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< Back Dr. Trent W. Smallwood Lethal Decree Sebastian Storm overcomes childhood trauma to become an elite super soldier, from author Dr Smallwood. Thirteen-year-old Sebastian Storm’s life is turned upside down when he tragically loses both of his parents within a forty-eight-hour period. First, his beloved mother is killed after apparently falling down the stairs, but Sebastian is convinced his abusive father pushed her. Sebastian is grief stricken but his father shows no emotion. Sebastian is determined to punish his father and shortly after, Sebastian’s father dies in a gruesome and equally suspicious manner. Sebastian is sent to an orphanage for a while, before he is taken in by an older friend James, and goes to live on his farm. James mentors Sebastian and teaches him soldiering and combat skills. Sebastian channels all of his grief and energy into his combat training, and years later, he is noticed by the US government and trained to become an ‘elite super-soldier’. But, a fellow trainee, Tobias Teague, holds Sebastian responsible for his wife’s murder, and sets out to avenge her death. For years, the two men manage to avoid each other, but when Tobias plans a horrific terrorist attack, Sebastian must find a way to stop his old enemy. Lethal Decree is a testosterone-fuelled, suspense thriller. It is an enthralling and gripping novel, filled with action and violence. Sebastian is a well-developed, complex, and likeable character, despite his sadistic tendencies. There is one particular scene that reveals the complexity of his character, when he leaves his father to die in a bear trap, but then sets a rabbit free. The book will appeal to those who enjoy gripping, suspense thrillers, but the gratuitous violence and sex scenes are not for the faint hearted. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A testosterone-fuelled, and gripping suspense thriller. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

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

< Back Bryan Asher The Treasure of Lor-Rev Another gripping fantasy fiction adventure, set in the Intercontinents, by author Bryan Asher On the Intercontinent of Lor-Rev, Jared Dareje, an explorer, and collector of digital artefacts, is searching in the deserted mountains of Kal for a prototype model of the SatellaField Personal Station. When he finds the devise hidden in a cave and takes it away, he sees a projection of the late Johan Naoki, the man who created the device and the owner SatellaField, and a stark warning meant for someone, or something called Daemon. Daemon, an android built by Johan, has evolved into a cybernetic demigod. He has escaped the digital cage where he has been imprisoned, and he needs the Personal Station to link up with three other devises, to achieve his goal of enslaving humanity. But first he must find others who can help him on his mission, and he has engineered microscopic nanites to ensure that those he recruits will participate, willingly or otherwise. Meanwhile, Johan’s granddaughter Kanna, receives an alert that the device has been taken. Kanna must find and retrieve the devise before Daemon pairs the devise with the others and destroys the whole of humanity. The Treasure of Lor-Rev is the second book in a series, and another gripping fantasy fiction adventure from author Bryan Asher. With unique and memorable characters, an enticing plot, and a rich and imaginative setting, the second book in the series does not disappoint. The book stands alone, and can be read without reading the first book, The Assassin of Malcoze, but the two books together create an imaginative and mesmerising fantasy world. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A rich and imaginative fantasy fiction novel, with unique and memorable characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Hayley Lyle Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit Who Defied Caste to Bless Others A deeply moving biography by author Hayley Lyle. Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit Who Defied Caste to Bless Others is a biography written by author Hayley Lyle about a man born into the lowest caste in India. Natarajan ‘Raj’ was born in 1966 into the Paraiyan caste (a low-caste group of Hindu Indian society, formerly known as ‘untouchables’ but now called Dalits). His family were bonded laborers, an illegal yet prevalent form of slavery. At five years old, Raj’s father sent him to school to try and give him a better chance in later life. On his first day at school his teacher gives him a new name, Rajendran. Worried that a Hindu untouchable name like Natarajan would condemn him to stay in his caste forever, the teacher changed his life. Lyle writes, ‘With a single swipe of a pen, she redefined Raj’s entire reality in a way that would allow Raj himself to forge his own role and prospects’. Raj excels in school, but he is ridiculed and bullied by the other students. At the age of thirteen, Raj received a sponsorship from a relief organisation, Bright Future, to continue his studies. He would later work for the organisation, impacting the lives of thousands of people during a fifteen-year period. He went on to work for the Samuka Initiative, as a national coordinator overseeing the sponsorship and education of thousands of children and families. He worked with the Global Rights Network, fighting against the illegal system of bonded labor, and he also helped to set up a grassroots non-profit organisation named Maarga, to enrich the lives of children in the slums. This is a powerful and inspiring story of an extraordinary man, who was able to climb out of extreme poverty, through education and charitable sponsorship. The biography captures his struggles as he strives to make a better life for himself and others. Through his philanthropic work he improved the lives of thousands of people in villages and slums. Raj’s journey is an inspiration to others who find themselves trapped in similar circumstances. The book explores the inhumanity of the caste system, and the pain, hardship and suffering experienced by many thousands of people. It is a powerful reminder of the social inequalities that exist in India and across the world. The book is based on Lyle’s research and interviews with Raj and with other significant people in his life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and inspiring biography of an extraordinary man growing up in the lowest caste in India. Purchase here

< Back Lachlan Pirie The Resolution A dark, psychological thriller by debut author Lachlan Pirie Daniel Rodrigues is serving time in the Wolston Correctional Centre in Wacol for causing grievous bodily harm to his wife, Janet. It is his third prison sentence, and he has been incarcerated for thirty years in total, for numerous assaults on his wife. Janet visits Daniel in prison and he attacks her again, and threatens to kill her. His desire to kill his wife, has morphed into a chronic, cyclic obsession. Another prison inmate, Jonathon (Jon) Little, is an ex-lawyer, who was convicted of defrauding his wife of five million dollars. When his wife, Kay, serves Jon his divorce papers in prison, he is enraged. Daniel first meets Jon when he is transferred to his prison cell in Wolston, and the pair concoct an elaborate plan to kill their wives. Jon’s experience as a criminal lawyer, leads him to believe he has the perfect ‘murder exchange’ strategy. The plan involves each prisoner killing the others wife, while the husband is out of the country and has a solid alibi. There is no money involved, just a pact between two fellow inmates and disgruntled husbands. Their only ‘reward is purely their own satisfaction’ . When both inmates are released on parole, they set out to complete the task. But can each prisoner really trust their fellow inmate? And will each man fulfil their murderous pact? The Resolution by Lachlan Pirie is a dark, psychological thriller about a couple of disturbed prison inmates who plan to murder each other’s wives when they are released from prison. Written in the third-person point of view, alongside a collection of excerpts taken from the personal journal written by Daniel Rodriguez’s alternate personality Tinkler Rodriguez. The journal provides a narrative on the events the happen following Daniel’s/Tinkler’s release from prison. This is such a unique concept, and I was hooked from the first chapter. The characters are very well developed – vile, but at the same time, intriguing. The plot is clever, intricate and fast moving. The writing is excellent, and I particularly enjoyed the alternating perspectives of the main characters . There is a big unexpected twist at the end, which will make you question every little detail in book. Totally unexpected. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A clever and complex psychological thriller. I couldn't put this compelling debut down. Purchase here

< Back Carter Fielding Murder at the Summit: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery The fifth instalment in this captivating murder-mystery series. Whitt Blake and her husband David Quinn are in Manila with Whitt’s sister, Finley, and her life partner Max Davies. Whitt won four days for two at a luxury spa in a benefit gala, and Finley, a travel writer, is working on an assignment about the best spas in Asia. While David and Max spend the weekend on a diving expedition, Whitt and Finley explore the luxury spa, named the Summit. The Summit is an exclusive resort spa in the hills of Manila, and a remote retreat for the rich and famous. With guests including a former Miss International and an a-list Bollywood Star, the Summit is the place to see and be seen. But on their first day at the resort, Whitt and Finley find the body of a young woman face-down in a pool at the foot of a waterfall. A murder investigation is launched when it is found the woman died in suspicious circumstances. This isn’t the first time Whitt and Finley have found themselves in a precarious situation, as they have unwittingly become entangled in several murder investigations during previous travel escapades. When a second dead body is found the next day, Whitt and Finley suspect the deaths are linked. But when a third dead body is found, the sisters worry there is a serial killer on the loose. When they meet an old friend at the resort, an undercover British detective, the sisters soon realise there is more to the story than meets the eye. Whitt and Finley are once again thrown into the depths of the investigation and the murky world of the super-rich and powerful. Murder at the Summit: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery is the fifth instalment of this gripping murder-mystery series, by author Carter Fielding. The series follows two sisters as they travel the world and unwittingly find themselves entangled in several murder investigations. I have read several books in the series, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. The Blake sisters are likeable and relatable characters, and I have enjoyed following their travel adventures and the development of their personal relationships. I particularly enjoyed reading about the diverse and exotic places the sisters visit, this time readers are transported to a luxury spa in the lush and picturesque hills in Manila. Carter Fielding masterfully blends the charm of a cosy mystery, with the allure of a luxury spa setting, and the dangerous, murky world of the super-rich. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A cosy murder mystery set in a luxury resort in the picturesque hills of Manila, with two charming amateur sleuths. Purchase here

< Back A Frank Corso Mystery Divine Travel Agency A Frank Corso mystery novel, set in magical New Orleans Frank Corso, a middle-aged New Yorker, and Wall Street financial researcher, is on a field trip to the French Quarter of New Orleans, when he is contacted by his ex-girlfriend Maggie. Maggie is worried about her friend, Aureole, a young, Creole girl who disappeared after visiting her bar the previous evening. Maggie is convinced Aureole’s disappearance is related to her unique mystical powers and her role as a clairvoyant. Frank reluctantly agrees to help Maggie look for her friend, in the hope that they might rekindle their relationship. As Frank begins to investigate the girl’s disappearance, he calls on his friends and colleagues to help him solve the mystery. Intrigued, but sceptical of Aureole’s special abilities, Frank starts his investigation by examining all those who attended Aureole’s last séance. He is soon drawn into the mysterious world of the occult and supernatural, and discovers the Divine Travel Agency, which will change his life forever. The Divine Travel Agency is an intriguing, mystery novel set in New Orleans. This is a fast-paced, riveting page turner, filled with mystery and mystique, and numerous twists and turns. With vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds and colours of the New Orleans French quarter, you can really feel the energy of this amazing city. I was completely immersed in the book and for a few hours, I was right in the heart of New Orleans. This is a riveting and well-developed story, with likeable and relatable characters. Frank Corso is a wonderfully charismatic and flawed character. The perfect anti-hero. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fast-paced, intriguing mystery, with a charismatic investigator and a supernatural twist. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back C.J. Hudson Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street A young boy finds love with the girl next door, by author CJ Hudson Twelve-year-old CJ lives in constant fear of his drunken, abusive father. Life at school is no better, as he is frequently tormented and bullied by other children. When CJ gets into a scrape at school, his father is enraged and beats him with his belt. But when CJ’s mother tries to intervene to protect her son, he beats her close to death, and she ends up in hospital. His father leaves the family home, and his mother later marries another equally unpleasant man, Dick. The family move to a new house on Fairhaven Street, where CJ meets his new neighbor, Danielle. Danielle’s home becomes a sanctuary for CJ, where he can escape his miserable life at home. CJ and Danielle become inseparable, but their parents dismiss their relationship as ‘puppy love.’ As the love between CJ and Danielle grows, CJs mother announces she is seeking full custody of CJ, and the family are moving from Florida to Michigan. CJ is distraught when he has to leave Fairhaven Street, and he promises to wait for Danielle and return back to Florida when he can. CJ soon settles into school in Michigan, and meets new friends, but misses Danielle and dreams of the day when they can be reunited. Eight years later, following his graduation, CJ returns to Florida to try and track down Danielle. Will CJ find Danielle? Will Danielle remember her childhood sweetheart? And will the couple rekindle their relationship? Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street is a beautifully written, heart-breaking, and poignant memoir by author CJ Hudson. Written for his sons, CJ Hudson tells the story of his troubled life, the abuse he suffered as a child from his father and school bullies, and the depression he experienced throughout his life. But this is also a story about love and hope, how the love he found from the girl next door, and other significant people in his life, including his grandma and his karate teacher, helped him move forward and break the cycle of violence and abuse. There is an unexpected twist towards the end of the book, which brings a whole new and slightly disturbing perspective to the story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written, heart-breaking, and poignant memoir about love and hope. Purchase here

< Back Ashley Porsche Bugge The Ocean is Calling A poignant memoir of love and loss, beautifully written by author Ashley Porsche Bugge Thirty-five-year-old Brian James Bugge, sailor, explorer, naval officer, and diver, died tragically in a scuba diving accident in Hawaii on May 20, 2018, leaving behind his two young children, Izzy and Hudson, and wife, Ashley, pregnant with their third child, Adeline. Ashley is heartbroken, as she tries to come to terms with the loss of her beloved husband, best friend and soul mate. Brian was stationed in Hawaii as a US Naval Officer, and the family had built a beautiful home and incredible life on the paradise island. But, with memories and visions of Brian on every part of the island, Ashley is unable to stay in their family home. Just three weeks after Brian’s funeral, Ashley packs up her life and moves with the children to Boise, Idaho, with Brian’s sister, Nikki, and her family. Ashley is stricken with grief and struggles to eat, sleep and drink. She cannot see a future without Brian, and contemplates ending her own life. As her health deteriorates, Ashley is diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and hospitalised. At thirty-five weeks, Ashley is induced early, and baby Adeline is born safely in July 2018. The next few months are hard for Ashley, as she learns how to cope with new motherhood without her ‘tried and true.’ Ashley is determined to pull through and knows she must find something to look forward to. So, she decides to plan an epic trip to Europe, including seven countries in eight weeks. Several months later, with her best friend Kasey, nanny Kayla, and three young children in tow, the party embark on a European adventure of a lifetime. The trip is an opportunity for fun and adventure, but also allows time for Ashley to heal and recover, as she fondly remembers Brian and scatters his ashes in the ocean of each country she visits. Returning home, Ashley is comforted by a letter from one of Brian’s organ donor recipients and she deposits his remaining ashes in the dive site where he tragically lost his life. The Ocean is Calling is a poignant memoir, beautifully written by Ashley Porsche Bugge, wife of Brian who tragically lost his life in a scuba diving accident. Ashley writes about their life together, and his tragic death, with such openness and tenderness. She describes the impact of his death on her health and life with pure, raw emotion. The scenes she describes when she first learnt about his death, said goodbye in the hospital, carried his urn through the airport, and contemplated her own life, are truly heart-breaking. This book is a beautiful and loving tribute, to a man well loved. I’m sure it will provide much comfort to Brian’s family and friends, and his children as they grow older and start to process their own grief. It will help them to remember his life was a life well-lived. It will help them to remember what an extraordinary woman their mother was to overcome such unimaginable pain and loss, and their amazing travels through Europe. The book will provide hope to anyone who has lost a loved one, that even in the darkest of times, one can find happiness. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and loving tribute, to a man well loved. Purchase here

< Back Kerk Murray Since the Day We Danced A second chance at love, for two Hadley Cove residents. Forty-year-old Emma Wright is forced to sell the home her grandfather gifted to her, following her divorce to Chad Jones. Throughout the marriage, Chad was cruel, manipulative, and controlling. The turbulent relationship ends when Chad had an affair with a younger woman, and Emma is left broken. With intense feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and hopelessness, she doesn’t know how to move on with her life. Her only joy is Riley, the golden retriever rescue dog she retained full custody of following the divorce. She moves into a smaller cottage, closer to the coast in Hadley Cove, Georgia. But shortly after the move, Riley escapes through an open door and Emma is distraught when she cannot find him. Riley finds his way back to his old home, where he meets new residents Luke Grayson and his seventeen-year-old son, Jeremiah. Still grieving the loss of his wife who died two years previously from cancer, Luke has moved to Hadley Cove from Chicago, to spend more time with his son. Jeremiah has struggled since his moms death and blames his dad for not being there for him when he was younger. Luke and Jeremiah grow fond of Riley and let him stay until they can track down his owner. When Emma and Riley are finally reunited, Emma develops a friendship with Luke, Hadley Cove’s handsome new bachelor. But when their friendship turns into something more intimate, they decide to keep their relationship secret, to avoid hurting Jeremiah. Will Emma ever trust a man again? Can Luke learn to love another? How will they break the news to Jeremiah? Since the Day We Danced by author Kerk Murray is a romantic novel and a tender love story between two middle aged adults who find love again after heartache. As Emma and Luke try to rebuild their lives in Hadley Cove, they are brought together by Emma’s beloved dog, Riley, and discover an unexpected companionship. But the path to finding love again isn’t easy, as each character must deal with their own pain and trauma. The novel explores the devastating impact of grief and divorce, and the healing power of connection, friendship, and love. A beautiful reminder that even after heartache, one can find love again. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tender and heartfelt love story about a widower and a divorcee who discover an unexpected companionship, and the prospect of a second chance at love. Purchase here

< Back Joshua Hershey Linden Falls Can a young woman free her people from darkness? Orphan, Mabel, was brought up by her grandmother, Gigi, in Linden, a nation cursed and shrouded by dark and evil forces. Mabel’s parents died of the plague when she was a young girl, but Gigi never discussed their life or death. Mabel always thought she was different from other children and had vivid dreams she was a witch. Rumors had even spread at school that Mabel was a possessed dreamer, who uses magic to enter shadows and speak with the dead. When Gigi dies, Mabel is left penniless and alone. She visits Gigi’s cabin to retrieve her belongings and feels a strange presence. When she spots a book that she had seen in her dream, she must open it. The book emits light and fire, and Mabel is spellbound. The magic book creates a cyclone and Mabel flees the cabin by stepping through a door of fire. Mabel is chased by a serpent, Lavian, and a hoard of Dark Angels. She is saved by the Light Angels and taken to Citadel; a fortress suspended above the Earth. Mabel learns from the Light Angels that the book has special powers, and she was chosen by the one who wrote the book to break the darkness over Linden. She also learns there are two worlds, the world where she lives and the unseen realm that permeates the heavens and Earth. Mable has two choices, to return to her old life in Linden and give up the book, or to harness the book’s powers and continue the path of her calling. Which path will Mabel take? Can she end the darkness that presides over Linden? And will she find out the truth about her parents, and her special powers? Linden Falls is an imaginative and thrilling dark fantasy fiction novel by author Joshua Hershey. This is a well written and tightly crafted story, with a gripping plot, and rich, memorable characters. Mabel is a strong female protagonist, who overcomes adversity to free her people. There are strong Christian messages throughout the book, which make this a unique and powerful read. Hershey has created a spellbinding world that will appeal to those who enjoy action-adventure, fantasy fiction, and Christian fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable and spellbinding read. Purchase here

< Back Christopher Schildt An American Christmas Carol Christopher Schildt retells the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens. Set in Boston in 1843, the book opens in a small coastal fishing town, where Edward Marley meets his fate when he slips off the dock and drowns in the murky waters. Henry Rutherford, Marley’s so-called friend and business partner, is the only mourner at Marley’s funeral. Seven years after Marley’s death, Rutherford lives alone in an old mansion. His only living relative is his young niece, Julia. It’s Christmas Eve and Rutherford refuses to donate to the poor and declines an invitation to join his niece for dinner. He reluctantly agrees to allow his hardworking and underpaid clerk, William Cratchit, one day off on Christmas Day. That night, Rutherford is visited by a phantom of his late business partner, Marley. Marley explains to Rutherford that three ghostly spirits will haunt him, to help him escape the same bleak path that he travelled. Rutherford is first visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, where Rutherford is forced to look back on his lonely childhood, and the love he lost. The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Rutherford to the cobbled streets where he witnesses great acts of kindness in the poorest districts of Boston. He goes to the home of his clerk, Cratchit, and learns that his son, Tiny Tim, is severely ill. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come takes Rutherford to the future, where he learns what could be of his own fate, and discovers that there is still time for him to change. An American Christmas Carol by Christopher Schildt is a heart-warming tale, based on the much-loved Christmas classic by Charles Dickens. Schildt perfectly captures the essence of Dickens, while adding his own unique flair . Much like the original Scrooge character, Rutherford is known for his greed and distain for the less fortunate. The cobblestone streets of Boston replace the smoggy London backdrop, but the book has the same feeling, warmth and memorable moments as the original. Though the plot is familiar, the setting and unique touches, make the story feel fresh and exciting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : Schildt transports the reader to the cobbled streets of 1840’s Boston, in this interesting and heart-warming retelling of a much-loved Christmas classic. Purchase here