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< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle Can Princess Gabrielle and her lover Bastien save the Kingdom of Finistère. Princess Gabrielle, ‘the Viking Princess’ and daughter of the King Guillemin of Finistère, has returned home from Paris due to her father’s rapidly declining health. French law proclaims that a woman can neither inherit the throne or rule as queen in her own right. If her father dies before she marries, the throne and Kingdom of Finistère would be lost. The Marquis de Nantes is pressurizing the King to arrange a marriage between Gabrielle and his son, Ugolin Cauchon. Ugolin is a wicked and ruthless man who seeks control of the Breton seas and plans to revoke the Maritime Treaty which ensures safe passage along the coast. Rather than reject the offer outright, the King announces a Yuletide Joust, where members of the nobility will compete to win Gabrielle’s hand in marriage. Gabrielle is distraught and seeks comfort in the arms of Sir Bastien de Landuc, her equestrian tutor and royal personal guard. Bastien has secretly loved Gabrielle for many years and the relationship soon becomes intimate. Bastien dreams of marrying his Viking Princess, but without a title of nobility, he is unable to compete in the joust. Meanwhile, Ugolin is determined to become the King of Finistère, and will stop at nothing to win the contest. He has a wicked plan to win the contest, marry the princess, and then enslave her in the castle so he can take control of the Kingdom. Ugolin and his cronies attempt to kidnap Gabrielle, but she is saved by her beloved Bastien. The King rewards Bastien with a fiefdom and a title of nobility, which makes him eligible to compete in the joust. As Bastien prepares to enter the contest and win Gabrielle’s hand in marriage, Ugolin has another devious plan to take the princess, her royal dowry, and the Kingdom of Finistère. Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle is the first in a new ‘Christmas in the Castle Series’ by author Jennifer Ivy Walker. Set in the mythical Arthurian period, the book features familiar characters, such as Sir Lancelot du Lac, and other characters from Walkers’ Sea Raven trilogy series. With a beautiful, star-crossed love story, an enchanting fantasy world set within the royal courts, and a wicked villain, this medieval fantasy fiction novel was a joy to read. The book transports the reader to a mythical realm of kings and queens, armoured knights, and horses. A delightful read for those seeking escapism from reality. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A perfect cosy, medieval fantasy book to snuggle up and escape with over the holiday period. Purchase here

< Back Paula Welch A River of Fortune An ordinary woman, in an ordinary town, finds her extraordinary self, from debut author Paula Welch Maggie Malloy, an ordinary and predictable young woman, is made redundant from her job along with her friends. Months later, while taking a hike by the river, she stumbles across a discarded security case and takes it home. She opens the case and finds 1.2 million pounds inside. Maggie decides to fulfil a promise to her late, dear friend, to be adventurous and spontaneous, and decides to keep the money. She seeks the help of her closest friends to set up a charitable fund, and uses the cash to bring much needed investment to their small town in Devon. Meanwhile, the criminals who stole (and lost) the case, and greedy, corrupt politicians, are desperately searching for the security case. Unbeknown to Maggie, a small electronic pocketbook is hidden inside a black box within the case, and is far more valuable than the money. The towns rapid regeneration eventually brings unwelcome attention to the charity’s finances. Maggie and her friends’ lives are put in danger as the criminals try to retrieve the pocketbook. However, the British intelligence Service GCHQ are also searching for the pocketbook and must catch the culprits before the secrets of the British government are exposed. A River of Fortune by Paula Welch is an enthralling, action packed novel, where a series of accidental events turn one woman’s life from ordinary to extraordinary. Set in a small provincial town in England, Maggie's determination brings her back to life, but in doing so, she is unwittingly exposed to danger. Maggie’s character is well developed, and her confidence grows throughout the book, as she fulfils her friends dying wish to be extraordinary. Overall, this is an action-packed crime fiction book, with a charming protagonist, a smattering of romance and a feel-good factor.  Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enthralling, action packed novel, where a series of accidental events turns one woman’s life from ordinary to extraordinary . A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back S. C. Eston Deficiency Author S. C. Eston depicts a disturbing vision of society that is far too close for comfort. Set in Prominence City, on the planet Garadia, a prominent researcher at Thrium Laboratories, Detel Scherzel, suddenly disappears. Her profile is deleted from the data-sphere, and she is nowhere to be seen. Her brother, Artenz Scherzel, and sister-in-law, Keidi Rysinger, are frantic with worry. Keidi visits Detel’s laboratory but finds no trace of her existence. Meanwhile, it’s an important day for Artenz, as he launches a new project for his company, BlueTech Data. When Artenz nips out for lunch, enforcers enter his workplace and lock the building down. One of Artenz’s colleagues, Marti Zehron, contacts him and tells him not to return to the office, but to run and hide. The enforcers are searching for Detel, and when they learn that Artenz has left the building, they send out a team to capture him. Following Keidi’s unsuccessful visit to Detel’s laboratory, she visits Detel’s home and finds the place ransacked and destroyed. She decides to infiltrate the buildings security system, but her identity is discovered, and she is also pursued by the enforcers. Artenz is captured and taken back to BlueTech Data, where he is tortured by the enforcers. Keidi is hiding in Prominence City and, with nowhere else to turn, she seeks the assistance of an old acquaintance, and reporter for the Authentic Banners, Eltaya Ark. Eltaya and her team agree to help Keidi and they travel to the city to rescue Artenz. Artenz is taken to a place of safety, where he learns about Detel’s secret research and her mysterious disappearance. Keidi is lost somewhere in the depths of the underground, with the enforcers in hot pursuit. As Keidi tries to find her way to Artenz, Artenz plans to reveal the truth about his sisters’ research, and bring the aggressors to justice. Deficiency by author S.C. Eston, is a cleverly crafted science-fiction, dystopian novel, set on the planet Garadia, in the far distant future. Eston depicts a vision of society that is both disturbing and believable. On the surface, Prominence City is immaculate, and its citizens are healthy and law abiding, but the city harbours a dark and dirty secret. The citizens are merely pawns in a corporate game of greed, corruption, and control. It’s a vision of society that is far too close for comfort. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Overall, a cleverly crafted, sharp, and chilling novel, with an intriguing and believable plot. Purchase here

< Back Stoni Astley Sanctuary's Lights A powerful and heart-breaking novel about parental neglect and domestic violence, from author Stoni Astley. Eleven-year-old Sydney and her younger siblings, Amanda, and Dylan, move to a new house, a new town, and a new school. Their mother Barbara, alcohol dependent and addicted to prescription drugs, has moved them again, this time to Ontario to escape the prying eyes of the social services and nosey neighbours. The children have spent years in and out of social services care, due to their mother’s substance abuse and violence. As the children try to settle into their new school, the neglect, the abuse, the violence, and the range continues at home. No-one hears their cries. No-one sees their bruises. No-one cares. But when their mother’s violence escalates, Sydney confides in one teacher who shows her kindness and compassion. Just when Sydney gets the support she desperately needs, and starts to believe she will escape with her siblings, her mother loses control and the lives of all three siblings are changed forever. Sanctuary’s Lights is a powerful and heart-breaking novel of three siblings who live in constant fear of their mother. While a work of fiction, the book is inspired by the authors own traumatic childhood experiences. Honestly and sensitively told from the children’s perspective, the novel is a moving tribute to all victims and survivors of childhood neglect and domestic abuse. The book highlights the brutality of a system that repeatedly fails vulnerable children, by failing to act quickly, by separating traumatised siblings, by housing them in unsuitable homes, by repeatedly allowing them to go back to neglectful and abusive parents, and by simply not caring enough. Sadly, the story of Sydney, Amanda, and Dylan, and of the author, Stoni Astley, is not an uncommon one. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘Honestly and sensitively told from the children’s perspective, the novel is a moving tribute to all victims and survivors of childhood neglect and domestic abuse. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Barbara C. Mishkin TIP's Magical Birthday It is Thaddeus Issac Pendleton’s (aka Little TIP’s) tenth birthday, and he is looking forward to his first ever birthday party at his new house. The house is decorated, TIP wears his best clothes, and he waits for his friends to arrive. His friend Oliver is high spirited and has lots of friends. Katie is kind-hearted and gentle, and loves to wear a bow in her hair. Twins, Marco and Mario love sports and are good athletes. TIP’s friend Malik is from Senegal, and he is a good wrestler. His friend Jimmy wears a patch on his eye, and his friend Henry walks with a cane. As more and more friends arrive at the party, TIP recognises that each friend is interesting, unique, and very special. The entertainment begins and his friend Lucas is the magician for the party, and another friend is the puppeteer. As they all tuck into their party food, TIP receives an unexpected gift from his grandmom and grandpop. TIP's Magical Birthday is a fun picture book, by author Barbara C. Mishkin, about a young boy who celebrates his tenth birthday with his friends. The story shows how individual differences – whether cultural, physical, interest-based or personality-based – enhance friendships. Through this simple yet engaging story, young readers will learn the importance of kindness and inclusivity. The illustrations are bright and engaging, capturing the excitement of a birthday party, while showcasing each friends unique traits. Overall, a delightful picture book and a reminder for children (and grown-ups) that the best celebrations are those with family and friends, where everyone is welcomed, valued and respected. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A fun and delightful picture book for young readers, and a wonderful celebration of diversity, inclusion and friendship. www.tipsmagicaljourneybook.com Purchase here

Dead Girl < Back Kerrie Faye Dead Girl A girl resurrected from the dead, seeks answers. It is the first day back at Wilson County High School for sophomore, Ember O’Neill. Ember had a tough time as a Freshman. She struggled with depression and synesthesia (a neurological condition where stimulation of one sense leads to involuntary experiences in other senses), and was bullied by classmates Wayne Wilson, Maddison Miller, and others. Longing to fit in and have a better school experience, Ember has five goals for her sophomore year: 1) to get a bestie, 2) to stay off Maddison’s radar, 3) to avoid and ignore Wayne, 4) to become popular, and 5) to get a boyfriend. When she meets and develops a friendship with new girl, Hallee, Ember achieves her first goal. But she is still ostracism and targeted by her peers and receives hateful and threatening messages. Ember reluctantly goes to a ‘back to school’ party, but following an incident with Wayne, Ember almost drowns in the hosts’ swimming pool. She is dead for around twenty minutes and brought back to life by paramedics. News of the incident spreads, and Ember becomes a local celebrity. As Ember’s popularity increases, Wayne is incarcerated in a juvenile detention centre. Life for Ember improves, and she begins dating a new boy, Logan Lauder. But, following her near-death experience, Ember experiences visions and nightmares, and her father is tragically killed by a rabid bobcat. As Ember tries to make sense of the visions and her father’s death, she soon learns the truth about her neurological condition and her ancestry. Dead Girl is a gripping coming-of-age, supernatural drama by Kerrie Faye. S et in the 1990’s, the book follows Ember O’Neill in her sophomore year, as she grapples with depression and synesthesia, and struggles to find her place. Her life is transformed following a freak incident at a pool party, and she discovers she possesses extraordinary abilities. As she learns to control her powers, she must also defeat a deadly assassin hired to kill her. With a blend of reality and fantasy, plenty of teen drama, and an unexpected, supernatural plot twist, this is a compelling, captivating, and hard-to-put-down novel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating and gripping teen drama, with an unexpected supernatural twist. Purchase here

Believe < Back Angie Bailey Believe Abigale believes there is more to life than the dull, grey world she inhabits, by author Angie Bailey Thirteen-year-old Abigale Johnson was born into a family of Never-Believers. A family who did not believe in Christmas, or birthdays, or fun, adventure or magic. A family whose life was dull and grey. But Abigale was a little different from the Johnson’s. She had dreams of a better life, and a life a little less grey. So Abigale spent most her time tyring to avoid her family, particularly her brothers who were the meanest of the mean, and teased and taunted Abigale every single day. One day, on a dreaded train trip to visit her despicable and very grey Aunt Violet, Abigale’s life changes for ever. After a knock on the head, Abigale discovers an alternate Fae world of wonder and magic, fae-folk, and Believers. Whizzing along on the Faedora magic train, Abigale meets lots of new friends and discovers Christmas and other wonderful celebrations. At thirteen, Abigale has her first ever birthday party, full of love and laughter. But not everyone on the magical train is happy with Abigale’s arrival, and they plot a sinister spell to extract her from the train during the next pink moon, putting her life in mortal danger. As Abigale’s new friends try to save her from doom, they soon discover Abigale has some important royal connections, and even her despicable Aunt Violet is not quite who she seems. Believe is an imaginative and enchanting novel. Well written by Angie Bailey and full of wonder, mystery and magic, the book has fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers. The book is the first part of a series, and we can’t wait to read the next instalment in Abigale’s magical journey. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enchanting novel, with fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Angie Bailey Believe Abigale believes there is more to life than the dull, grey world she inhabits, by author Angie Bailey Thirteen-year-old Abigale Johnson was born into a family of Never-Believers. A family who did not believe in Christmas, or birthdays, or fun, adventure or magic. A family whose life was dull and grey. But Abigale was a little different from the Johnson’s. She had dreams of a better life, and a life a little less grey. So Abigale spent most her time tyring to avoid her family, particularly her brothers who were the meanest of the mean, and teased and taunted Abigale every single day. One day, on a dreaded train trip to visit her despicable and very grey Aunt Violet, Abigale’s life changes for ever. After a knock on the head, Abigale discovers an alternate Fae world of wonder and magic, fae-folk, and Believers. Whizzing along on the Faedora magic train, Abigale meets lots of new friends and discovers Christmas and other wonderful celebrations. At thirteen, Abigale has her first ever birthday party, full of love and laughter. But not everyone on the magical train is happy with Abigale’s arrival, and they plot a sinister spell to extract her from the train during the next pink moon, putting her life in mortal danger. As Abigale’s new friends try to save her from doom, they soon discover Abigale has some important royal connections, and even her despicable Aunt Violet is not quite who she seems. Believe is an imaginative and enchanting novel. Well written by Angie Bailey and full of wonder, mystery and magic, the book has fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers. The book is the first part of a series, and we can’t wait to read the next instalment in Abigale’s magical journey. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enchanting novel, with fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jennifer R Sommer Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, "Mother of Hubble" Space Telescope Nancy Grace Roman’s journey to becoming ‘Mother of Hubble’. As a young girl, Nancy Grace was fascinated by the stars in the night sky and started her own astronomy club to search for constellations. As she moved from place to place for her dad’s job, the stars became her nearest and dearest friends. By junior high, Nancy knew she wanted to become an astronomer, but astronomy was not a typical career for a young woman in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Most colleges at the time did not accept girls, but Nancy found one that did and was accepted onto a science course. She also worked as an assistant at an observatory and earned a degree in astronomy in 1946, and later a PhD. As a scientific researcher, Nancy began to study the stars in the Milky Way and made some new discoveries. In 1959, she was asked to set up the space astronomy program at a new space agency, NASA. Nancy’s significant scientific achievements, her position as Chief of Astronomy for NASA, and her role in the space telescope project, led to her nickname the ‘Mother of the Hubble’. This is a remarkable book for middle grade readers, about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. During a time when few women went to college, and fewer studied astronomy, Nancy went on to become one of the leading scientists of her generation. I had heard of Nancy, but I knew little about her life. This book has inspired me to go and study more about this incredible woman and her achievements. Well-researched by Jennifer R Sommer, and based on many conversations with Nancy herself, this is an insightful and accessible book for readers of all ages. The book will appeal to readers interested in science, and particularly astronomy. The starry illustrations by Gayle Cobb are simply stunning. This is a fascinating read and highly recommended. The book will inspire children and adults alike to look up. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A remarkable book about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. Purchase here

< Back Kate Mathos Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern In 1941, as Europe is ravaged by the second World War, a ten-year old girl from Chicago faces an entirely different battle. Georgia Karras’s father has enlisted in the army to help with the war effort, while Georgia discovers a strange green light emanating from her attic. Georgia and her best friend Sam follow the light and find a curious letter and a small bottle of pixie potion. They fall through the floorboards and find themselves in a strange world, known as the Kingdom of Nern. As Georgia and Sam try to make sense of their new world, they meet a pixie named Lizl and a purple ‘fuzzball’ creature named Ned. They learn that many years ago, the current King of Nern began a war with the rightful Queen Aurelia. Georgia and Sam are sent on a perilous quest across Nern to find a mysterious amulet and to right the wrongs perpetrated by the King. On the journey, Georgia discovers that her father’s involvement in the war effort was not quite what she was led to believe. As Georgia tries to find the truth about her father, and restore the rightful queen on the throne, the Kings Guard and evil Leechers will stop at nothing to catch her. Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern is a fantasy fiction novel for middle-grade readers, by author Kate Mathos. Set in 1940’s Chicago, the book whisks readers away to an alternate world, brimming with magic and mystery. The story follows Georgia, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny. Packed full of action and adventure, with a colourful cast of characters, and captivating twists and turns, the book will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. With pixies, sea witches, merfolk, dragons, pirates, and many more wonderful creatures, this book has all the ingredients for an epic fantasy fiction story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A captivating fantasy fiction novel, with a colourful cast of characters, set in the magical and mysterious world of Nern. https://a.co/d/cS3yBPT Purchase here

< Back Jeffrey Hope Real Spies Don't Use Rowboats It is 1976 and the first day of summer in Cricket Cove, a small town on the coast of Maine. The Hassenfuss brothers are planning a summer of spy-filled adventure in their homemade rowboat. Fifth-grader John and fourth-grader Sam are spies in training and members of their own James Bond Society. When their dad buys an outboard motor, the brothers plan to use it on their boat, to explore the bay and hone their spy skills. But when their mom announces a work conference in New York, the boys are taken on an unexpected road trip to the big city. Family friends, the Johnsons, stay in their house while their own house is being renovated. The Hassenfuss family explore the sights of New York, and the brothers meet a real-life detective who gives them a special investigative training manual. But, when the boys return home to Cricket Cove, with a plan to try out their new spy skills, they soon discover that the Johnson family have broken a cardinal rule that could ruin the rest of their summer. Real Spies Don't Use Rowboats is a chapter book for newly independent readers, by author Jeffrey Hope. Set in 1976, the book follows the Hassenfuss brothers as they embark on a summer break filled with discovery, adventure and brotherly bonds. The brothers spend their days on their trusty rowboat, pretending to be spies on secret missions. Hope captures the essence of the 1970s, and the innocence and curiosity of childhood, beautifully. Full of brotherly love and lots of banter, this is a timeless story that will transport readers back to a simpler time, defined by outdoor adventures, imaginative play, and community spirit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gentle, funny and nostalgic tale, beautifully capturing the joy of summer during childhood. Purchase here

< Back J. Paul Rieger, Jr. Sunscreen Shower Baltimore Detective Kev Dixit is back, in this sequel to Clonk! Detective Kev Dixit is covering for his Sergeant in the Baltimore City Police Criminal Investigation Division when a report of an alleged double murder comes in. Husband and wife, Christian Robert and Joanne Matthiesen, are found dead in their home. The evidence points to a murder-suicide, but a possible third-party shooter cannot be ruled out. Dixit is assigned to the investigation and soon discovers some oddities about the case. Days before the crime, Mr Matthiesen transferred large amounts of cash from his account to an investment bank in the Grand Caymans, while DNA profiling of the victims turns up some peculiar results. As the investigation continues, Dixit foils an armed robbery at a bank, and is drawn into a car bombing investigation, while a sexual predator is on the loose and is terrorising women across Baltimore. Running parallel to the investigation is the story of Klos, a man who believes Dixit killed his father and will stop at nothing to find the detective and get revenge. M eanwhile, Dixit’s old high school friends and entrepreneurs, Waxley and Switzer, are busy trying to promote their new book while also considering a new business venture. Sunscreen Shower is a sequel to J. Paul Rieger’s book Clonk! which follows the misadventures of a group of friends who met at Ignatius High School. Each man has chosen a different path in life, and a couple have taken the wrong track, but remained close in adulthood. The novel centres largely on Detective Kev Dixit, and the stories of the other characters are interwoven throughout. Rieger seamlessly weaves together a gritty crime investigation, with a dark, delirious comedy. It is a delicate balancing act that Rieger executes with aplomb, ensuring the comedy enhances rather than undermines the gravity of the crimes. Dixit is a likeable character, although somewhat of an unexpected hero. He is a character you will not forget, and his investigations with Baltimore City Police are sure to leave a lasting impression. With multiple, intriguing plotlines and a cast of quirky characters, this is a must read for fans of crime fiction and dark comedy alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A clever, funny and wonderfully strange crime detective novel. Purchase here