< Back J Paul Rieger Jr The Big Comb Over A wild satirical comedy about one extended Baltimore family. It’s 2050 and forty-something Robbie is attempting another DNA test, following several botched results. He is keen to learn more about his ancestry after joining a book circle and learning more about his friends lineage. While contemplating his odd DNA results, Robbie reflects on his life and precious memories of his childhood spent with his brother, cousins, and uncles. He remembers deep, spiritual conversations with his late uncle, Tim Elders (Tim, Tim). Tim had a long history of drug abuse and mental health issues, and Robbie’s parents discouraged contact between them. Robbie recalls happy memories of Tim, who shared extraordinary stories of their long family history. Tim said he could trace the family tree back to biblical times, and claimed the family had special superpowers to help and heal others. Robbie thinks about his strange DNA results and remembers a time when he saved a girl from drowning, even though he could not swim himself. He wonders whether Tim’s stories were in fact true all along. As Robbie further ponders his life, he remembers a particularly special trip with his uncles and nephews to London, when his Uncle Stefan married a distant member of the British royal family. As the men and boys explored the sights and sounds of London, they found themselves in a few sticky situations with the police, radical environmental groups, and neo-Nazi gangs. The Big Comb Over is a satirical comedy by author J. P. Rieger about a Baltimore family, and the special bond between brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews. Spanning multiple timelines and incorporating multiple perspectives, the book takes readers on a hilarious journey through the lives of one extended family. During one overseas trip, the family stumble through a series of misadventures, whereby readers will simultaneously scratch their heads and laugh-out-loud uncontrollably. If you are in the mood for a laugh-out-loud comedy that defies reason and revels in ridiculousness, this book is for you! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A hilarious satirical comedy about the special bond between brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews, and their many misadventures. ​ Purchase here

< Back Wendy Hewlett Witches & Whisky Maggie Glass must face her past, to solve a horrific crime, by author Wendy Hewlett Magaidh Ghlais was orphaned at the age of eight, following the brutal murder of her parents, who were found burned at the stake on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Magaidh was found near the scene of the crime, but had no memory of her parent’s murder, or of her life before the tragic incident. Magaidh was brought up by her godmother and inherited her parents’ successful distillery business, Ghlais Whiskey, on their death. The business was run by her uncle Alastaire until Magaidh was able to take over. But Magaidh, still traumatised and grieving the horrific death of her parents, was uninterested in the business and allowed Alastaire to run it on her behalf. Magaidh changed her name to Maggie Glass to distance herself from the business, and joined the police service of Scotland. Eighteen years following the death of her parents, Detective Constable Maggie Glass is called out to the scene of a horrific crime. A young woman, Jamie Kenmore, is found burned at the stake on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Jamie’s murder follows a similar pattern and modus operandi to her parent’s murder, and the murder of many other powerful, intelligent and successful women, found in similar circumstances. Maggie is drafted in to support the investigation, in the hope that it might trigger her childhood memories and identify the killers. But as Maggie starts to investigate the crime, she discovers a connection with her parent’s business, her uncle Alastaire, the highest ranks of the police service, and the Lords of Edinburgh, a secret society of witch-hunters. Maggie must seek the help of a witch, to help her retrieve her childhood memories, and a reporter to help bring the murderers to justice. Witches & Whisky is a thrilling and gritty police drama and murder mystery novel, by author Wendy Hewlett. The book is a traditional murder mystery story, with interesting and memorable characters, and a unique and gripping plot. DC Maggie Glass is a fascinating protagonist, and I look forward to reading more about her life, loves, and detective work. Set against the magnificent and haunting Edinburgh backdrop, and inspired by Scottish history, this is a perfect book for readers of crime fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling and gritty murder mystery novel, with a gripping plot, and a fascinating protagonist. ​ Purchase here

< Back Marlayne Jan Giron Second Chance Inn A couple cross cultural boundaries and find love after tragic loss. Rachel Winston is grieving the loss of her husband, Barry, who died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. After a year of financial struggles following his death, Rachel decides to sell her home in Southern California, and moves to Pennsylvania with her sixteen-year-old adopted daughter, Karen. With the proceeds from the sale of her house, she buys a six-bedroom farm from an Amish man, Samuel Miller. She plans to convert the farm into a traditional Amish style bed and breakfast. As part of the sale agreement, Samuel will continue to work on the farm and is allowed to live rent-free in the Dawdi (in-law) house. Samuel is grieving the loss of his wife and five children, following a tragic buggy accident. As Rachel and Karen settle into their new home, they learn about Amish life, values, and culture. Karen misses her old friends and complains about the lack of internet, electricity, and plumbing. Rachel and Karen’s relationship becomes strained, and Samuel intervenes when Karen disrespects her mother. Rachel and Samuel grow increasingly close, but Rachel feels it is too soon to start a new relationship; and Samuel fears he would be excommunicated from the Amish community. Karen soon settles into the community, meets other teenagers, and starts a relationship with a young Amish man. Meanwhile, Rachel struggles to fit in, and experiences further financial hardship as the renovation costs escalate. Rachel and Samuel have important decisions to make about their life in Pennsylvania and their future in the Amish community. Second Chance Inn by author Marlayne Jan Giron is a compelling and heartwarming novel about a couple from different cultures, who unexpectedly find love after tragic loss. Set in the picturesque countryside, the novel follows the journey of Rachel, a spirited Englisch (non-Amish) woman, as she builds a new life for herself in Pennsylvania and falls in love with Samuel, a devout Amish man. The book provides a fascinating insight into the Amish community, exploring their values, customs, beliefs, and ways of life. It is a testament to the transformative power of love, and the strength to follow one’s heart. The novel is a must read for readers who enjoy romance, and those interested in Amish culture. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and heartwarming novel about the transformative power of love. ​ Purchase here

< Back Sherman E Ross Code Name: Juggernaut A relentless cat and mouse chase between a seasoned detective and a cold-bloodied assassin. The FBI is investigating the brutal murder of several high-profile Black men, believed to be targeted by white supremist gangs. When another prominent Black man, Reverend Williams, is shot dead in broad daylight, Special Agent Douglas Rabson is called in to crack the case. Rabson is a rising star in the bureau and a member of the Bureau’s elite Domestic Counter-terrorism Strike Force. A jew, whose maternal great-grandparents had been murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust, Rabson is concerned by the disturbing resurgence of racism and anti-Semitism in the country. Rabson’s investigation leads him to Utah, and a compound named ‘JerUSAlem,’ the home of the Aryan Church of Yahweh the Creator, a violent, racist, white neo-Nazi supremacist gang. The gang believe they are ‘Aryan chosen people’ and are preparing to destroy the government in a race war. Forensic investigations link the William’s murder to other killings and gang member, Jacqueline 'Jack-L' Diane Lynch, is identified as the prime suspect. Jack-L , a twenty-nine-year-old ex-Marine and professional assassin is in a relationship with another gang member, Howard Brennan, a former USAF colonel and nuclear engineer. As Rabson's investigation continues , Brennan comes up with a bizarre plan to take down the government that wrecked his health and destroyed his career. Will Jack-L assist Brennan with his murderous plan? And will Rabson find her before she takes her next hit? Code Name: Juggernaut by Sherman E. Ross i s a gripping crime thriller and a chilling exploration of radicalisation, extremist ideology, and the threat of a nuclear race war. This is a thought-provoking and unsettling novel with graphic descriptions of racism, violence, and murder. Whilst the subject matter is disturbing, it is a timely reminder of the dangers of radicalisation and the urgent need to combat extremism and intolerance in all its forms. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, thought-provoking and provocative novel that raises important questions about humanity and society. ​ Purchase here

< Back Angela Williams Loving Me: After Abuse Loving yourself after abuse is the path to greater healing. Loving Me: After Abuse is a heart wrenching but inspiring memoir by Angela Williams that follows her journey towards healing and restoration, following years of childhood abuse. Williams discusses the horrific physical, emotional, and sexual abuse she experienced by her stepfather between the ages of three and seventeen. She describes the pain and trauma she experienced, and the significant impact of the abuse on all facets of her life. The abuse stole her innocence, and ravaged her confidence and self-respect, but it did not destroy her. Williams describes how the abuse made her stronger. Through professional counselling and listening to God, she was able to overcome the pain, trauma, and shame of the abuse, and learnt how to love herself. Divided into ten chapters, Williams describes her own personal journey towards loving herself, her life, and others. “ I’ve learned that a critical step on this healing journey is to learn to love myself in light of horrific circumstances that taught me to hate myself.” Williams uses her personal experience to help and support other survivors of abuse on their own healing journey. With guidance, such as maintaining good health, positive affirmations, sharing struggles, grounding techniques, seeking professional help, and connecting with a church, Williams hopes to break the cycle of abuse. Loving Me: After Abuse by Angela Williams is a deeply personal and moving memoir that chronicles Williams journey towards self-love after enduring many years of childhood abuse. This memoir was heart wrenching to read in places, as Williams discusses the abuse she experienced, and the impact this had on her life, including several attempted suicides. While the memoir deals with a difficult subject matter, it does have a positive message that will provide hope and healing to other survivors of childhood abuse. Loving Me: After Abuse is not just a memoir, but a source of inspiration and hope for anyone on their own journey towards healing. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and moving memoir, which will provide hope and healing to other survivors of childhood abuse. ​ Purchase here

< Back Robin Jeffrey R.A.T.: A Cadence Turing Mystery Chance and Cadence are back to solve another crime. R.A.T.: A Cadence Turing Mystery is the second instalment in the Cadence Turing mystery series and follows on where the first book finished. Arrhidaean, Chance Hale, has unexpectedly taken over the multi-million-dollar tech company, Halcyon Enterprises, following his fathers death. Whilst Chance did not welcome the public scrutiny that came with the leading the company, he demonstrates an aptitude for the role. Chance stands by his word not to sell weapons to the Charcornacian Government, for their role in the atrocities committed against the animanecron people. The animanecrons are curious and intelligent androids, that can feel emotion and pain. Chance had met and developed a close friendship with an animanecron, Cadence Turing, prior to his fathers death. Cadence moves into Chance’s flat but continues to hide her true identity in public. Chance receives a visit from representatives of the Charcornacian Government and is ordered to resume trading weapons with them. They have discovered Chance is living with an animanecron and threatens to kill her if he does not obey their orders. When Cadence’s friend, an animanecron-rights activist, is killed enforcement officers refuse to investigate because she is an android and therefore never technically alive. So, Cadence decides to take on the case herself. Will Cadence find the killer of her friend? And is her murder linked to Chance’s visit by the Charcornacian Government? R.A.T.: A Cadence Turing Mystery is an exciting and fast paced science fiction novel by author Robin Jeffrey , and the second book in the Cadence Turing mystery series. The book picks up where the first book in the series ended, and sees the relationship between Chance and android, Cadence, further develop. As political unrest breaks out in Arrhidaean , Chance and Cadence find themselves on a hunt for a dangerous killer. This series provides an interesting perspective on the future of android technology, the complex relationships between humans and androids, and the social, political and ethical concerns. It is a future that seems highly probable. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable and captivating murder mystery, set in a futuristic world. ​ Purchase here

< Back Dr Pietro Emanuele Garbelli The Doctor's Voice - Empowering Solutions to Physicians' Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies ‘Empowered doctors are catalysts for purposeful healthcare transformation’. In The Doctor's Voice - Empowering Solutions to Physicians' Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies, Pietro Emanuele Garbelli, Doctor of Medicine and founder of Transforming Healthcare Ltd, shares his experience of working as a doctor in the National Health Service in England. Dr Pietro describes his journey to becoming a doctor, from his own experiences as a young patient in Northern Italy and his struggles to fit in in an environment full of prejudices; through to his medical training in Italy, and his move to London to further develop his skills and clinical practice. Drawing on his own personal experiences, he shares his frustrations of working in a modern, complex healthcare system, and offers potential solutions to the common problems faced by doctors. He discusses ten common sources of frustrations and their impact on the workforce, such as: constrained budgets; the imbalance of supply and demand for healthcare services; increasing bureaucracy and restrictions placed on doctors; workload pressures, retention, stress, and burnout; and management and leadership challenges. As Dr Pietro writes, ‘ A common feeling I have experienced and observed time and time again is disempowerment: perceiving that we have no control over any of the problems affecting us, believing that the solutions depend on remote higher powers we cannot control or even influence, essentially feeling stuck and powerless .’ Dr Pietro aims to empower doctors and encourages them to become changemakers. This is an inspirational and provocative book that gives a much-needed voice to all those doctors and healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. Through this book, Dr Pietro hopes to raise awareness of work-related frustrations, stress and burnout that are so common in healthcare and in many other workplace environments. Dr Pietro has written this book about/to f rustrated doctors, to help raise awareness of these issues and to drive a more positive workplace culture and environment. What I particularly liked about the book is that Dr Pietro doesn’t complain about these issues, he acknowledges the challenges and offers thoughtful and practical solutions to help doctors and improve patient care. Authentic, engaging, and accessible for all audiences, the book is a must read for anyone working in or with healthcare, including students, junior doctors, consultants, and healthcare managers. It will also appeal to those who are interested in the National Health Service and are passionate about health care reform. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational and provocative book that gives a much-needed voice to all those doctors and healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. ​ Purchase here

Book Reviews: Age 8 to 12 Kathleen J Shields The First Unicorn Jo-Ann Scranton Kathi Q Builds a Time Machine? Eliana Hidalgo Mrs Owl's Messy Library Dr Tamara Lazic Strugar The Sunscreaming Summer Kat Farrow Bobbin and the Magic Thief Amanda M Cetas Thrown to the Wind Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess Danielle Marietta and Marissa Kearney Truth Tales: The Air Fair-He Victoria E Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson The Big Dream Aaron Derr Baseball Buddies Building a Team Laurie Anne Zaleski Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer The Magic Peach Tree, A Yoga Storytelling Adventure D Burton Smith Quoth the Raven Stephanie Scott Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope Hazem Nassar The Diversity Cube and the Cloud Wizard Cheryl Johnson Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination Victoria, Texas and Beyond Barbara Mishkin TIPs Magical Journey Claudine C Wargel Hattie and Dirks Great Garden Surprise Jennifer R Sommer Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, "Mother of Hubble" Space Telescope Hans Ness Rolo the Pet Earthling

< Back Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self A collection of heartfelt poems from author Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self is a collection of twenty-five poems by author Kyli Santiago. This is an inspiring and heartfelt collection of poems, based on Kyli’s own lived experience. The poems were written during the authors darkest moments and follow her personal journey from the depths of depression towards recovery. Kyli experienced significant trauma, as a child and throughout adulthood, and the cathartic process of writing poetry supported her healing process. This is an emotional, touching and deeply personal poetry collection, which deals with issues of abuse, rape and suicide. One cannot fail to be moved by this book – Kyli’s words are powerful and will remain with me for a very long time. The book will provide comfort and encouragement to anyone who has experienced trauma or depression, and hope that one can find true happiness and fulfil their potential, if they move forward in life, rather than look back. Kyli’s bio states she is a poet and performer, and I can imagine these poems would be even more impactful in the spoken word. The poems have a wonderful lyrical quality, and I would love to hear these poems performed on stage. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written collection of poems about one woman’s journey from the depths of depression towards recovery and healing. ​ Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker The Lady of the Mirrored Lake A sensational second instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy, by Jennifer Ivy Walker The Lady of the Mirrored Lake is the second book in the Sea Raven series, and picks up where the first book, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven, ended. Issylte leaves Avalon and her beloved Elf, Ronan, and travels to Bretagne with the Blue Knight of Cornwall, Tristan, and Lancelot. Issylte is given the name Lady Opale to hide her identity from her evil stepmother, Morag, and trains with Tristan to become a Warrior Priestess of the Tribe of Dana. Both Issylte and Tristan are determined to regain their thrones and prepare for battle with Morag, the Black Widow Queen, and the dark wizard, Voldurk. As Issylte grieves the loss of Ronan, she grows closer to Tristan and their relationship blossoms. When she kills the evil dwarf, Malvon, she becomes the Priestess of the Mirrored Lake and enters into an eternal bond with Tristan. Issylte is gifted new powers and sworn to protect the sacred waters of the lake . She embarks on a treacherous journey to find an enchanted orb that is imbued with special powers, and hidden in the depths of the mirrored lake. In Issylte’s absence, Princess Blanchine of Armorique tries to seduce Tristan and is tricked by Voldurk into casting a powerful enchantment on him to bind his love. Once the spell is cast, Princess Blanchine is murdered, and Tristan is wrongfully arrested and imprisoned in the castle of Tintagel . With her new powers, Issylte frees Tristan and blocks Voldurk’s evil enchantment. Issylte and Tristan rekindle their mating bond and are married in the sacred forest. But their lives and kingdoms are put in danger, as Voldurk and The Black Widow Queen try to capture and kill them. Issylte is forced to seek the assistance of her former lover, Elf Ronan, and convince him to forge a sword for Tristan that can slay the wizard and stop the evil queen. The Lady of the Mirrored Lake is a medieval fantasy fiction novel by author Jennifer Ivy Walker and the second instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy. The novel is a thrilling, action-packed and captivating adaptation of the A rthurian myth, with a passionate and steamy twist. With magnificent world building, wonderful characterisation and rich storytelling, this is a dark fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. I recommend readers start with the first book in the series, to get the full benefit of this unique and enchanting novel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A steamy adaptation of the A rthurian myth, with magnificent world building, wonderful characterisation and rich storytelling. ​ Purchase here

< Back Juliet Rose Prick of the Needle Can Wren leave her troubled past behind her, to live a more simple and sustainable way of life? Twenty something Wren (Gretchen) Meyer was heavily bullied as a teenager. Seeking love and self-acceptance, she fell into a wrong crowd at school and became involved in illegal drugs. Her boyfriend, Gabe, died tragically in her bed of a heroin overdose. Overcome with grief for her first love, Wren falls into a deep depression, and spirals further into drug addiction. When the property she is squatting in is raided by the police, Wren is arrested, charged and sentenced to eight years in the state penitentiary. During her prison sentence, Wren enrols in a program to learn how to become a wildland firefighter. Soon after her release, she is offered a paid position with the fire department, and becomes a crew supervisor, tackling wildfires across Arizona. Wren meets new friends, and is happy and content in her role, but her depression and addiction never leave her, and she battles every day to stay clean. When a new crew arrives to help tackle the wildfires that are sweeping out of control, Wren meets Elijah, a Native American fire fighter, and single father, from the Navajo Nation. Both have been hurt previously and are afraid of commitment, but their relationship slowly blossoms over time, and they fall in love. When Wren has to leave town following her father’s sudden death, Elijah realises that he cannot live without her. He develops a plan to leave the fire service, and to make a living off the land as an ‘agricultural warrior’. Will Wren leave the job she loves and friends she adores and join Elijah? Can she leave her troubled past behind her, to live a more simple and sustainable way of life? And how can she use her own experiences of addiction, depression, and incarceration, to support others? Prick of the Needle by Juliet Rose is a wonderful novel about two young adults who must learn how to conquer their own fears, pain and trauma, to move forward in their lives together. This is a heart warming love story, with great characterisation, a unique setting, and an imaginative plot. The book highlights some of the stressors and pressures on young people today, and the great work being done to help rehabilitate offenders and provide meaningful jobs after release. The book also provides a fascinating insight into regenerative agriculture, that certainly made me question my own life choices. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful love story, with great characterisation, a unique setting, and an imaginative plot. ​ Purchase here

< Back Bryan Asher The Assassin of Malcoze Debut author Bryan Asher builds a rich fantasy world in the Intercontinents The book takes place in the Intercontinent of Malcoze, a fantasy realm, comprising a floating world of continents. The Malcozeans are an advanced species, with unique powers and special abilities to augment, enhance and manipulate everyday things. Three Malcozeans, Auros, Analia and Taurong are each on an independent journey of self-discovery, finding their own way in life. Auros an eccentric, ageing mercenary is working on a contract to find a mysterious heir of the King Tarburous. Analia, Princess of Malcoze, the Kings daughter and a student with a unique talent for enchantment. Taurong, a young man studying battle arts to become a member of the Rincoyle elite military, with special aura powers. As the characters’ progress on their own journeys, they are unwittingly united by a dangerous assassin, Scoria Kith from a neighbouring continent, the Intercontinent of Kratas. Kith’s mission is to destabilise Malcoze and assassinate King Tarburous, and he will not stop until he achieves his goal. The Assassin of Malcoze is a gripping, fantasy fiction novel, set in the fantasy realm of the Intercontinents. Asher has built a rich, fantasy world with strong, well-developed characters that will appeal to fans of this genre. The second half of the book was amazing, and I couldn’t put it down. I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully crafted fantasy fiction novel, with an intriguing plot, brilliant character development, and excellent artwork. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here