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< Back J J Alo The Street Between the Pines A new, chilling horror fiction series by author J. J. Alo. The residents of Forest Street, Norwich, Connecticut, have received offers from a pharmaceutical company to buy out their homes. Resident, Amy Reynolds, is separated from her husband, Curtis, who is working away for a telecommunications company in New Hampshire. With financial struggles, and the impending break-up of the marriage, Amy and Curtis are considering the offer. When Amy calls Curtis and asks him to return home immediately, Curtis travels back to Connecticut. He discovers that his neighbour, Frank Cavanaugh, has been found dead, brutally mutilated in his basement. As Curtis secures the house in preparation for a tropical storm, he discovers another dead body, decapitated, and discarded by the shoreline. The body is identified as local man, Ronny Haverhill. When the police learn that Ronny owes Curtis a significant amount of money, he becomes a potential suspect in his murder. As the storm hits Norwich , the Reynolds’ home is badly damaged, and Curtis and Amy find a monster in their flooded basement. The beast chases the couple, but they manage to escape unharmed. Curtis thinks the monster is a Norwich Norwaukus, a creature believed to have roamed the woods in southeast Connecticut in the 1960’s, killing and mutilating farm animals. Curtis investigates the creature and discovers a hidden research facility in the woods, an entire colony of Norwaukus’, and a connection to the pharmaceutical company that wants to buy out Forest Street. The Street Between the Pines is a new horror fiction series by author Joe Alo about a family and community ravaged by a dangerous creature lurking underground. This is a gripping, original horror story set in a small town in Connecticut, with a touch of folklore, science fiction, and government conspiracy. The book follows the Reynolds family, as they try to navigate their troubled past, whilst an ominous presence lurks in their basement. The author slowly builds tension and suspense as Curtis uncovers the terrifying truth about the creature and the pharmaceutical company intent on purchasing his home. The book successfully blends the chilling elements of horror, with the complexity of family dynamics. There is plenty of blood, guts, and gore, which will appeal to ardent fans of horror fiction, and enough family drama, to appeal to those who enjoy more realistic horror. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping horror novel, leaving readers wondering what they might do if they found a monster living in their basement. ​ Purchase here

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

< Back David Cairns The Case of the Emigrant Niece Unlikely duo, Findo and Errol, join forces to investigate the mystery of the lost inheritance. A historical fiction novel set in the 1800’s in Australia, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. Major Findo Gask sustains a serious leg injury at the start of the Indian mutiny in 1858, and is dispatched back to England to convalesce in a nursing home. On discharge he contemplates the next phase of his life and travels to Edinburgh to see his brother. He starts work as a consulting engineer with a local construction firm and is offered a position as a consultant to support the booming mining industry in Melbourne. He meets Errol Rait during a cricket match and rents a room from him on 21/2 Bourke Street. He learns that Errol is a criminal investigator, testing new finger marks to identify suspects. They meet a pretty young heiress, Mary Mitchell, and discover she has been swindled out of her inheritance. Errol decides to take on the case and Findo, keen to develop his investigative skills, decides to accompany him. With a link back to Scotland, the pair travel to Edinburgh to find the will of Mitchell’s late uncle. The investigation takes them from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands where they discover multiple murders and a sinister plot. Will Findo and Errol solve the mystery of the lost inheritance before it is too late? Will Mary receive the fortune that she rightly deserves? The Case of the Emigrant Niece is a captivating historical fiction novel by David Cairns, set in the 1800’s and spanning Australia, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. Written in the first-person point of view, from the perspective of Findo, the book follows his journey as he builds a new life for himself in Melbourne, and partners with his friend, Errol, in a fraud investigation. The novel is a work of fiction, inspired by real people, places and events. Extensively researched, and historically accurate, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction. The novel has a definite Sherlock Holmes vibe, and I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, suspense and intrigue. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery, with two memorable and eccentric criminal investigators. ​ Purchase here

< Back B.V. Glants Half Notes from Berlin A historical fiction novel about the beginning of the Nazi regime, by author B.V. Glants One hundred- and two-year-old Hans, a half-Jew, half-German, veteran of the second world war, vowed never to speak about his life during the Third Reich. But, facing isolation during the Covid19 pandemic lockdown, he decided to tell his story of the beginning of the Nazi regime. Hans recalls his youth in 1933, shortly after Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany and new laws were passed to control the ‘undesirables’ of society. In 1933, fifteen-year-old Hans barely even notices the divisions in society until one day his teacher rages about the Jews and tears down the national flag of Germany, replacing it with a large swastika. Hans believes he and his family are true-blooded Germans, and are safe from persecution, as he witnesses increasing hostility towards the Jewish community and his Jewish classmates. When Hans overhears a conversation between his parents, he learns of his true Jewish heritage, as his maternal grandparents converted from Judaism to Christianity before his birth. As Hans tries to keep his Jewish ancestry secret, he takes a stand against the brutality of the regime, and befriends and falls in love with a local Jewish girl, Rebecca. But as tensions grow at home and at school, Hans is forced to abandon his relationship with Rebecca and is pressured, and eventually tricked, into joining the Hitler Youth. Half Notes from Berlin is a moving, historical fiction novel set in 1933 about a young boy coming of age during the beginning of the Nazi regime. Beautifully written by B.V. Glants, the story is told through the eyes of fifteen-year-old Hans, as he comes to terms with his Jewish heritage and navigates life in a frightening new world. Hans experiences a number of major events in a relatively short period of time: learning of his secret Jewish ancestry, his first kiss and first love, the decline of his family’s business, and his mother’s illness. All set against the backdrop of the violence and brutality of the Nazi regime. Glants describes Hans inner turmoil and despair respectfully and with compassion, as he grapples with his conscience whether to conform and protect himself and his family, or whether to stand up against the oppressive regime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and moving historical fiction novel about a young boy coming of age during the beginning of the Nazi regime. ​ Purchase here

< Back S. Graham Vacant A chilling and frighteningly good horror novel, by author S. Graham. Becca and Mitch, and their two young boys Connor and Logan, are searching for a new home in Dallas, Texas. Mitch moves frequently with his job and the family have relocated several times over the years. Becca is hoping this next move will be the last, and the family can finally settle down in the Texas country. They think they have found the perfect vacant house, on a community with an outdoor pool, parks, and a golf course. The house is ideal for their growing family, but on the first viewing, Becca senses something isn’t quite right. Nevertheless, the couple sign the papers for 1220 Greenway Close and the family move in shortly after. Becca and Mitch soon discover that the house is not so perfect after all, and requires a lot of work to make the house safe and bring it up to scratch. But Becca has even greater worries, she feels a presence in the house and witnesses paranormal activity. Mitch is sceptical and offers a rational explanation, but as the paranormal activity escalates, the couple fear for their own safety and the safety of their boys. When Becca and Mitch finally learn the truth about the peculiar house, they discover the house was never vacant, and they have inadvertently disturbed a furious and troubled occupant. Vacant by S. Graham is a chilling and frighteningly good horror novel, inspired by true life events. The novel is simple, concise, easy to follow, and easy to read. It is a shorter read, at just over 200 pages, and perfect for young adult readers or readers new to this genre. The book is a real page turner and jam packed with action, horror, and suspense. I was gripped throughout, and the twist at the end was a real shocker! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A horror novel, inspired by true life events, jam packed with action, horror, and suspense. ​ 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 Juliet Rose Carrying the Dead A young woman embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. When H annah Moore discovers she is pregnant, she is devastated. Neither Hannah or her partner, Parker, want to keep the baby and discuss adoption. At twelve weeks, Hannah miscarries and experiences unimaginable grief for the unborn child she never wanted. Hannah doesn’t receive the support she needs from Parker, and the relationship breaks down. Hannah is in a horrific road traffic collision, and an innocent motorcyclist, eighteen-year-old Logan Slip, is killed. At the scene of the accident Hannah breaks down, as memories of her miscarriage come flooding back to her. She is admitted to a mental hospital, where she meets George (Buzzy), a healthcare worker. Hannah attends support groups and receives therapy and medication. Six weeks after her admission, Hannah is released from hospital and experiences recurrent nightmares and visions of Logan and a young boy who looks like Parker. George continues to provide comfort and support for Hannah after her release, and they develop a close friendship. When Hannah’s nightmares and visions continue, George believes they are trying to give her a message embedded in an ancient culture. He suggests they travel to Mexico to meet Miguel and Sebastián, who helped him through drug addiction, following a caving accident. The couple fly to Texas and cross the border to Mexico. They rent a RV, and George teaches Hannah self-defence and meditation techniques. On their journey to meet Miguel and Sebastián, they visit ancient ruins and caves, and Hannah feels a spiritual connection to the sacred sites. Hannah and George’s relationship further develops, as they go on a journey of spiritual awakening, and discover a connection between Hannah’s unborn child and the motorcyclist. Carrying the Dead by author Juliet Rose is a mystical fiction novel about an unlikely couple who embark on a transformational journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. This is an emotional and powerful novel that blends themes of grief, addiction, healing, and romance. Hannah is grieving for the loss of her unborn child, and George is recovering from drug addiction. The couple help each other navigate their feelings and deal with trauma, and I enjoyed seeing the growth of both characters throughout the book. Part horror, part mystery, part mysticism and part romance, this is a moving, engaging and thoroughly absorbing read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A moving, engaging and thoroughly absorbing mystical fiction novel. ​ Purchase here

< Back Kathleeen Janz Anderson September Wind Book II A tale of survival and justice by author Kathleeen Janz-Anderson. Emily Rezell had a troubled childhood. Her mother died just hours after she was born, and she never met her father. She was brought up by her strict, god-fearing grandfather on his Illinois farm. After accidently killing a man who raped her over many years, Emily flees to San Francisco and finds work in a brothel to make ends meet. Emily is forced to go on a dinner date with a wealthy widow named Donald Shillings, by her manipulative landlady. Donald asks her to move into his mansion and be a nanny to his two children. Emily is unsure of Donald’s motives but has no choice after her cash and necklace are stolen from the brothel. She settles into the Shillings’ home and develops a bond with the children, Maria and Nathan. Donald is strange, elusive, and controlling, but Emily persuades Donald to buy the children ponies. He employs a stableman named Paul, but Emily believes he has been hired to spy on her. Emily notices odd behaviour from Donald and his staff and starts to explore the estate. When she finds something sinister buried in the grounds, she tries to escape but falls down a flight of stairs and is knocked unconscious. When she wakes in hospital, Paul is by her side. As Emily recovers from her injuries, she learns the truth about the mysterious stableman. Paul persuades Emily to return back to Illinois, and after a year on the run, she is forced to confront her past. September Wind Book II is a riveting and emotionally charged family saga / coming of age fiction novel, and the second book in the series by author Kathleeen Janz-Anderson. Set in the 1960’s the novel follows a courageous young woman who is forced into a life on the run after she accidently kills a man who rapes her. Her life spirals out of control, as she ends up in a brothel, and is then tricked into working for a man who exploits her. The book shows the plight of women and girls, during a period in our recent history when they had few rights and limited opportunities. Gripping, heart breaking and thought provoking, this book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A riveting and emotionally charged family saga about a young woman who is forced into a life on the run. ​ Purchase here

< Back Paula Dail Fearless One woman’s selfless and fearless pursuit of greater equality, justice, and reproductive rights for women, by author Paula Dáil. Maggie Corrigan was born in 1932 to young Irish immigrants, and brought up in a rough, South Side neighbourhood of Chicago. Her mother, Maureen, died during childbirth when Maggie was just nine years old, leaving her to bring up her younger siblings as the oldest female in the household. Her father, Paddy, worked in the stock yards, and spent much of his spare time in drinking establishments. At the age of seventeen Maggie contemplates her future. She could marry and have children like her mother, or she could work for a pittance as a domestic, but Maggie wants more from life and wants to improve the lives of poor catholic women. She decides to enter a convent with the hope of changing the catholic church and making it more equitable for women. Maggie joins the Order of the Pax Christi Sisters of Charity and Justice (SCJ) motherhouse in Saint Xavier, Indiana, where she is assessed by her superiors for her commitment and suitability for religious life. Maggie is admitted into the novitiate, and six years after entering the Order, she becomes a fully professed member of the SCJ religious community. Maggie dedicates the rest of her life to improving the lives of women, by helping them gain the self-confidence and freedom to control their own futures and their reproductive lives. In 2017, at the age of 86, Maggie contacts Professor Gillian Spencer, a sociologist, poverty researcher and women’s rights advocate, and invites her to write the story of her life. Gillian turns down the offer at first, but is eventually persuaded by Maggie to tell her story. Gillian travels to Chicago and immerses herself into the life of Maggie, following her journey back to her birthplace, through the church, to her work leading the women’s reproductive rights movement, and as a patient advocate in an Illinois abortion clinic. Fearless, by author Paula Dáil, is a moving and inspirational story about one woman’s selfless and fearless pursuit of greater equality, justice, and reproductive rights for women. Maggie dedicated her entire life to God, and to helping poor catholic women, while overcoming her own childhood trauma, and risking her profession and reputation. This is an insightful, captivating and sometimes harrowing novel, with believable characters and authentic narrative. The book highlights the patriarchal control and authoritarianism that still exists in society and the Catholic Church today. It is a great way of engaging those who might find feminist literature inaccessible, in women’s rights issues. Whilst this novel is a work of fiction, it is inspired by the collective stories of real women. The many women that inspired this story are a true inspiration to women and girls everywhere. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A moving and inspirational story that highlights the patriarchal control and authoritarianism that still exists in society and the Catholic Church today. ​ Purchase here

< 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 Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl A fascinating journey of self-discovery, by author Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl is an intimate memoir by Canadian author Jackie Ewing about her life, loves and adventures, from a small town to the big wide world. The book follows her journey from student to teacher, mother and wife; and across the globe as she travelled extensively from Canada to Kuwait, Mexico, London and beyond. Ewing talks about her experiences of teaching all over the world, her love of children and her passion and dedication to the profession. She recalls fond and funny memories of teaching ‘her kids’, and how even in the most challenging times, she attempted to bring joy into the classroom. She talks about many challenging situations throughout her life, including the breakup of her marriage, and a terrifying scare with breast cancer. All told with love, affection, and lots of humour. There are many wild and funny moments, including her first foray into a strip club, and an encounter with a wild bear while pregnant. The book comprises ten chapters, each with a life lesson at the end of the chapter. The key life lessons are: Embrace yourself; Choose people who value you; Go the extra mile; Adapt and be flexible; Suck all the marrow out of life; Get down off that high horse; Bet on yourself; Just keep getting back up; What other people think of you is none of your business. For many of us, life can be tough, unforgiving, demanding and relentless, and these are wise lessons to live by. As a forty-something woman myself, I wished I had this advice twenty years ago! Overall, this is a light-hearted, fun and inspiring self-help book, full of anecdotes and useful advice from a woman who has lived life well. Ewing writes with such honesty, warmth and humour, and it was a joy to read. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy self help books, humorous fiction and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A light-hearted, fun and inspiring self-help book. A joy to read and highly recommended. ​ Purchase here

< Back Roni Robbins Hands of Gold A fictional memoir about a Jewish man born in 1905, who records his extraordinary life story for his children. Eighty-five-year-old Jewish American, Shimshon (Sam) Tzvi Fox, moves into a nursing home with his wife of sixty-five years, Hannah . When his youngest daughter buys him a recorder and a set of blank tapes, Sam decides to record his life story. He knows he doesn’t have much time left and he wants his children and grandchildren to know the truth about his life. Born in Hungary in 1905 Sam was one of thirteen children, in a close-knit Jewish family. Raised on a farm in a small Jewish community he and his siblings had a modest but happy childhood. Relations with the goyim (non-Jewish community) were generally friendly, but tensions grew following the outbreak of the first world war in Europe. Sam describes the impact of the war, as schools were forced to close, and it became increasingly difficult to make ends meet on the farm. Many of Sam’s elder siblings emigrated to America in search of a better life. Sam longed to join his siblings, but was forced to stay in Hungary to take care of his mother and younger siblings following his fathers death. To avoid conscription at the age of 18, Sam travelled across Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Germany, and found employment on a ship headed to North America. He arrived in Montreal, Canada, where he found work as a cobbler and first met his wife. When Hannah found a job and moved to New York, Sam soon followed, crossing the border illegally in 1926. As the couple settle down and make a new life for themselves, Sam describes the highs and lows of raising a family in the New York melting pot. Hands of Gold: One Man’s Quest to Find the Silver Lining in Misfortune is a fictional memoir inspired by real events, by author Roni Robbins. This is an enlightening and poignant novel about one man’s life and journey from Eastern Europe to New York. Set against a backdrop of war, and rising social and political tensions across Europe, the book captures the experiences and challenges faced by Jewish people during the first half of the twentieth century, to more recent times. Whilst this book deals with some difficult issues, such as the atrocities of war and antisemitism, it is primarily a book about love and family, hope and resilience. Robbin’s storytelling beautifully captures the Jewish faith, culture, customs, language, food, and identity. It will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those interested in the Jewish immigrant experience. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enlightening and poignant fictional memoir about one man’s life and journey from Eastern Europe to New York in the early twentieth century. ​ Purchase here