< 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 Brian R Estvander Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank An original and gripping sci-fi adventure, by author Brian R Estvander Inklebrawt (Ink) Winklehank is a Huply - a hybrid of a human and a biologically engineered species, created by humans using nanomachinery (the Plythi’i). The Plythi’i are a peaceful and empathetic species, and have psychokinetic abilities, called the Plythi’i Sense. Since their creation, the Plythi’i and Huply have lived in harmony with humans, in a world called Ply’. But the Shepherds, an exiled group of half-breeds and humans, want to eliminate any type of artificial speciation, threaten to attack Ply’ and eradicate all Huply and Plythi’i. Ink has always struggled to balance his advanced Plythi’i abilities and empathic temperament, with his wild human emotions and desires. But, when threatened by the Shepherds, Ink must learn to come to terms with his true identity to locate his Plythi’i siblings and safeguard the future of the human race. Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank by author Brian R Estvander is an original sci-fi adventure about a group of hybrid siblings and their fight for survival against a rogue group of Shepherds who want to eliminate them, and all artificial speciation. It is an epic battle of good versus evil, nature versus technology. The story interweaves effortlessly across galaxies and between past and present, revealing the complex backstory of the species and the characters. Overall, an expertly crafted sci-fi adventure, which brings together science, technology, and human evolution. With a fast-paced and gripping plot, authentic and believable characters, and excellent world building, this book will appeal to fans of action, adventure and science fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic sci-fi adventure about a group of hybrid siblings and their fight for survival. ​ Purchase here

< Back J. F. Cronin It Could Happen Here - A Roadmap to Disaster The President of the United States, and his wealthy cronies, will stop at nothing to retain power. It Could Happen Here – A Roadmap to Disaster is a political fiction novel by author J.F. Cronin, about corruption in the highest state of office in the United States. The President, Wilbur Barron, calls Eric King, the wealthy CEO of International Surveillance, Security and Construction (ISSAC), requesting his expertise in planning an election strategy. Eric is a trusted associate of the President, and he often takes on jobs that are unadvertised, sometimes shady, and often secretive. The President is insecure, and he praises dictators who have inherited their positions. He knows he is going to have a hard time winning the next election and will stop at nothing to succeed and retain power. Eric meets with the President, and two other wealthy advisers, and they discuss how to discredit the opposition in the upcoming election campaign, the potential impact on the presidency of a new contagious virus that is spreading across the world, and the introduction of mail-in ballots. They consider a legal strategy to overturn the election in the event of a loss, and the use of military, if required. King is incredulous, but he weighs up his concerns about the democratic process and decides that money and power are more important to him. Will the wealthy, elite keep Barron in office? And how will they respond if he loses the election? It Could Happen Here – A Roadmap to Disaster, is a gripping political drama about a president, who will stop at nothing to retain power. The president and his wealthy cronies, hungry for money and power, develop a sinister plan to keep him in office. Cronin writes ‘ They were all that stood between democracy and anarchy’ . Their plan, if successful would damage the electoral process and destroy democracy in the United States. This is a well written, believable and convincing political drama, with many similarities to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Cronin questions whether it could happen in the United States. It is terrifying to think it could. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A believable and gripping political drama about a president who will stop at nothing to retain power. Not to be missed. ​ Purchase here

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

< Back Edgar Doleman Arlen's Gun: A Novel of Men at War An enthralling and deeply moving novel about the war in Vietnam, from author and Vietnam veteran Edgar Doleman Arlen Washington is an angry and troubled young man, stricken with grief following the death of his beloved mother, his ‘Big Ma’. Arlen joins the Air Force, to avoid being drafted into the war in Vietnam, but he is sent there as a gunner on an armed cargo aircraft, known as ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’. When his plane, the ‘Spooky 45’ is shot down and crash lands in the jungle, the crew survives but one man is severely injured. Arlen disconnects a powerful minigun from the plane’s wreckage to defend the crew against enemy attack before an Army platoon arrives to rescue them. But the Army’s tank gets stuck in a ditch and Arlen and a fellow gunner, Otis, are left stranded with the platoon, while the rest of the crew leave to get medical attention. Arlen is thrust into a jungle battle, where he finds a sense of purpose and belonging in the brutality of war. Arlen’s Gun is an enthralling and deeply moving novel about the war in Vietnam, told sensitively and with compassion by Edgar Doleman, a war veteran with twenty years’ service and two-tours of Vietnam. The book is an authentic and honest portrayal of the horrors of war, and the experiences of ordinary men who risked their lives in the Vietnam war. Doleman writes about the conflict in clear and vivid detail, drawing on his own first-hand experiences of warfare. The novel is beautifully written and easy to read, with a helpful glossary to help those less familiar with military terminology. The book will appeal to fans of military fiction, and anyone interested in the Vietnam war. A beautiful tribute to all those who fought in Vietnam, and all those who risk their lives every day in the name of war. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully written novel and tribute to all those who fought in Vietnam, and risk their lives every day in the name of war. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ ​ Purchase here

Autumn 2022: Best Children's Book Age 3 to 7 Christine Copeland Autumn in the Forest - A Seasons in the Forest Book Renee Hayes The Gingerbread Twins Jessica Dailey My Tiny Pet Elephant Teddy Biron The Lighthouse Keeper Saves the Bay Todd Angilly and Rachel Goguen The Adventures of Owen and the Anthem Singer Kate Giles Camp Cattitude Phyllis Harris The Gift Shop Bear Charissa Bates The Traveling Book Ruthie Godfrey Grandpa's Lessons on Fishing and Life Brenda Do It's Okay Not to Know Clara Donis-Girma Clara and Mr. Milo's Adventures Episode 1 Clara Wanting a Pet Once Upon a Dance Franie's Wish: A Wander in the Wonder Charly Froh The Dragon and the Unicorn: The Magic of Friendship Vassi Rombis Story Swapping A Family Tradition Julie Stephens Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale Dawn McLucas Why Am I So Quiet? Joe Caruso In the Image of God - A Story of Identity and Value

< Back Margaret Tran The ACTIONS A seven-step model to help deal with grief and loss, by author Margaret Tran The ACTIONS: 7 Steps To Powerful Change is a self-help book by life coach and author Margaret Tran, to help readers change their habits and build a new purposeful life. Based on the authors personal, lived experiences, and many years working as a life coach, Reiki master, universal energy healer, and acupressure practitioner, Tran presents a new model to help guide readers make meaningful changes in their own life. Tran discusses her early childhood growing up in Vietnam with her adoptive mother and being bullied as a “mixed-race outcast”. She discusses her move to the United States in the 1980’s, where her family built a new life in the land of opportunity. Tran married and had two children, but her life changed significantly when her beloved adoptive mother took ill and sadly passed away. Tran was consumed with grief and battled with acute depression for over four years but rebuilt her life by discovering the person she wanted to become. Tran built on her personal experiences of grief and trauma to develop the ‘ACTION’ model to help others in similar circumstances. The model includes seven-steps: 1) Aim for self-management , 2) Commit to writing things down , 3) Take control of your time , 4) Identify your integrity and preserve it , 5) Open your mind to uncover your strengths , 6) Nurture relationships to stay connected , and 7) Share passion and success to inspire others . She explains that “the key to changing your life is to change your habits” and provides readers with a range of coping mechanisms to help manage grief and alleviate fear and anxiety. She discusses the importance of having short term goals, and focusing on the good things in life, such as developing meaningful relationships. Tran provides a number of free resources for readers who might require further support. The ACTIONS: 7 Steps To Powerful Change is a deeply personal and heartfelt book by Margaret Tran. Tran’s story is inspiring, and she provides valuable insights and strategies for dealing with grief and loss. Tran’ s writing is authentic, thoughtful, sensitive, and compassionate. The book will provide comfort and hope to readers who may be going through similar experiences. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and heartfelt self-help book, and a valuable resource for readers experiencing grief and loss ​ Purchase here

< Back Robin Jeffrey .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery Chance Hale is enamoured by a mysterious woman from a different planet. Chance Hale is an Arrhidaean living in the wealthy suburb or Zahia. Chance is heir to the multi-billion-dollar company, Halcyon Enterprises, headed up by his father, Felix Hale. Travelling home after a one-night stand he can hardly remember, Chance notices a woman with a phoenix tattoo on her back. He introduces himself to the woman, and learns her name is Cadence Turing, from the plant Paraesepe. New to the city, and with no where else to stay, Chance invites the stranger to stay at his house, the imposing Hale Manor. Felix is planning a party that night and has an important announcement to make. He is not happy his son has brought a stranger into the house. As Cadence learns more about the strange, new world, the party gets underway. To everyone’s surprise, Felix announces his engagement t o Desdemona Eydis, and gives her an expensive necklace. Chance is livid that his father is marrying a woman younger than him, and who he has known for just three months. When Chance confronts his father, Felix threatens to cut him off from his inheritance. The next day, Desdemona’s necklace is missing, and the following day Felix is found beaten to death in his room. As Chance becomes the prime suspect for his father’s murder, Cadence reveals her true identity, putting her own life in danger. Will Chance prove his innocence? Will Cadence’s true identity be discovered by the authorities? And can they solve the mystery of Felix’s death? .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery is a thrilling science fiction novel by author Robin Jeffrey , and the first book in the Cadence Turing mystery series. The book follows two people from two different worlds, who are unexpectedly brought together and realise they have more in common than they think. This is a classic mystery novel, set in a captivating futuristic world. With intriguing characters, and a gripping mystery plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy futuristic fantasy fiction and crime mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A classic whodunnit, with a unique, futuristic twist. ​ Purchase here

< Back John Bartell The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience One man's search of the King of Promise, by author John Bartell The Pilgrim’s Progress Desert Experience is a Christian fiction novel. Set in Egypt, a pilgrim breaks free from prison and makes his way through the desert in search of the King of Promise. The journey is long and arduous, but he must stay on the Narrow Path, guided by the Evangelist and Comforter. His faith is tested many times, as he experiences suffering and hardship. He meets lots of new people, some good and not-so-good, and he has to learn quickly what is right and what is wrong. He is seduced by many temptations, but the desert helps him learn how to live with both suffering and hardship. The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience by author John Bartell, is a captivating Christian story about one man’s journey, the suffering and hardships he experiences, and the lessons he learns along the way, through following the right path. Told through the first-person perspective, the author introduces abstract Christian concepts that people will easily understand and can relate to. This is a relatively short book, and easily accessible to adults and young adult readers. Enlightening and thought-provoking book, which will encourage people to reflect on their own journey, how they respond to situations, and how to stay positive and move forward, despite challenges and setbacks. This is a wonderful book, which is both educational and engaging. With a blend of modern cultural references, and traditional biblical teachings, this is a unique book that will appeal to readers who enjoy religious fiction and fantasy. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An educational, enlightening and engaging religious fiction novel, which will appeal to readers who enjoy religious fiction and fantasy. ​ Purchase here

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

Autumn 2022: Best Teen Book Stacy Padula Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told Tony M. Quintana Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed Mark Bryan The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie Tyler Beauchamp Freeze Frame Scott Swisher Ring Fold Judy Liu The Vending Portal Cassandra Crull Tied to You

Autumn 2022: Best Children's Book Age 8 to 12 J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest Laurel Guillen A Bellwether Christmas: A Novel Inspired by True Events Cynthia Hughes Can I Be President of the United States at 8? E.M. Schorb FIVE AND TEN, A Fairy Tale, a Few Poems, and a Fable Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze Crowning Glory: A history of African hair tradition Heather Mateus Sappenfield The River Between Hearts Sara V Robinson Walter Bilingual Edition English/Spanish Julie Stephens Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale Cat Fan Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact Sarah Lloyd Emma Murphy and the Ultimate Power Elizabeth M Grieco Paws in Paris: The Adventures of Tenny and Bella I.K. Silver Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons Christine Copeland Have You Seen the Ghost of John Nicole Encarnacion My ABC'S to Positivity Melanie Joy Mezzancello Love Snaggs - A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey