamenco music and dance. Poppe is a gifted storyteller – her prose is rich and lyrical, passionate and sensual. With vivid descriptions of flamenco and Seville, this novella is a beautiful homage to this unique artform and the place where it originated. The novella is suitable for both teen and adult readers, and will particularly appeal to those who are interested in Spanish culture and flamenco. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and well-crafted novella, and a wonderful homage to flamenco and Seville. Purchase here

< Back Marcella Luiso Flanagan American Destiny: A True Story of Family, Roots, and the Journey Between Two Worlds Book blurb... This is a deeply personal, multi-generational memoir about identity, immigration, family legacy, and belonging between two worlds — Italy and the United States. At its heart, the book tells the true story of Marcella “Marcie” Argenti, the American-born daughter of Italian immigrants from Bari, Apulia, and her family’s extraordinary journey across cultures, oceans, and generations. This is not just a family narrative — it’s a universal immigrant story about leaving, returning, and ultimately discovering that home is not a place, but a convergence of memory, choice, and love. Purchase here

< Back Dorrie-Lenore Parsons Becoming Hazel: Inherited Treasures Book 1 Book blurb... Inspired by true events Hazel Cunningham was born to faithful, loving parents in Kalamazoo, Michigan in December, 1889. She had a severe curvature of her spine and one shortened leg, and there was some talk about why the Lord had allowed that to happen - or whether it was a curse. But Hazel saw no reason why she should be constrained by anyone's expectations, though the taunts from others were distressing. "Midget." "Cripple." "Willful." Stubborn." She had also heard "Brilliant." "Inspired." and "Brava!" She adored applause, and she lived for it. Hazel yearned to be an independent, modern woman, and her opportunity came when she was sent away to Mineral Wells Texas to be "cured" of her congenital ailments. There she met Mildred Witherspoon, a generous new friend and confidante; JB Parker, a movie theater owner and mentor; Maria de Jesus, a suffragist; and Charlie Roberts, an awkward fireman nearly two decades older and two feet taller, who fell head-over heels in love with her. She was about to break all the rules with their help. Purchase here

< Back Shawn Callaway Hays and Stephen Callaway Hays What Light Was What Light Was is a dialogue novel by authors Shawn Hays and Stephen Hays. The book interweaves the stories of two famous authors, Mary Shelley, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The authors reconstruct their worlds, drawing connections between their personal lives, relationships, and their literary masterpieces. Mary Shelley, the nineteenth century English author of Frankenstein, whose personal life was as dramatic as her iconic novel. Her story is not just about her literary creations, but of the devastating losses she experienced throughout her life. Shelley’s writing became a form of healing, a way of finding her voice and making sense of her grief and heartache. A century later, American author F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby. The Great Gatsby represents Fitzgerald’s disillusionment with the Jazz Age – a period marked by excess, wealth and prohibition. Fitzgerald drew from his own personal experiences, his relationship with his wife who initially rejected him because of his lack of wealth, and led him towards the lifestyle he loathed. What Light Was is an extraordinary novel written in dialogue by authors Shawn Hays and Stephen Hays. The stories of Shelley and Fitzgerald are beautifully retold through of blend of dialogue, poetry, and meditation. The book captures a writer’s life, their fears, anxieties, self-doubt, and inspiration. It highlights the emotional and artistic parallels between the two authors, and explores the impact of the creative process on the artists. It examines the relationship between suffering and creativity. Do you have to endure heartbreak, tragedy and turmoil to produce something extraordinary? This is a fascinating and unique novel, and nothing like I have read before. I was totally engrossed from the very first page to the last. The book offers a fresh perspective on two literary icons and will appeal to readers of literary fiction, and fans of Shelley and Fitzgerald. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A masterpiece of literary fiction by Shawn Hays and Stephen Hays. Purchase here

< Back Montoya Whitehead Going Vegan to Save the Planet Book blurb... Change your plate, change the planet Animal agriculture is one of the biggest drivers of climate change - yet it’s often left out of the conversation. From methane-belching cattle to the toxic waste of pig farms. From deforestation for feed crops to the oceans choked by fish farming, this book uncovers the hidden environmental cost of what’s on our plates. Sector by sector - poultry, fish, beef, pork, dairy and leather - the book lays out how the industry is damaging our planet. How animal agriculture fuels global warming, destroys ecosystems, and pollutes our air, water, and soil. The case is made, with hard evidence, that going vegan is the single most powerful action any one of us can take to slow - or even help stop - the climate crisis. Urgent, accessible, and unflinching, Going Vegan to Save the Planet connects the dots between diet and survival, showing how our everyday choices can reshape the future. Purchase here

< Back Benjamin Shiller AI Economics: How Technology Transforms Jobs, Markets, Life, & Our Future Book blurb... "Concise, chatty, companionable, ever-so-savvy. There may be a more useful guide to AI out there, but why incur the opportunity cost of searching for it? The first three pages should sell you on this one. I decline most blurb requests but, having covered AI from the jump, this is as good as it gets." —Paul Solman, (very) longtime Business & Economics Correspondent, PBS News Hour 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