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< Back JR Rice Broken Pencils A novella by J.R. Rice about one momentous night in a young man’s life. Jonah Tarver from a wealthy suburb of Oakland California is celebrating his eighteenth birthday on the same night of his high school prom. It is also the anniversary of his best friend’s death, who was tragically killed in a car accident four years previously. Still grieving the loss of his best friend, Jonah has received several years of therapy, but has recently stopped taking his medication. Struggling to cope, he has been caught shoplifting and truanting from school. His father, a Superior Court Judge, is a harsh disciplinarian and believes his son is dishonouring the family. While Jonah has led a relatively privileged life, he does not get the love or support he needs from his father. Jonah’s parents are on the brink of divorce, as Jonah strives to protect his little brother , Steven. His father agrees to loan him the use of his beloved Mercedes to drive his girlfriend, Taniesha, to the prom. But following a heated argument with his parents, his father withdraws the offer and Jonah takes the car without consent. During the prom, Taniesha dumps Jonah because he is unable to commit to their relationship. Fuelled by a cocktail of alcohol and illegal drugs, Jonah is involved in a serious, violent incident at the prom and flees the scene. He drives to San Francisco, where he visits an adult club, and his night goes from bad to worse. When he wakes up on a park bench the morning after, Jonah must face his father and the consequences of his actions. Broken Pencils is a short, literary work of fiction, by J.R. Rice. This is a dark, gripping and thought-provoking tale, which explores how a single moment of recklessness can have far reaching consequences. Rice delves into the complex life and psyche of Jonah, a young Black man suffering from mental health issues and trauma following the death of his best friend. On the night of his eighteenth birthday and prom, the night takes a dramatic turn, following a violent incident in the school bathroom. Jonah finds himself in a precarious situation, as he attempts to navigate the San Francisco underworld. Readers will both empathise with, and loathe, this relatable, complex teenager. S tar rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gripping coming of age story and a skilful exploration of grief, the human psyche and broken relationships. Purchase here

< Back John Bartell The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience One man's search of the King of Promise, by author John Bartell The Pilgrim’s Progress Desert Experience is a Christian fiction novel. Set in Egypt, a pilgrim breaks free from prison and makes his way through the desert in search of the King of Promise. The journey is long and arduous, but he must stay on the Narrow Path, guided by the Evangelist and Comforter. His faith is tested many times, as he experiences suffering and hardship. He meets lots of new people, some good and not-so-good, and he has to learn quickly what is right and what is wrong. He is seduced by many temptations, but the desert helps him learn how to live with both suffering and hardship. The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience by author John Bartell, is a captivating Christian story about one man’s journey, the suffering and hardships he experiences, and the lessons he learns along the way, through following the right path. Told through the first-person perspective, the author introduces abstract Christian concepts that people will easily understand and can relate to. This is a relatively short book, and easily accessible to adults and young adult readers. Enlightening and thought-provoking book, which will encourage people to reflect on their own journey, how they respond to situations, and how to stay positive and move forward, despite challenges and setbacks. This is a wonderful book, which is both educational and engaging. With a blend of modern cultural references, and traditional biblical teachings, this is a unique book that will appeal to readers who enjoy religious fiction and fantasy. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An educational, enlightening and engaging religious fiction novel, which will appeal to readers who enjoy religious fiction and fantasy. Purchase here

< Back J Paul Rieger Jr The Big Comb Over A wild satirical comedy about one extended Baltimore family. It’s 2050 and forty-something Robbie is attempting another DNA test, following several botched results. He is keen to learn more about his ancestry after joining a book circle and learning more about his friends lineage. While contemplating his odd DNA results, Robbie reflects on his life and precious memories of his childhood spent with his brother, cousins, and uncles. He remembers deep, spiritual conversations with his late uncle, Tim Elders (Tim, Tim). Tim had a long history of drug abuse and mental health issues, and Robbie’s parents discouraged contact between them. Robbie recalls happy memories of Tim, who shared extraordinary stories of their long family history. Tim said he could trace the family tree back to biblical times, and claimed the family had special superpowers to help and heal others. Robbie thinks about his strange DNA results and remembers a time when he saved a girl from drowning, even though he could not swim himself. He wonders whether Tim’s stories were in fact true all along. As Robbie further ponders his life, he remembers a particularly special trip with his uncles and nephews to London, when his Uncle Stefan married a distant member of the British royal family. As the men and boys explored the sights and sounds of London, they found themselves in a few sticky situations with the police, radical environmental groups, and neo-Nazi gangs. The Big Comb Over is a satirical comedy by author J. P. Rieger about a Baltimore family, and the special bond between brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews. Spanning multiple timelines and incorporating multiple perspectives, the book takes readers on a hilarious journey through the lives of one extended family. During one overseas trip, the family stumble through a series of misadventures, whereby readers will simultaneously scratch their heads and laugh-out-loud uncontrollably. If you are in the mood for a laugh-out-loud comedy that defies reason and revels in ridiculousness, this book is for you! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A hilarious satirical comedy about the special bond between brothers, uncles, cousins, and nephews, and their many misadventures. Purchase here

< Back DF Kennedy Nothing But The Truth The third instalment of this psychological drama reveals the identity of the mystery stalker. Nothing But The Truth is the second book in the series from DF Kennedy, which picks up around a year after Dahlia’s kidnapping. Following the birth of her baby girl, Dahlia convalesces at home, while her movie-star husband, Roland, shoots his latest film. Dahlia continues to be harassed by an anonymous stalker, #forevermrshughes , and fears for her safety. Her birth father, Cameron, a former MI5 agent, promises to find and neutralise the threat. Cameron suspects the stalker is connected to his work and narrows the investigation down to a car bombing in the 1980’s. Meanwhile, pictures emerge of a woman and her baby, who was previously suspected of having an affair with Roland. Roland hires a private investigator to locate her. Alone and afraid with her new-born baby, Dahlia turns to her best friend Charlotte for comfort and company. Charlotte reveals she was forced into an arranged marriage by her wealthy parents, and has family connections to the Irish and Italian mafia. As Dahlia agrees to help her friend, Charlotte is attacked and hospitalised. Cameron’s investigations into the car bomber run dry, but he does find a surprising connection much closer to home. As Cameron and Roland continue their own inquiries, Charlotte’s husband is found murdered. Dahlia boards a private jet to spend some quality time with her husband, but when the regular crew falls down with food poisoning, and she notices her ex-husband on board, Dahlia realises she is in big trouble. Nothing But The Truth, is the third book in this gripping psychological thriller series, by author DF Kennedy. The third book introduces more characters and more twists and turns. I devoured it in one sitting, it just gets better and better! As the identity of #forevermrshughes is finally exposed, the revelation that Charlotte is connected to the mob introduces more complexity and intrigue. I thought this book was the final one in the series, but it ends on another heart-in-mouth cliffhanger. So many plot twists. So many questions remain unanswered. A brilliant, thrilling, trilogy so far, and pleading for the next instalment. Soon, please! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating series, from book one right through to book three. To keep up this level of energy and intrigue across three books is no mean feat. 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 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 Rick Soshensky The Music Therapy Studio: Empowering the Soul's Truth A masterpiece of non-fiction, by author Rick Soshensky Rick Soshensky, a music therapist for thirty years, writes a ground-breaking non-fiction book about the power of music, and its ability to integrate, heal and transform peoples’ lives. Rick discusses his love of music, his life as a musician, and his work as a music therapist. Based on extensive research, and many years of clinical practice, Rick describes his approach to music therapy as the Music Therapy Studio, and organises his approach into three sections: The Foundation, which sets out the theoretical groundwork for his work; The Framework, which identifies the different components of music and the relationship between conventional musicianship and music therapy, and; The Philosophy, which examines the underlying principles and assumptions including esoteric and metaphysical concepts. Rick presents a number of real-life stories, of people he has supported through music therapy, including Daniel, a young blind man with a number of other diagnoses including Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Tourette’s Syndrome. Daniel had an innate musical talent and Rick describes the impact of musical therapy on him and his family. According to Daniel’s adopted mother, “Music has helped Daniel to find himself through the adversity and handicapping of his autism, OCD, Tourette’s and total darkness in blindness. Music truly has given him the gift of life.” This is an emotional and powerful book that demonstrates the therapeutic effects of music, through real life stories. Beautifully written by Rick Soshensky with such respect, care and compassion for his clients, this book will appeal to anyone interested in music therapy, and the benefits of music more generally. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring and thought-provoking book for anyone interested in the therapeutic effects of music. Purchase here

< Back Jerry Gundersheimer Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love A heart-breaking love story, by author Jerry Gundersheimer Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love by Jerry Gundersheimer is a beautiful story about Ernie Resnick, who met his childhood sweetheart, Ava Winkler, when he was just 11 years old. The young couple fell deeply in love, and believed they would grow old and spend the rest of their lives together. The couple were happy and pursuing their dreams, Ava as a professional ballerina, and Ernie as a New York Times bestselling author. But when Ava was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, their whole worlds fall apart. As Ernie watches Ava’s health decline, he feels powerless to help her. But he must also face his own frailty, and the possibility of life without his beloved sweetheart. As Ernie comes to terms with Ava’s diagnosis, it has a devastating impact on his own mental health, and he is later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love is a powerful, heart-breaking and deeply emotional story about a man who slowly loses his wife to Lewy Body Dementia, a type of dementia with a rapid loss of mental ability. Beautifully written, well-researched, and told with sensitivity and compassion, through the eyes of Ernie. It is a powerful story about love and loss, and a tribute to all those who have been impacted by Lewy Body Dementia, and the dedicated caregivers who provide love, care and support to those in need. One cannot fail to be moved by this book; it brought a tear to my eye on several occasions. Gundersheimer’s beautifully written prose will remain with me for a very long time. Anyone who has been impacted by Lewy Body Dementia, or other types of dementia, will relate to this story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful, heart-breaking and deeply emotional story about a man who slowly loses his wife to Lewy Body Dementia. 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 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 Mark Roeder What We Do Next Really Matters Author Mark Roeder discusses the global economic, political, environmental, societal and technological challenges that are shaping our world. The recent Covid19 pandemic has been a giant wake up call for humanity, but the reality is that the earth was already in a poor state of affairs, and our civilisation in a precarious state. How we respond to these challenges in the next few years will have significant implications for the human race and the planet. The choices we make at this critical point in our history and development, really matter. Roeder argues, if we fail to act now, we are likely to face the same fate as the Mayans, Anasazi, Akkadians, Harappa, Romans and other lesser-known civilisations that ignored the warning signs around them. Roeder questions our fundamental belief systems and explains why a fundamental change in mindset is required to solve the world’s problems. He argues that the pursuit of ‘growth at all costs’ mindset is threatening our very existence. He argues that we need to learn from the pandemic and harness the shock of Covid19, to make fundamental changes in the way we live our lives now, in order to save humanity. The book comprises three parts. Part one (Reflection) explains why humans are often reluctant to face up to difficult truths. Part two (Challenges) takes a critical look at the big challenges our world faces. Part three (Awakening) explores what it will take to put our world on a more sustainable path. Roeder proposes the development of ‘a social contract’, with a set of eight fundamental principles, which together, form the foundation of civil life. What We Do Next Really Matters by author Mark Roeder is an exceptional book about the global challenges that are shaping our world. What I particularly liked about this book, is that the author proposes a number of radical solutions. He recognises it is a difficult task, and suggests it may need to get worse before it gets better, but ‘ Once the ferocious winds die down, we may awaken to a different social landscape than the version we know now. Hopefully, one that is underpinned by a truly sustainable ethos that ensures our survival as a species.’ This is a well-written, thought-provoking book, which will appeal to anyone interested in the future of earth and the human race. It is a timely reminder that each and every one of us must play a part, and collectively we can make a difference. Everyone should read this book. We cannot ignore the warning signs. We have no choice. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exceptional, well-written, and thought-provoking book that everyone should read. It was a privilege to read and review this book. 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