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< Back Andy Lipman The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community A deeply moving collection of stories about cystic fibrosis (CF), from author Andy Lipman Author Andy Lipman writes the second volume of The CF Warrior Project: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community. The first chapter presents the profiles of many trailblazers who saved lives through a lifetime of dedication to CF, including Doris Tulcin who created the CF Foundation. Chapter two shares the stories of those living with CF, such as six year old Liam Wilson, already an advocate for CF awareness and fundraiser. In the third chapter, we hear from several people who were diagnosed later in life, including Terry Wright an African American man who was not diagnosed until aged fifty-four, after years of pain and suffering, due to biases and stereotypes in diagnosis. Chapter four tells the stories of moms who have raised children with CF, including Margarete Cassalina and Laura Bonnell, both mothers of two CF warriors. Chapter five explores the impact of CF on the entire family, and presents stories from the parents, children, siblings and spouses of those living with CF. In Chapter six, we hear from those who have survived double-lung transplants, and in chapter seven, we hear from those who run to stay healthy and active, inspire others, and raise money for CF. Chapters eight and nine present the stories of famous people who are advocates for CF, and TV celebrities living with CF. Chapter ten discusses the benefits of exercise for CF, through various sports such as softball, tandem-surfing, bodybuilding, yoga, swimming, climbing, adventure sports, and martial arts. The eleventh chapter explores the unique ways people have made a difference, through fundraising, advocacy, research, science and politics. The final chapter is a beautiful and loving tribute to the author’s mother, and CF advocate, Eva Lipman. The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community , is a collection of thoughtful and inspiring stories by author Andy Lipman. This book is the second installment in the CF Warrior Project, and explores the impact of CF on those living with disease, their loved ones and their physicians, and many others who have dedicated their lives to raising awareness of CF. Told through a series of personal stories, this is a deeply moving and insightful collection, from a wide and diverse range of people impacted by CF. Each story is unique. Each story is powerful. Each story is inspirational. Each story will give hope to anyone living with, or impacted, by CF. This is a beautifully curated and written collection, and the author has done an excellent job at bringing the stories to life. Thank you to Andy Lipman for collating these stories, and to all the individual contributors who shared their personal stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A collection of thoughtful and inspiring personal stories about cystic fibrosis, and the impact on those living with the disease, their loved ones and their physicians. ​ Purchase here

Spring 2023: Best Children's Book Age 8 to 12 J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: The Dark Messengers Charly Froh Lotti and the Impossible Dream L.T. Caton Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus Michael Dow Nurse Florence Why and How Do We Sneeze? Caryn Rivadeneira Monster Match: Frankinschool Book 1 Kathleen Troy Dylan's Villain Ryan Vernel The Lady of the Loch Lucy Kovaliv Stars of the North Edwina Dorch Summertime and The Livin' is Easy Louiza Kallona The Tickling Tale of Smoo Vy Lien The Nervous Noodle: Social Anxiety, Fitting In, and Standing Out Aurora Winter Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App Ona Gritz August Or Forever Diann Floyd Boehm Charlie and the Tire Swing - How it Began Jessica Lee Anderson Naomi Nash: Saving Snakes Nikita Kapoor Pack of the Lost- The Uninviting Forest Sandra Sorenson-Kindt Teddy: A Boy Who Swam with Angels Kristen Niedzielski A Bee In A Big Universe AC Bradburn Agent Pangolin - The Mystery of the Shiny Moon K. I. Knight and Jane R. Wood Finding Family Treasure

Book Reviews: Teen Kerrie Faye Dead Girl Aurora Winter Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App Marsha Tufft The Sea Turtle Spy Project: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures Book 4 Tyler Beauchamp Freeze Frame Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person E.K. Larson-Burnett The Bear and the Rose Daryl McCullough Story of Tree and Cloud Maggie Paredes On a Rooftop in Beijing Stacy A. Padula Gripped Part 5: Taylor's Story S.M. Webb Spirited Vali Benson Blood and Silver Scott Swisher Ring Fold Renee Hayes The Girl Who Broke the World Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #2: When Darkness Tries to Hide Stacy Padula Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told Rande Goodwin The Witchfinders Serpent Terry Overton The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society Judy Liu The Vending Portal Tony M. Quintana Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed Daniel Foster Torment: Descension Alayne Smith A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled Shina Reynolds A Light in the Sky Kerk Murray Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever Kyrie Wang Forbidden Ties (Enemy's Keeper Series Book 1) Mark Bryan The Asgardian Exchange: The Touch of the Valkyrie Cassandra Crull Tied to You Alexander Sotberg Secrets of the Elementals Coriana Hope Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) Brianna and Matthew Penfold The Intrepid Three: Animus Revealed Eric Westergard Soul Scepter: Time Marauders Mary Aviyah Farkas Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy Angie Bailey Believe Ilene Grydsuk Age of Resolve: The E.V. Chronicles E.M. Leander Wren and the Tarnished Tiger

< Back Jim Lichtman Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle between the Secret Service and Ken Starr Author Jim Lichtman presents fascinating new insights into the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle Between the Secret Service and Ken Starr is a political, non-fiction book by author Jim Lichtman about the investigation into the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. In 1998, independent counsel KenW. Starr, issued a motion to compel Lewis Merletti, the former Director of the US Secret Service, and agents on the president’s protective detail, to testify about what they had heard or seen in relation to President Clinton’s intimate relationship with Lewinsky. It was the first time in history a director of the Secret Service was asked to testify against a sitting president. Merletti challenged Starr’s motion, arguing that due to the nature of the job, the President must have absolute confidence and trust in the agents of the Secret Service. Compelling an agent to testify against a President on anything other than a criminal act, would undermine trust and confidence, the basic tenet of the Secret Service, and threaten the very survival of the agency. With the support of all living former directors of the Secret Service, the upper echelon of the Department of Justice, and the former president George H.W. Bush, Merletti battled Starr’s Office of Independent Counsel for six months, taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court. The book is a tense political drama, presenting fascinating new insights into the legal battle between Starr’s Office of Independent Counsel and the upper echelon of the Department of Justice, following the Clinton-Lewinsky affair. Based on over twelve years of research by the author Jim Lichtman, including interviews with Lewis Merletti, documents from Merletti’s personal files, and other documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, well-written and extensively researched book, which will appeal to readers of political drama and historic non-fiction. ​ 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 Anthony J Mohr Every Other Weekend Coming of Age With Two Different Dads A memoir by Superior Court judge, Anthony J. Mohr, about his life growing up with two dads. Every Other Weekend: Coming of Age With Two Different Dads , is a moving memoir by Anthony J. Mohr, about his extraordinary life growing up in Hollywood with two dads. Mohr served twenty-six years as a Superior Court judge in California and also served on the California Court of Appeal. Born in 1947, Mohr was the only child of Rita and Gerald Mohr. His father was an award-winning radio star in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and found fame as crime detective, Bill Lance. Mohr recalls happy memories of his childhood in Hollywood, with parties, celebrity friends, and bit-roles on TV. He enjoyed the glitz and glamour of Hollywood life, but his father was largely absent from those early years as he strived to make a name for himself on TV. But his career took a downturn in the 1950s, and he failed to achieve the same level of success on TV. In an attempt to salvage his flailing career, his father moved to Sweden to take a job on a Swedish TV show. He never returned home. Mohr later discovered that his father had an affair with the script writer of the show. His parents divorced and Mohr moved from his half-acre plot in the San Fernando Valley to a small abode in New York City. His mother later re-married wealthy business tycoon, Stanley Dashew. The family moved back to California, Beverly Hills, and Mohr became accustomed to a life of luxury. As Dashew’s business thrived, his father fell on hard times as his career continued to nosedive. This is a fascinating memoir, told through the eyes of a child growing up during the golden age of Hollywood. During a time when divorce was uncommon and frowned upon, Mohr describes his experience as he moved back and forth between two homes, and tried to find a place for himself and a sense of belonging. Mohr’s father and stepfather were polar opposites. His father: creative, charming, and charismatic, the life and soul of the party. His stepfather: quiet, sensitive, and reserved, a stable force in Mohr’s life. Mohr describes a deep love and affection for both men but grappled with divided loyalties throughout his life. This is an authentic, well-written, and witty memoir, providing a glimpse into the world of celebrity and old Hollywood, through the eyes of a young boy. The book sensitively depicts the impact of parental separation, which will resonate with many readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt and absorbing memoir about family breakdown and divorce, told through the eyes of a child growing up during the golden age of Hollywood. ​ Purchase here

< Back Alex Poppe Duende One young woman’s search for belonging and self-acceptance, by author Alex Poppe Sixteen-year-old Lava lives in Detroit, Michigan, with her mother, Lila Guajardo. Her alcoholic, drug addicted father, Jesse, is serving time in prison for drugs offences, and Lila struggles to cope with the demands of life and motherhood. As Lila grieves for the loss of her lover, she spirals into a deep depression. Lava’s only support and positive adult role model is Cody Ryan, a thirty-three-year-old Iraq war veteran who is a boarder in the family home. When Jesse is released from prison, he returns to the family home, and life for Lava becomes even more difficult. Cody is forced to leave, and Jesse continues to abuse drugs and alcohol. When Jesse asks Lava to do the unthinkable and use her own urine to pass his drug tests, she rebels and deliberately sabotages the test. Jesse confronts Lava, a fight breaks out and Lava is accidentally stabbed. Jesse is recalled to prison and Lila blames Lava. Unable to forgive her daughter, Lila evicts Lava from the family home and sends her to live with her cousin in Spain. Lava reluctantly moves to Seville and meets her mother’s cousin, Lola, a well-known and enigmatic flamenco dancer and teacher. Lava immerses herself into the culture, enrolling in Spanish language classes, and joining flamenco dance classes at Lola’s studio. She falls in love with flamenco and uses the dance to express her feelings, emotions and sensuality. As Lava settles into life in Seville, she meets new friends and experiences her first love, but her relationship with Lola is strained. Lola tolerates the teen, but is distant and elusive. As Lava attempts to learn more about her mother’s mysterious cousin, she soon discovers a dark family secret and the real reason she was sent to Seville. Duende by author Alex Poppe is a beautifully written and well-crafted coming of age novella, about one young woman’s journey from Detroit to Seville, and her search for belonging and self-acceptance. Lava’s journey of self-discovery is beautifully told through the rhythm and vibrations of flamenco music and dance. Poppe is a gifted storyteller – her prose is rich and lyrical, passionate and sensual. With vivid descriptions of flamenco and Seville, this novella is a beautiful homage to this unique artform and the place where it originated. The novella is suitable for both teen and adult readers, and will particularly appeal to those who are interested in Spanish culture and flamenco. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and well-crafted novella, and a wonderful homage to flamenco and Seville. ​ 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 Ben Merrick Where the Valley Meets the Sky A fantasy tale about a nomadic clan, and their fight for survival. The nomadic, Achare clan, find their promised land and settle on a sheltered area on the plain of Kalanos. They live in relative peace, but their homes and existence remain under constant threat from neighbouring, warring clans. The Achare clan’s beliefs are steeped in superstition, and they distrust anyone who has survived a near death experience. As a young boy Rennik nearly lost his life in a drowning incident. He is feared and ostracised by his fellow clan members. Following his father’s untimely death, young Rennik is forced to grow up quickly and take responsibility for his mother and younger brother. At age eighteen, Rennik is a quiet, independent, young man and a talented hunter, who provides for his family but continues to be shunned by the community. When the Achare people are threatened by the warring clans, Rennik is forced to leave behind his mother and brother, to track down and hunt the enemy . He is sent out with a scouting party of the best Achare fighters , to assess the threat. As Rennik and the scouting party journey into the unknown, they are ambushed by neighbouring clans. Rennik survives the attack and manages to escape back to the village. But on his return, Rennik is thrust into a battle for leadership, where he must decide whether the clan should stay in their promised land or return back to a nomadic lifestyle. Where the Valley Meets the Sky, by author Ben Merrick, is an epic fantasy tale of a peaceful nomadic clan, and their relentless struggle for survival in the settlement they call their promised land. This is a captivating coming of age story about one clan member, a quiet and unassuming young man, who is reluctantly thrust into a leadership position. The book follows his journey from outcast to inspiring leader, as he attempts to lead his family and community out of danger. With superb storytelling and brilliant characterisation, this is an impressive fantasy fiction novel that packs more than a punch. A must read for any fantasy fiction enthusiast. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic fantasy fiction novel, about the relentless struggle for survival amongst a peaceful, nomadic clan. Superbly written by Ben Merrick. ​ Purchase here

< Back Ronan James Cassidy Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind A historical fiction novel set in South Carolina during the 1800’s, by author Ronan James Cassidy Set in 1859 in South Carolina, during a significant and turbulent period in American history, the book follows Margaret Anne Basseterre, an illegitimate child, born of forbidden love. Margaret’s father, Mr Edward Christopher Calhoun, is a wealthy merchant and landowner, from one of the most respected families in South Carolina. Her mother, Miss Jeanne Jolie Basseterre-Osment, is a beautiful Haitian immigrant, and a maiden in the Calhoun household. Jeanne had a difficult labor and Margaret was born in secret in the middle of the woods. From the moment of her birth, Margaret is shrouded in a dark mystery, but she is determined to succeed against all odds. Her mother Jeanne is keen to understand why she is different and how she managed to survive her birth. Margaret grows up on the Calhoun estate where her life, and the lives of those around her, are tested by evil forces lurking in the shadows of plain sight. As Margaret attempts to find her purpose in life, she uncovers family secrets and learns of her own unique abilities to heal and inspire others. Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind is an engrossing and thought-provoking novel by author Ronan James Cassidy about a young woman coming of age in the deep South. Set against a backdrop of civil war, social unrest, rigid class structures, slavery and gender inequality, the book explores one woman’s fight for survival and redemption. Her journey reflects the social, political, and religious changes that were happening in America during the nineteenth century. This is a beautifully written and extensively researched novel. Cassidy delivers an engrossing historical narrative, with rich characters and eloquent prose. This is quite a lengthy book (at 656 pages), but the storytelling is so consuming that I could not put it down. I finished the book within a couple of days. Set in the mid 1800’s, during a turbulent time in American history, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, those who are interested in the American Civil War, and anyone who enjoys a good old mystery. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An engrossing and thought-provoking historical fiction novel about one woman’s fight for survival and redemption. ​ 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 Cynthia Hughes Live...But LIVE! Author Cynthia Hughes, tells the story of her diagnosis, treatment and recovery from cancer In 1987, the author Cynthia Hughes was diagnosed with breast cancer, at thirty-two years old. As a wife and mother of four young children, the diagnosis was devastating for the family, and Cynthia experienced a range of emotions from pride, shame, fear and a feeling of failure. Cynthia was told that surgery was the only solution to sustain her life, and underwent a full mastectomy, followed by two rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She remained strong and positive throughout her treatment, by following her faith and choosing to live her life. Following the treatment, Cynthia was advised not to have another baby, as the increase in oestrogen during pregnancy could cause the cancer to return and the cells to grow rapidly, which would put her life in danger. Thirty-nine months following her surgery, Cynthia fell pregnant and was advised by doctors not to continue the pregnancy. Cynthia ignored the doctor’s advice, followed her faith, and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The cancer did not return, and Cynthia later went on to have two more healthy babies, another son and a daughter. Thirty-six years after her cancer diagnosis, Cynthia wrote Live...But LIVE! to document her cancer journey, to share her faith in Yah, to help and support others, and to encourage others to choose life. Live...But LIVE! Is a beautiful and inspiring memoir from author Cynthia Hughes, telling the story of her diagnosis, treatment and recovery from cancer. Cynthia describes how her faith in Yah got her through this difficult period in her life, and how she chose to live her life, rather than focus on death. Cynthia describes the ten keys that allowed her to experience faith and live her life to the fullest. Cynthia’s story, guidance and keys may help others who are going through difficult times. This book provides a great record of Cynthia’s journey, which will be treasured by her loved ones for years to come, and will provide comfort, hope and inspiration to others. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and inspiring memoir that will provide comfort, hope and inspiration to others. ​ Purchase here