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< Back Melissa Jacobus The Accomplice Author Melissa Jacobus’ lived experience of raising children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The Accomplice, by author Melissa Jacobus, is a courageous and inspirational true story of the authors personal experience of parenting children with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). FASD, also known as the ‘invisible disability’, is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions that can occur in an individual as a result of exposure to alcohol in utero. The effects can have life-long implications, including physical, mental, behavior, and/or learning issues. Mother of four, Melissa, describes her journey of caring for two adopted children, Natalie and Nicky, both challenged with FASD, and the impact this disorder had on the children and on family life. Natalie ran away from home and fell in with a wrong crowd, who took advantage of her disability. She became involved with Max, also suspected of having FASD, and both were incarcerated for involvement in check fraud. Natalie became pregnant prior to her sentence, and gave birth shortly after her release, but the baby was taken into foster care, as Natalie and Max were unable to take care of her. Melissa describes her struggles as she tried to get the courts, health care system, and social services to recognise FASD and get the support Natalie deserved. Nicky, feeling abandoned while Melissa was supporting Natalie, and experiencing significant work-related stress, also ran away from home. He lived with his older brother for a short time, before ending up homeless and on the streets. Melissa describes her struggle to find her son and bring him safely home. Melissa works tirelessly to increase awareness of FASD, through advocacy and speaking events. Alongside her own lived experience, she describes how FASD has impacted the lives of many others, including a fifteen-year-old boy suffering from FASD, who killed his mother in a violent rage. The book deals with some of the common outcomes of FASD, such as homelessness, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and criminality. It is a heart-breaking and difficult read, but it is a story that needs to be told. The book is a call to action to raise awareness of this invisible disorder, and to recognise FASD as a developmental disability. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational story of one woman’s fight to protect her children and raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. ​ 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 Holly Brough The Name I Choose A historical fiction novel about the experience of women in nineteenth century Spain Set in nineteenth century Spain, fifteen-year-old Amalia is sold by her family to work as a housekeeper on the wealthy Tudós Estate. Amalia is expected to take care of the house and look after the family’s children, but the estate’s patriarch, Manuel Tudó, has a more sinister motive. Manuel is a violent, deceptive, manipulator and takes a sexual interest in the girl. He watches her closely and seeks every opportunity to catch her alone. Amalia is a sweet and naïve girl, who develops a close friendship with another maid who reminds her of her position in the household. When Tudó leaves the estate, Amalia is seduced by the duke of Cadiz, the future king of Spain. Amalia falls in love with the duke, but he quickly abandons her, and she discovers she is pregnant. Alone, penniless, and ruined, Amalia flees the estate and takes refuge with an older woman. The woman helps Amalia escape to the charming island of Menorca in the Balearic Sea, with the help of two English naval officers. Amalia hopes that her life will improve, but discovers the same patriarchal society exists on the small island. As she tries to make ends meet for herself and her child, she reaches the depths of despair. But, with the help of her new friends she discovers the shocking truth about her ancestors and heritage. The Name I Choose by Holly Brough is a harrowing and heart wrenching historical fiction novel about a young woman who is torn from her family to work on a wealthy estate, and experiences horrific abuse from her master. This is a well-researched, beautifully written, and fast-paced novel, which explores the experience of women in nineteenth century Spain, when women had limited freedoms and few rights. The main protagonist Amalia is a believable, likeable and well-developed character. Despite her abandonment, neglect, and abuse, she never gives up hope. It was great to follow her journey from a sweet, naive young girl to a strong, courageous woman. The book provides a fascinating insight into the culture of Spain in the nineteenth century, and the oppression that many women faced. A riveting good read and highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A harrowing and heart wrenching historical fiction novel, and a riveting good read. ​ Purchase here

< Back Gifford MacShane Rainbow Man A western historical fiction novel set in the 1880s Arizona Territory. 1880s, White’s Station Arizona Territory, Adam Donovan rescues Alec Twelve Trees, a native American silversmith after he was robbed, beaten, and dragged along the ground by a horse, by the US Cavalry patrol. The racially motivated attack leaves Alec with life threatening injuries and Adam seeks the assistance of his family and little sister, Irene Donovan. Irene, an accomplished herbalist, treats his wounds and helps to nurse him back to health. Alec and Irene had been best friends since childhood, and during his convalescence Alec realises just how much he loves her. Alec is reluctant to testify against the assailants, but Irene persuades him to reconsider. The attackers are court martialled and are eventually found guilty of the unprovoked attack on Alec. Alec and the wealthy Navajo Twelve Trees family had always looked after other’s less fortunate and were well respected members of the community. Alec had inherited a fortune from his grandfather but had promised to give most of it away to good causes. As the village reel from the unprovoked racist attack on Alec, the citizens join forces to try and push the army out of White’s Station. As Irene turns nineteen, she is visited by many suitors. Alec is distraught, but unable to declare his love for her, for fear her family will not approve. Rainbow Man (Donovan Family Saga Book 3) is a western historical fiction novel by Gifford MacShane, set in the 1880s Arizona Territory. This is the third book in the series, which follows the younger members of the Donovan and Twelve Trees families. The characters are well drawn, believable and engaging. The slow-burn romance between Alec and Irene is beautifully told. Meticulously researched, and full of historical details, this novel is a fascinating insight into life in the 1800s. I hadn’t read the previous books in the series, but I could follow the story easily. However, I recommend readers start with the first book, to get the full enjoyment of this series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An engrossing and unforgettable western romance. ​ Purchase here

< Back Shonna Waters The Coaching Shift: How A Coaching Mindset and Skills Can Change You, Your Interactions, and the World Around You How to build stronger relationships and drive high performance, through coaching. The Coaching Shift: How A Coaching Mindset and Skills Can Change You, Your Interactions, and the World Around You by authors, psychologists and university professors, Shonna Waters and Brodie Gregory Riordan, is a comprehensive guidebook on how to build stronger relationships and drive high performance, through coaching techniques. The book draws on research from coaching, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology. The authors share their own experiences as coaches, and synthesize some of the most important coaching theories, concepts, and approaches. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 focuses on the self, how people can better understand their own thoughts and feelings, and how they can adopt a coaching mindset. Part 2 focuses on coaching skills, and how to communicate and build stronger relationships with others. Part 3 focuses on how to apply a coaching approach within organizations, to build a positive culture that fosters human poten­tial. The Coaching Shift is an empowering and transformative guidebook / self-help book by authors Shonna Waters and Brodie Gregory Riordan. The authors provide a range of practical tools and techniques, that will help readers develop more impactful coaching skills. After each chapter there are a number of practical exercises, where readers are invited to reflect on their own experiences and practice their skills. There are further resources in the appendix, to help further guide readers on their own coaching journey. The book is easy to read, engaging and very relatable, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. Well written and extensively researched, this book is a valuable resource that will equip coaches / aspiring coaches with the necessary skills and mindsets to become more effective and meaningful in their coaching practice. An essential read for practicing coaches, managers and anyone leading teams, students of coaching and coaching psychology, and anyone interested in how to develop more meaningful connections with others. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An empowering and transformative guidebook that will help readers develop more impactful coaching skills. ​ Purchase here

< Back Leon Conrad Story and Structure: A complete guide An essential read for anyone interested in writing and storytelling, by Leon Conrad ‘Story and Structure: A complete guide’ is a handbook for anyone interested in writing and storytell ing. It tells the untold story of what makes a story, a ‘story’. Conrad describes his approach, which is based on six primary symbols (inspired by Professor George Spencer-Brown’s book ‘Laws of Form’), as a simple, visual way to analyse and compare different story structures. The six sy mbols approach is a useful way to understand how story works, how and why structures differ, and why story is a much wider phenomena than most people underst and. It has the potential to help us not only understand stories better, but also to underst and ourselves better. He provides examples of 18 distinct story structures, some well-known and some less well known , from across different cultures and eras (from the earliest written records to the present day). Conrad describes the methodology of the approach and applies it to different story structures, as well as describing the implications for the approach, and how the methodology can be applied in the practice of writing, from poetry to creative writing, teaching and anthropology. ‘Story and Structure: A complete guide’ by Leon Conrad is a comprehensive, well-researched and insightful handbook. The book is well structured, and easy to read and understand. This book will help readers appreciate the importance of story structure, and will help anyone to write better stories. It is an essential read for anyone interested in writing and storytelling, includ ing writers, storytellers, teachers, poets, and readers. I really wi sh I had read this book ten years ago, when I started my own writing journey. Star rating: 5 St ars Summary: A fascin ating insight into how story works, which will help readers appreciate the import ance of story structure. ​ Purchase here

< Back Michael Bickel 250,000 NOs From rejection to riches, a memoir by the President / CEO of TableMation Studios, Michael Bickel. 250,000 No’s is a memoir by Michael Bickel, which chronicles his journey from childhood through to adulthood. Bickel describes how he managed to overcome trauma and rejection to establish two successful, digital, companies. Bickel experienced significant loss as a child, when his father died when he was just ten years old. His mother was absent from much of his youth, as she took over the family business and later re-married. Bickel discusses his personal relationships, the highs and the lows, and how he had to cope with two surprise pregnancies. He discusses with openness and honesty the break-up of his first marriage, which left him heartbroken and nearly bankrupt. He later found companionship and happiness with his second wife, Jeanelle. He documents his education and career, dropping out of college and then reluctantly working for his stepfather in a furniture store for fourteen years. He spent twenty-three years as a sales rep for the Yellow Pages, becoming a top seller and receiving numerous awards. In his fifties, Bickel established TableMation Studios – an ambitious, animated dining experience, and later invested in Proto Hologram, a holographic broadcast and communications company. Bickel describes how he was deceived by his business associates, and nearly lost everything during the Covid19 pandemic. During his life, Bickel estimates he received 250,000 rejections. But, through sheer hard-graft, ‘irrational persistence,’ and the support of a loving family, he found success later in life. Today, TableMation Studios is in cities all over the world and has sold over two million tickets. 250,000 No’s is a poignant and inspirational memoir by an extraordinary businessman who found success later in life despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks. Bickel refused to give up and worked relentlessly to achieve his dreams. The book offers practical insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders. Bickel shares his personal experiences and wisdom, offering readers a roadmap to achieve long term success. Overall, a compelling memoir of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. A must read for anyone interested in TableMation studios, or those seeking motivation and inspiration in personal or professional pursuits. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant and inspirational memoir by an extraordinary businessman who found success later in life. ​ 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 M. E. Taylor Brothers A young boy in Roman Britain is sold into slavery. Set in Roman Britain around 100 AD, about fifty years after the Roman invasion, when slavery was legal and common place. The book follows Verluccus, a ten-year-old enslaved boy who is sold, branded, and gifted to a seven-year-old Roman child, Gaius Marcius, as a playmate. Gaius’s family had recently arrived in the province of Britannia from Italy, with the hope of new opportunities, land, and wealth. Gaius’s father, Lucius Marcius Phillipianus, a wealthy Roman senator, thinks Verluccus is unsuitable for his precious and protected son, describing Verluccus as a dirty, coarse, uneducated ‘brutish Briton.’ Verluccus refuses to obey his master, believing he is not a slave, and escapes the household. Nine years later, Verluccus is found and returned to the family. Gaius, who had yearned for Verluccus and prayed for him to be restored to him for nine-long years, is delighted. Gaius plans to train and tame Verluccus, and makes him his personal body slave. Verluccus is initially hostile but eventually complies, and serves his young master, while Gaius’s obsession for his slave grows. Meanwhile, Verluccus falls hopelessly in love with Gaius’s sister, Gaia, who is betrothed to another man. Gaia declares her love for Verluccus but knows she would disgrace her family if found consorting with a slave. The secret affair continues, but the couple are separated when Verluccus is required to travel to Rome with his master. Will Verluccus and Gaia reveal their love for one another? And will Verluccus ever be freed from a life of slavery? Brothers by author M. E. Taylor is a historical fiction novel about life and love in Roman Britain. This is an utterly absorbing novel, about wealth and inequality, love and romance, treachery and betrayal, hidden treasures, and forbidden love. This is a well written and well researched story about the personal lives of the Roman conquerors and their conquered subjects. With a host of interesting characters, and an intriguing and believable plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, historical romance, and anyone interested in Roman Britain. This is a lengthy novel, at just over five hundred pages, but very easy to read and well worth the time investment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An utterly absorbing historical fiction novel about life and love in Roman Britain. ​ Purchase here

< Back Mitzi Perdue Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul An insightful biography about an inspirational man, by author Mitzi Perdue Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul, is a biography about author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur, Mark Victor Hansen, by Mitzi Perdue. The book comprises thirty chapters, which follow Mark from early childhood, his teenage and college years, through to his sixties and right through to the present day. The book describes how even at a young age, Mark was a hustler, buying and selling greetings cards to buy a racing bike. During his teenage years he excelled at writing, and at college he was destined for a career in academia. Later, he ventured into business when his academic career was cut short, but his business failed, and he was made bankrupt at the age of twenty-five. Described as one of the lowest points of his young life, Mark felt a failure and contemplated suicide. But, his faith in God pulled him through, and with the help of his friends and trusted mentors, he became a successful motivational speaker. He set up two successful companies: The Million Dollar Forum, and The Three Percent Club. The stories he collected during this time became the foundation for his book, Chicken Soup for the Soul, coauthored with friend and business partner Jack Canfield. The Chicken Soup for the Soul series led to sales of half a billion books and a Guinness Book of World’s Records entry for the most books on The New York Times bestseller list at the time. Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul is an insightful and inspirational biography by Mitzi Perdue, based on interviews with Mark and many of his relatives, friends, and colleagues, who shared their personal stories and memories. The stories show how Mark strived hard to achieve his goals and didn’t give up when things got tough, and how he maintained a strong sense of faith during good and bad times. Throughout his life, Mark was supported by many friends and mentors who guided him on his journey, and he used his experiences to give back to others. He inspired millions of people across the world, through his books, speaking events, and philanthropic activities. After each chapter, there is a short section titled ‘Learn from Mark’, which includes hints and tips for the reader to help them achieve success in their own life. Mitzi Perdue has done a great job at bringing Mark Victor Hansen’s story to life, sharing the good, the bad and the ugly events of his life. This is an honest, respectful, well-researched and exhaustive biography, which covers Mark’s life from early childhood to the present day. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and insightful biography, packed full of life-lessons that will benefit any reader. ​ Purchase here

Spring 2023: Best Children's Book Age 3 to 7 Scott Smallwood Monkey and Bug's Night at The Corn Stand Jam Becca Johnsey When We Are Apart Nadja Springer The Big Adventures Of A Little Tree: Tree Finds Hope Charlene McIver Nature Study Buddies Joanne Russo Insull Don't Follow Pino! C.J. Zachary Awkward Avocado and the Interrupting Raptor Paul Hock Snowflake the Christmas Beagle DoodleFina Adventure Press Beatrice and Her Razzmatazz C. James Sweeney Sadie Sasquatch Goes to School Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book Three August E. Allen I Love Dandelions L.A.D. Publishing Space Monkey: Mars Mission Report Amy Landgraf Good Night, Sweet Peas Ariel and Brandon Blackwell The Beat In My Head Greg Payne My Grandpa's Grandpa Timothy Frazier Lauren The Cow Anna Finch Hide and Seek Alphabet: With Australian Animals Melitta Santos Fini: The beauty of a broken shell April Lopez Napoleon: No Ordinary Donkey H. R. Manske Doppy and the Runaway Balloons Anna Finch Mellie the Mermaid: Is NOT Scared of ANYTHING Charly Froh How to Solve the Mystery of Crying Ron Keres This Book Is Perfect! Nadia Khan Zoey Wonders Why Joe Ciccarelli When You Meet a Hangry Howard Susan Justice Children Who Dance in the Rain Sally Fetouh Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks Jennifer Welborn Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals Margaret Grote I Like Mud Jana L. Farris The Chicken on the Moon

< Back Dr Nizar M Benazzouz The innovative Animal Nizar M. Benazzouz, PhD examines the hidden pattern within all natural and human innovations. The Innovative Animal explores the concept of innovation in all its facets, from the computer field and business, to the creation of our Matrix, online streaming, and the introduction of AI. Benazzouz discusses the rapid and profound transformations that have taken place over recent times, and how they have disrupted almost every aspect of our lives, from our economy, our society, and our individual identity. He discusses how the smartphone has become an extension of ourselves, enabling us to do almost anything and everything, from ordering a taxi, to streaming movies, and communicating with loved ones. The world we live in today is almost unrecognizable from the world of the 1950s. For many, the rapid pace of change is confusing and overwhelming. Benazzouz developed “The Fundamental Identity of Innovation”, an equation, he argues, capable of describing all human and natural innovations. In the equation, innovation is a result of motivation (of the innovator), creativity (or vision), technology (or implementation), value (or outcome), and need (of the end user). This is a meticulously researched book by Digital Transformation Manager and Innovation Professor, Nizar M. Benazzouz. The book explores both the creative and destructive forces of innovation, integrating knowledge from the East and West, and exploring innovation alongside developments in other fields of science and social science, such as biology, physics, history, anthropology, philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Benazzouz’s primary motivation to write the book stems from a belief that we are approaching the apogee of the current technological revolution. An extraordinary and enlightening exploration of innovation, and its profound impact on our species and society. The book is accessible, yet thought-provoking. It offers readers a fascinating insight into the relationship between innovation and human evolution. Whether you are a tech nerd, a history buff, or just curious about innovation and the future, this book encourages reflection and debate about the intricate relationship between innovation and the world we inhabit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An extraordinary and enlightening exploration of innovation, and its profound impact on our species and society. ​ Purchase here