< Back Matthew Binder Pure Cosmos Club Can a flailing artist find his place in the lavish New York art scene? Paul, a thirty-seven-year-old New Yorker, is sacked from his job for not meeting the minimum expectations of performance. He lies to his girlfriend and keeps up the pretence of going to work for several months, while at the same time trying to set himself up as a visual artist. When his girlfriend discovers his betrayal she leaves him instantly, leaving him alone in his apartment in New York City with his disabled dog named Blanche. In an art studio with his friend and fellow artist, Danny, Paul attempts to make a living creating and selling art. But his art is unconventional and often misunderstood, and he struggles to be accepted by the traditional art world. When Paul has an affair with a married woman, he discovers that her husband is the leader of the Pure Cosmo Club, a secretive, quasi-religious cult that promotes rebirth and freedom of thought. In his quest to find his true self and a deeper purpose in life, Paul becomes obsessed with the club. He desperately tries to reach the clubs highest ranks, sacrificing his friendships and business relationships along the way. Pure Cosmos Club by author Matthew Binder is an original satirical comedy, that follows the chaotic life of an eccentric visual artist as he attempts to navigate the art world in New York City. The author delivers a hilarious and thought-provoking commentary on the world of high art, celebrity, and fashion. Paul is a typical anti-hero, self-absorbed, annoying, and deeply flawed. But somehow, he is a relatable and likeable character, that readers will root for. His relationship with his dog, is endearing. Overall, a unique, clever, funny, and entertaining novel. This is not my preferred genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy satire and dry humour. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A clever, sharp, and funny satire about the lavish art world. Wild, weird, and wonderful in equal measure. ​ Purchase here

Autumn 2023: Best Children's Book Age 8 to 12 Amanda M Cetas Thrown to the Wind Kat Farrow Bobbin and the Magic Thief D Burton Smith Quoth the Raven Laurie Anne Zaleski Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? Dr Tamara Lazic Strugar The Sunscreaming Summer Jennifer R Sommer Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, "Mother of Hubble" Space Telescope Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer The Magic Peach Tree, A Yoga Storytelling Adventure Stephanie Scott Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope Aaron Derr Baseball Buddies Building a Team Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess Barbara Mishkin TIPs Magical Journey Claudine C Wargel Hattie and Dirks Great Garden Surprise Hans Ness Rolo the Pet Earthling

< Back Carolyn Clarke And Then There's Margaret Meddlesome mother-in-law Margret moves into the Montgomery home, from debut author Carolyn Clark Mother of two, Allison Montgomery, always had a fractious relationship with her mother-in-law, Margaret. Margaret doted on her dear son, Hank, and no-one could ever live up to her lofty standards and grand expectations, let alone Allison. From the moment they first met, Margaret was dismissive of Allison, condescending and interfering. Even after two children and many years of marriage, Allison dreaded spending time with her cantankerous mother-in-law. But Allison’s life is turned upside down when her kind and loving father-in-law, George, passes away and Margaret is forced to move into the family home for a while. Allison tries her hardest to welcome and support her grieving mother-in-law, but Margaret’s constant criticism and interference drive her close to the edge. As Allisson and Hank’s marriage spirals downhill, the two women must learn to get along and co-exist to avoid the breakup of the marriage and the entire family. And Then There’s Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is a captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. As the women learn to live with one another, following the heartbreak of losing their beloved George, they find a new connection and a new lease of life. The book is a refreshing take on the typical monster-in-law narrative. This is an entertaining, witty, and sharp read, with relatable characters that many readers will connect with. The book was a joy to read, and helped me escape from the dramas of my own life for a few hours! And Then There’s Margaret will appeal to readers of women’s fiction, comedy, and family sagas. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

< Back Jon Howe Shanghaied A young man is stolen from his family and enslaved on a merchant ship. In 1810, Eamon McGrath a printer from Marblehead, Massachusetts, wakes up on board a ship in the middle of the North Atlantic ocean. With no memory of how he came to be on board the ship, he soon learns he has been kidnapped (‘shanghaied’) with four other men. The men have been stolen and are forced to work on the merchant ship, Atalanta, after a British frigate captured most of the ships original crew. The ship has been sold to a company in Hong Kong and is headed to East Asia. The men know that any attempt of mutiny would be futile, and quickly adapt to life at sea. The ship sails down the east coast of North and South America, before rounding Cape Horn at the southern tip of mainland South America, and then sails up the west coast. They cross the tropics in the North Pacific and approach Hong Kong via the Solomon Islands and the South China sea. The men learn the daily chores and rituals, but conditions on the ship are brutal and the men live in constant fear for their lives. At every port, Eamon writes a letter to his wife and his two children, hoping it will one day reach home. After the ship stops in Hong Kong, it continues to journey west towards Africa. But when they reach Port Louis in Madagascar, Eamon finally has a chance to escape when he meets the crew of a ship named Voilà . Shanghaied by Jon Howe is an enthralling and insightful historical fiction novel about a man who is stolen from his family and enslaved on a merchant ship. As Eamon McGrath and the crew circumnavigate the globe on board the Atalanta, their resilience is put to the test as they battle to survive in the horrific conditions. Set in the early nineteenth century, during a period of rapid social change and increasing global trade, the book captures the experience of many sailors during this time and the brutality of life at sea. Throughout the book, the reader is transported to the oceans of the world and the many fascinating countries, tropical islands, and ports, that the crew encounter along their journey. Thoroughly researched, with references to key historical events, the book will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction and adventures at sea. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and thought provoking read about a man enslaved on a merchant ship, and his fight for survival. ​ Purchase here

< Back Angela White Stopping Time: Life After War Another thrilling instalment in the Stopping Time series, from author Angela White Marc and the mission team have left the protection of the Safe Haven Refugee Camp, to stop the great reset following the nuclear war. Leaving behind Angela, his pregnant wife, and leader of the Safe Haven, to maintain law and order on the island. As news arrives that Marc and his team have been captured, imprisoned, and brutally tortured, Angela faces increasing pressure to rescue the mission team, from her son, Charlie, and other camp members. Tensions rise and a rage illness spreads throughout the camp, threatening the survival of the entire community. Before Angela will agree to send a team to rescue Marc, she must first be assured that her leadership team are ready to lead, and that the community will follow their orders. As Angela prepares her leaders, she embarks on a cunning plan to give the ‘normals’ the freedoms they desire. She hopes that with greater freedom, they will make bad decisions and turn on each other, which will destabilise the community. If her plan is successful, the ‘normals’ will understand the benefit of the controls that have been imposed on them, and will succumb to the leaders demands. But as Angela’s plan unfolds, an adored camp member, Samantha, is kidnapped and taken off the island. Angela and the Eagles must leave the island to find Samantha and bring the kidnapper to justice. Angela knows that Samantha is simply the bait, and that she is the real target, but puts herself in danger to rescue her friend. Ultimately, their mission to bring Samantha home will be a crucial test of any future attempt to rescue Marc. Will Angela find Samantha and bring her home? Will the kidnapper capture his real target? And how will the camp fare, when their esteemed and feared leader is away from the island? Stopping Time: Life After War, is a post-apocalyptic, science fiction novel, and the seventeenth book in the Stopping Time series from author Angela White. Life After War is an intense and high energy book with a gripping and thrilling plot. Angela has built a rich and imaginative post-apocalyptic world with strong, complex, well-developed characters. Angela’s writing is intricate, but easy to read. The plot is complex, fast paced, and full of action. With many twists and turns, the book will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This is a mammoth read, which will appeal to committed readers of this series and fans of this genre. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Life After War is an intense and high energy book with a gripping and thrilling plot. ​ Purchase here

< Back Alex Poppe Jinwar and Other Stories A collection of short stories about the experience of women in the aftermath of war. Jinwar and Other Stories is a collection of six short stories from author Alex Poppe about the experiences of young women, following the war in Syria and Iraq. ‘Jinwar’ is the story of a student nurse at a VA Hospital, who has to care for the ex-commanding officer who harassed and raped her. She describes how she was dishonourably discharged from the Marine Corps for reporting the rape, and attempted to take her own life. She goes on to work at a hot dog stand, and several failed jobs later, she works as a volunteer in Jinwar, a women-only, ecological self-sustaining village, to teach women self-defence. ‘Road Trip in War Time’, tells the story of a woman conducting research in Iraq, and a car journey to Erbil with male strangers. ‘V’ is about a Kurdish-American teenager from Oakland who is lonely, isolated and at risk of radicalisation. ‘Kurdistan’ tells the story of a teenager from Tennessee, whose parents fled to the US during the Saddam regime. After both of her parents die, she is sent to Kurdistan to live with her aunt and must learn how to adapt to Kurdish life and culture. ‘Mosul’ is about a woman who helps another woman to run away to a shelter after she is raped by her brother. The women resort to desperate measures, after she becomes pregnant. ‘Ras al-Amud’ tells the story of a nineteen-year-old woman who experiences unimaginable grief following a miscarriage. Jinwar and Other Stories is an affecting and deeply moving work of fiction by author Alex Poppe, about the aftermath of military conflict in the middle east, and its impact on women and girls. Poppe was compelled to write the book after hearing the stories of survivors of rape in the military. This short story collection shows that women and girls suffer disproportionately during and after war. Existing inequalities are magnified, and social networks are disrupted, making them more vulnerable to gender-based violence, abuse and exploitation. Yet, they show remarkable strength and resilience in conflict situations. While this book is a work of fiction, the experiences of real women ring out from every page. With sharp and eloquent prose, and carefully considered settings and characters, this is a powerful collection of short stories by Poppe. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An affecting and deeply moving novel about the aftermath of military conflict in the middle east, and its impact on women and girls. ​ Purchase here

< Back Juliet Rose We Don’t Matte A young film student captures police brutality on camera, by author Juliet Rose Seattle film student, Aiden, dreams of making it big as a film maker in California, but he is burdened with guilt over his brothers’ tragic suicide several years earlier. One day, while filming skateboarders at the local park, Aiden meets Zeke, a construction worker from Utah. Aiden feels an instant connection to Zeke, but he is unsure of his feelings and his own sexuality. As Aiden and Zeke’s relationship slowly develops, trouble erupts between the police and the residents of a homeless encampment. Aiden captures footage of police brutality and the murder of a defenceless autistic, homeless man, Enrique. Police officers notice Aiden is filming the incident, and he is chased through the streets and captured. He discards his camera in an alleyway, which is later picked up by a local resident. Aiden is wrongfully arrested by the police, beaten, and questioned. Enrique later dies from his injuries in hospital, but Aiden manages to recover his camera, and working with a local reporter, publishes the footage of Enrique’s murder. In fear of his life, from the police and radical police supporters, Aiden and Zeke travel across the country to the west coast and the safety of Aiden’s old friends, Sam and Smitty. With further civil protests, and reports of more police brutality, the couple are forced back to Seattle, to film and document the protests. The couple decide to turn their experiences of racism, discrimination, homophobia, and radical religious fanaticism, into something positive, and plan to travel the county and film people’s stories of oppression, injustice, and police brutality. But before they can move forward in their lives together, they must first address their own trauma. We Don’t Matter by author Juliet Rose is a powerful novel, which deals with issues of racism, discrimination, homophobia, radical religious fanaticism, and police brutality. Juliet Rose writes about these issues, sensitively and with compassion, and develops understanding and empathy for the main characters Aiden and Zeke, and the issues they face. Juliet Rose shows that we all certainly ‘Do Matter’. With some new characters, and some familiar characters from Juliet’s novel, ‘Do Over’, this book is a nice accompaniment to ‘Do Over’, but can also be read independently as a standalone novel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful novel, which deals with issues of racism, discrimination, homophobia, radical religious fanaticism, and police brutality, sensitively and with compassion. ​ Purchase here

< Back Jamie Andrea Garzot Unconventional A Memoir of Entrepreneurism Politics and Pot A unique and personal memoir by cannabis advocate and entrepreneur, Jamie Andrea Garzot Unconventional, A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot is a memoir by Jamie Andrea Garzot about her experience of setting up and running a medical cannabis store in conservative, Northern California. Garzot explains how she was not a typical cannabis user or part of ‘cannabis heritage’, but used cannabis to help her sleep during episodes of insomnia. As a user of cannabis for medicinal purposes, her experience of purchasing cannabis was not good. Typical stores were unfriendly, intimidating, dirty, and hidden away in back-alleyways. In 2009, she risked it all to leave her secure, corporate job and opened a cannabis store, seven years before full legalisation. Her goal was to create a store that was accessible and welcoming to anyone, regardless of their cannabis experience or background. Her driving force was delivering a great experience for every customer. Garzot describes how she set up the business with minimal funds, and how she went on to lead a successful, multi-million-dollar business. She discusses the many business and leadership challenges she faced, and how she navigated the complex and changing legal landscape. Garzot shares a number of stories of how cannabis played a therapeutic role for clients with Aids, Cancer, and other addictions. Garzot became an advocate for cannabis and worked tirelessly to improve the industry and further the legitimization of cannabis in society. However, whilst the business was thriving, Garzot faced many personal challenges. She discusses openly her childhood and the enduring impact of her mom’s death, her tumultuous marriage and divorce. Unconventional, A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot is a memoir by Jamie Andrea Garzot about how she made a successful and profitable business in the cannabis industry. This is an insightful and absorbing memoir by an inspirational woman who has shown, with a strong vision, hard work, commitment, and dogged determination, that anything is possible. This is a well written and fascinating book, with some heartfelt moments and lots of humor. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy memoirs, and those who are interested in enterprise, leadership, and the cannabis industry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A riveting read about an inspirational woman who made her fortune in an unconventional business. ​ Purchase here

< Back David Zelman PhD What's Next? Get Clear & Get Going The opportunity to create your life awaits you. What's Next? Get Clear and Get Going, is a self-help book from author and CEO of Transitions Institute Inc, David Zelman, PhD. Based on forty years of experience teaching , training, coaching, and mentoring thousands of people, Zelman presents the Transitions Program, a unique approach to help people resolve their own problems and achieve their goals. Zelman argues that his program is different from traditional self-help programs because it encourages people to take ownership of their past and the present, to develop an enlightened relationship with their future. He argues that the key to success lies within us, we just have to learn how to unlock it. The program focuses attention on achieving both tangible (ie the things you want to achieve, such as getting a new job, or moving home) and intangible positive outcomes (ie your experiences and emotional responses to the things you are and are not accomplishing). Central to the program is the theory that people cannot focus on two distinctly different thoughts at the same time (ie positive and negative thoughts). As such, by focusing on positive thoughts, the process helps to free people from the distracting and negative thoughts that might hinder their progress. What's Next? Get Clear and Get Going by David Zelman, PhD is a powerful and inspirational self-help book that takes readers on a journey towards self-awareness, self-improvement, and self-discovery. The book explores the power of the mind, encouraging readers to cultivate a positive, future focused outlook. Zelman draws on his own personal journey towards self-improvement, including learnings from Transcendental Meditation and Erhard Training. He presents real life stories from a number of clients he has helped throughout his career, and the tools and techniques he used to help them discover their full potential. T hrough following Zelman’s guidance, readers will discover their innate ability to create the life they want to live. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and inspirational self-help book that empowers readers to take control of their lives and shape their own futures. ​ 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

Edgar Doleman Arlen's Gun: A Novel of Men at War W.A. Pepper You Will Know Vengeance: A Tanto Thriller Bryan Asher The Treasure of Lor-Rev Angie Bailey Believe Romana King House Poor No More: 9 Steps to Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth Dr. Trent W. Smallwood Lethal Decree Jim Malloy Raptor's Revenge Danny Holst The Harlem Story Stephen Alder Deehabta's Song Carter Fielding Murder in the Tea Leaves: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery--Book 2 Deborah S. Greenhut The Hoarder's Wife Mrs. Anthony I Am Woman... : Book One: My Journey, My Tony Paula Welch A River of Fortune Danny Holst Promised Land Stoni Astley Sanctuary's Lights Bryan Asher The Assassin of Malcoze Marieke Lexmond The Magical Tarot Deck A Frank Corso Mystery Divine Travel Agency Carolyn Clarke And Then There's Margaret Liza Gino Imelda's Secret Spring 2022: Best Adult Book

< 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