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< Back Christina Ford In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt In The Pursuit of Happily Ever After Real-life Bridget Jones meets Sex in the City In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt in The Pursuit of Happily Ever After, is a memoir by businesswoman and blogger, Christina Ford, exploring love, sex, marriage, parenting and divorce. Divided into seven books, each book tells the story of a phase in her life, defined by her relationships with men. The names of her lovers are changed, i nspired by characters in Jane Austen novels. Growing up on a diet of romantic novels and Disney princess movies, Ford hoped one day to find enduring love and live ‘happily ever after.’ In the first book, Ford describes her relationship with her beloved father, the impact he had on her life and her relationships with men. In the ‘Book of Brandon,’ Ford discusses her first marriage and her early career in television production. The marriage lasted just over a year. After her divorce, Ford concentrates on her career and begins a relationship with Jackson, a handsome and charming client. But the relationship with Jackson ends when his alcoholism spirals out of control. In the ‘Book of John,’ Ford meets her future husband. The marriage is happy, and the couple have two daughters, but the transition to motherhood is not easy, and Ford experiences post-partum depression. When Ford discovers her husband has been unfaithful, the marriage ends in divorce. In the ‘Book of Edward,’ Ford discusses her relationship with a married man, becoming a stepmother to his daughter, and moving from Toronto to London to be with her man. As Ford builds a life for herself in a new country, she discovers Edward has cheated on her. In her fifties, Ford embarks on a new journey of independence and self-discovery. In Search of Mr Darcy is an intimate, moving, and funny memoir of one woman’s life, and her search for love and happiness. Spanning four decades of her life, Ford describes her tumultuous relationships with honesty and humor, recalling the good and the bad, the highs and the lows of her romantic escapades. From the euphoria of a new relationship to the crushing heartbreak of separation – this memoir covers it all, warts and all. With each relationship experience, Ford learns valuable lessons about herself. This is a fascinating memoir by an inspirational woman who has had an extraordinary life. A life well lived, full of love and lots of laughter. For any woman searching for ‘happily ever after’ - you might find you are searching in the wrong place! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An intimate, moving and funny memoir of one woman’s extraordinary life, and her search for love and happiness. ​ Purchase here

< Back Pat Wahler The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel of Rose O'Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll A biographical historical fiction novel about Rose O’Neill, the creator of the Kewpie doll June 1893, nineteen-year-old Rose O’Neill travels from the Midwest to New York, determined to sell her illustrations. It’s a tough industry, and Rose is accompanied by a couple of nuns, who chaperone her as she tries to sell her wares in a profession dominated by males. Rose dreams of becoming a successful illustrator and hopes to make a better life for herself and her family back home. Following numerous rejections, Rose walks the streets of New York, knocking on the door of every publishing office she can find. When her work is finally accepted by a magazine publisher, Mr Martin, she begins to earn good money. Her illustrations prove very popular, and Rose creates Kewpie, a cute cherub character. The Kewpie character becomes popular with women and children, and Rose is approached to produce a Kewpie doll. Kewpie dolls are a huge success, and Rose earns a significant amount of money. Rose uses her income to support her family, friends and other struggling artists. But her personal life is less successful, as she marries and divorces twice, during a time when divorce is uncommon. Rose becomes heavily involved in the women’s suffragette movement, and immerses herself into her art, whilst supporting other artists. The Rose of Washington Square by Pat Wahler is a biographical historical fiction novel about the fascinating life of Rose O’Neill, illustrator and creator of the Kewpie doll. During a time when women had few legal and political rights, and limited employment opportunities, Rose became the highest earning female illustrator of her time. Yet, despite her extraordinary success, Rose faced a number of obstacles in her career and in her personal life. She never gave up hope, and she continued to follow her dream, whilst using her talent and success to help and support others less fortunate. The book provides an extraordinary insight into her fascinating life and phenomenal career. This is a well-researched and beautifully written biographical historical fiction novel, which captures the extraordinary life and legacy of Rose O’Neill. It follows her journey from artist, illustrator, writer and inventor, to philanthropist and suffragette. The book will appeal to readers of historical fiction biographies and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating rags to riches biographical historical fiction novel about Rose O’Neill, artist, illustrator, writer, inventor, philanthropist and suffragette. ​ Purchase here

< Back Angel A Holy Parrot Can a young teen convince her village she is the mother of the new Christ? Leonard (Leo) Lumière, a twenty-one-year-old Australian and science student from Melbourne University, is working in a laboratory in a small village in Buritaca, on Colombia's Caribbean coast. He is studying why the local people have longer than average life-expectancy, when he meets a young woman named Maria Santos. Maria, a naive but strong-willed sixteen-year-old, confides in Leo that she is pregnant. She agrees to help Leo find the ‘elixir of life’, in exchange for a pregnancy test. Maria seeks refuge in Leo’s lab when her father is furious by her pregnancy. Maria and Leo develop a close friendship, and Leo becomes embroiled in the family drama that unfolds. Leo conducts the test and confirms she is pregnant; however, Maria claims she is a virgin. She declares that she was told by a holy parrot name Garbriel that she was to be the mother of the new Christ. Her parents and many villagers believe her story and shower her with gifts and lots of attention. Others are not convinced, including Leo, and suspect a local boy named Pablo is the father. Her father shares the news, and the world descends on the village to worship Maria and the parrot. As Maria continues to stand by her story, the book explores the connection between religion and science, and the human experience. Holy Parrot by author Angel A is a unique and original fiction novel, about a pregnant teenager named Maria who is convinced she will be the mother of the new Christ. The story is told from the perspective of Leo, an Australian student who meets Maria and becomes her protector as the world descends on the small Colombia village to worship the virgin mother-to-be. This is a fresh and fascinating read, which raises questions about science, faith, culture, humanity, and the world we inhabit. The characters are well developed, full of personality and complexity; and the setting in the Colombian jungle and beaches is breathtaking. This is a rich and compelling read with a complex, multi-faceted plot, and fascinating characters. Although the story might seem a little far-fetched, I was totally taken in by every moment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating story of faith, science, and self-discovery. ​ 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

< Back J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest A magical adventure, inspired by video game fantasy, by author JT Tenera It’s Joseph Erift’s last day of eleventh grade, and he can’t wait to spend the summer playing video games with his best friend, Eric. During school, he has a run-in with a troublesome rich-kid, Clyde, and bumps into a mysterious elderly man in the school corridor, but the last day is rather uneventful. But when Joseph returns home, he finds a special package has been delivered, notifying him that he has qualified for two, all-expenses paid tickets to the tropical islands of Murean. The trip includes a professional demonstration of a new video game, but there are strict instructions not to tell anyone else about the trip, including his parents. Joseph invites his friend Eric, and the two friends sneak out of their houses and cycle all the way to the airport to catch their flight. Arriving in the remote Murean Islands, Joseph and Eric meet Professor Benjamin Thessit, a coffee-addicted, eccentric man conducting research into a powerful and ancient force...Magic. The teens soon discover that the Professor has lured them to the island under false pretences, and their mission is to hunt down a man named Ryan Morter, who has stolen important pieces of his research. So, rather than watch a demonstration of a new video game, the teens find themselves in a real-life gaming adventure, where they must discover their hidden abilities and the magic within themselves. Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest is the first book in a new series, by debut author J.T. Tenera. It is a magnificent, fantasy story about two young men who go on a magical gaming adventure. The book is easy to follow, the characters are beautifully developed, and the world building is…Magic! Inspired by video game fantasy and anime, this book is packed full of action, magic and adventure. With lots of gaming references, the book will particularly appeal to middle grade readers and fans of fantasy fiction, animated series and video games. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magnificent, fantasy story with beautifully developed characters, and magical world building. Purchase here

< Back Frederick Douglass Reynolds Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement An intimate memoir by author and retired Compton police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement is an inspiring and deeply moving memoir by author and retired police officer, Frederick Reynolds. Frederick discusses his turbulent childhood growing up in Detroit, with an abusive mother and an alcoholic father; and his misspent youth and association with street gangs, which resulted him spending time in a juvenile detention centre. Frederick joined the US Marine Corp in 1980, for a fresh start and to escape his life in Detroit. In 1985, he became a police officer in the Compton Police Department, one of only five Black graduates. Frederick discusses some of the cases he worked on during his time with the Compton Police Department, including murder, gang violence, and drug-dealing. He also discusses wider issues of political corruption, systemic racism, and how he struggled to overcome his own long-standing biases. Frederick describes the demanding nature of his work, and the emotional and physical trauma he experienced in the line of duty, including the murder of fellow police officers, and even an attempt on his own life. Frederick reflects on recent cases of police brutality, racism, and malpractice, but also highlights the work of hard-working police officers who risk their lives every day to make a difference within their communities. Frederick retired in 2017 with over seventy-five commendations. This is a powerful and emotional memoir by Frederick Reynolds, highlighting his struggle for survival as a Black man growing up in the US, and as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. Frederick’s writing is raw, gritty, and authentic. He masterfully captures the tension of policing in one of the most dangerous cities in the US in an age of political correctness and Black Lives Matter. The book provides a fascinating insight into the history and politics of Compton, and shows how deeply rooted racism is in all parts of our society. An essential read for anyone interested in Black culture and history, policing and law enforcement, or racial inequality. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and emotional memoir, highlighting one man’s struggle for survival as a Black police officer on the streets of Compton. ​ 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 Scott Swisher Ring Fold Author Scott Swisher takes readers on a time travelling adventure A stream of massive earthquakes wreak havoc across the world. The tremors are so large they alter the Earth’s axis, and create a dimensional fold that acts as a gateway across time to the fourth dimension. The U.S. Special Intelligence found that some gifted individuals could transport back in time, and back to the present, through the fold. They discovered that these individuals had a special blood type, which enabled them to transport across the fold. Some of these individuals were captured and experimented on, in an attempt to replicate their blood. But some escaped and sent their children to live in different eras, in order to protect them. These people were known as ‘the Ring’, protectors of the fold.Jordan Zesker is experiencing strange buzzing in her ear, forces tugging at her limbs, and the worst migraine she has ever experienced, when she is approached by a man named Jacob, who claims to be her mentor. She is suddenly pulled by Jacob into the fourth dimension, where she learns she has the special blood type which enables her to travel across time. She also discovers she is one of only five descendants linked to ‘The Ring’. Jacob recruits Jordan to track down the other four descendants, on a mission to save humanity. Jordan has to transport to different eras of human history, the 1950’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, and 2010’s to find the descendants. Together, they face an epic battle to safeguard the future of humanity. Ring Fold is an exciting sci-fiction, time-travelling adventure, by author Scott Swisher. This is a unique and imaginative story, packed full of action and adventure. The reader is transported across different historical periods, where they meet a range of diverse characters. Each time period is meticulously researched, the characters are authentic, and the descriptions of clothing, music and environments are realistic. This is a fun, entertaining and engaging read, that will appeal to young adult readers and adults who enjoy sci-fi and time-travelling adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exciting sci-fiction, time-travelling novel, packed full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Joe Caruso In the Image of God - A Story of Identity and Value A fun, accessible and engaging book for younger children about Christian values, by Author Joe Caruso In the Image of God: A Story of Identity and Value by Joe Caruso is a beautiful children’s picture book filled with positive affirmations that will encourage young children to believe in themselves, just the way God does. The book will help children to understand they are unique, good, have spirit, speak the truth, are just, wise, creative, and have power and purpose. The book encourages children to show love for those who may doubt them, mock them, or hurt them, ‘With love you’ll deflate, all life’s hurt, hate and crime. With love change the world, one heart at a time.’ Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations by Alina Shabelnyk, this book is a fun, accessible and engaging way for younger children to learn about Christian values. It is a great resource for parents, carers and teachers and will help nurture kindness, compassion, confidence, and self-belief in young children. This is a wonderful, read together book and I imagine it will become a bedtime favourite, as young children will love to read aloud to ‘For you were made in the image of God. In the image of God, you were made,’ which is repeated throughout the book. The illustrations by Alina Shabelnyk are wonderful, and complement the positive messages in the book perfectly. We particularly enjoyed the diversity of the characters, and the wide range of activities presented, which will appeal to a wide and diverse audience. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations, this book will help nurture kindness, compassion, confidence, and self-belief in young children. Purchase here

< Back Samantha Reynolds Help Me Be Me A thought-provoking picture book about children’s emotional well-being, by author Samantha Reynolds. Help Me Be Me by author Samantha Reynolds is an engaging, powerful, and thought-provoking picture book about children’s emotional health and well-being. The book serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to understand and foster their children’s emotional wellbeing. Written from the child’s perspective, the book follows the journey of a child as they navigate the world around them, and the complex landscape of emotions they experience. The story is accompanied by vivid illustrations, which depict the child’s feelings, needs and emotions. Through the story, parents can initiate meaningful conversations with their children about their feelings and emotions. The book provides valuable advice on how parents can support their children to be themselves, and how to express and manage these emotions in a supportive and healthy way. The enchanting illustrations by Jessica Hiemstra, make this book a must-have for every parent’s bookshelf. Whilst the book is primarily aimed at parents, the engaging artwork also serves as an excellent tool for helping young children recognise and understand their own feelings. The language is clear and accessible, making it easy for both adults and children to engage with the material. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A nurturing guide for parents, offering tools and insights needed to raise emotionally resilient children. Purchase here

< Back Alan Claycomb Maisley's Moon A sweet picture book for curious children, with curious minds, from author A Joseph Claycomb One night, just before bedtime, five-year-old Maisley notices a big, bright full moon right outside her bedroom window. She asks her mom, Why is it there and where does it come from? Maisley’s mom explains that it is there to keep her company and to light up the night sky. Every evening, Maisley watches the pretty moon in the dark sky, but as the days and nights pass, Maisley notices changes in the moon – as a dark shadow casts over the moon’s surface, it appears to get smaller and smaller. Then, one day, Maisley can no longer see the moon and questions whether it is really there at all. Maisley’s Moon is a children’s picture book that explores complex topics of philosophy, faith, and Christianity, in a simple and accessible way that young children will understand and relate to. Just because one cannot see the moon sometimes, it does not mean that the moon does not exist. The book reaffirms Jesus and Faith and will encourage children to think about their own faith and the world around them. A lovely, read together, bedtime book for parents and children to learn about faith and the world around them. A great introductory book for those interested in religion and philosophy, or for anyone with a curious mind. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A lovely, read together, bedtime book for parents and children to learn about faith and the world around them. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Sasha Graham Whitney Wins Everything: A Tiny Ninja Book Competitive Whitney learns an important life lesson from her Tiny Ninja, from author Sasha Graham Whitney really does win everything. From football and roller staking, to running and jumping. She is the best at everything, and she knows it! Whitney’s Tiny Ninja tries to remind her that winning is not always the most important thing, but Whitney doesn’t always listen. Whatever it is, Whitney is determined to win. Until one day, Whitney is not invited to a party because her friends are worried that she will win all the prizes, and then her soccer coach changes the rules so her team cannot win the match. Whitney is confused but soon comes to realise that there are more important things than winning and maybe her Tiny Ninja was right after all. This is a charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. It reinforces the message that being kind and helping others to succeed feels good, and is just as rewarding as winning yourself. Some young children are extremely competitive by nature and hate to lose, and this book will remind them to focus their energies on having fun and building good friendships. An important life lesson for both children and adults. The illustrations by Angelina Valieva are colourful, whimsical, and extraordinarily detailed. Children will love to find the Tiny Ninjas hidden in the pictures. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here