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Nicole Danielle | Memoir
Diamonds Beneath the Darkness by Nicole Danielle is a mesmerizing journey through the labyrinth of a woman's life, and it's a story that refuses to be silenced. From the very first page, Nicole's unfiltered voice grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Her words are like a symphony of emotions, each note resonating with authenticity and vulnerability. The book begins with a whisper in the darkness, a whisper that echoes in Nicole's soul, driving her to break free from the chains of her past. It's a story of transformation, of a woman who refuses to be defined by the labels and judgments thrust upon her by society. Nicole takes us on a rollercoaster ride through her life, sharing moments of joy, pain, love, and heartbreak. Her stories are not just tales of personal struggles; they are powerful reminders of the strength that lies within us all. This is the story of a woman who has been made to feel that she was inadequate in every way and how she broke her silence and the shackles that...
Continue ReadingJan Jongstra | Crime Thriller
Frank is a seemingly unassuming data entry clerk in a Toronto import/export company. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is promoted and relocated to Amsterdam, where he becomes the company's agent responsible for clearing containers. He is committed to his job and loves it. But as days go by, Frank becomes suspicious about the company's activities. He is torn between the allure of his dream job in Amsterdam, complete with a generous salary, a free apartment, and the chance to explore Europe, and his growing awareness that he has unwittingly become entangled in illegal trade. The stakes are raised when Frank realizes that the merchandise in the containers poses a serious threat to people's lives. It's at this point that Frank's moral code clashes with his loyalty to the company. He becomes the “reluctant criminal” of the title. He finds himself in a bind, torn between doing what is right and the fear of getting into the crosshairs of the ruthless company enforcers. Enlisting the...
Continue ReadingAlexander C. Juden | Historical Fiction
In the aftermath of World War I, where the Treaty of Versailles teeters on a knife's edge between peace and upheaval, Alexander C. Juden invites readers on a gripping journey through this historical novel, Crossing Darkness. This intelligently crafted narrative melds political intrigue, espionage, and the personal struggles of a wounded soldier against the backdrop of a tumultuous post-war Germany. Protagonist John Griffin, a Great War veteran, is tasked with a mission of paramount importance, one that could tip the scales of peace in favor of a world yearning for stability. Yet, the cost of this mission is steep, both physically and emotionally. Griffin is not just a soldier; he is a complex character grappling with the consequences of the lies he told to ensure peace. The weight of his past actions becomes a heavy burden as he navigates a dangerous landscape. To his greatest surprise, he is a target, a pawn that is targeted from different angles. Can you outwit his political enemies...
Continue ReadingVictoria Costello | Literary Fiction
Orchid Child by Victoria Costello is many genres in one story —a nuanced, compelling thriller with unforgettable characters. The setting is complex and intricately drawn. Ellen and her fiancé move to the United States in the 1920's, running from the horrors of the Anglo-Irish war. Their granddaughter, Kate, loses her job as a neuroscience researcher in New York after a sex scandal in 2002. Kate travels to Ireland to do a study on mental illness in an effort to save her career and she brings her nephew, Teague, with her, putting him under psychiatric care at a university in Ballymore. A dark secret about her ancestry pushes Kate to go on an odyssey to unravel her family history and to understand herself. This is a psychological thriller that is heavily loaded yet so skillfully written that it puts readers on the edge of their seats. Kate is a well-sculpted character; she is complex and genuinely flawed, someone who struggles with self-doubt and who makes disastrous decisions. Losing he...
Continue ReadingD.E. Ring | Detective & Mystery
Death of the Dancing Doll by D.E. Ring transports readers to the enchanting world of Barrachois, Nova Scotia, where mysteries lurk beneath the surface of idyllic autumn days. This third installment in the Urquhart & MacDonald Mystery Series has an irresistible appeal to fans of murder and mystery. The story opens with the installation of a new bronze plaque, a tribute to the city's Second World War heroes. But when a chain snaps, a mummified corpse, elegantly clad in a lawyer's gown, emerges from within the cenotaph. The shocking discovery sets the stage for a gripping investigation led by the unflagging Inspector Jimmy Urquhart and the relentless journalist Notepad MacDonald. The plot in the Death of the Dancing Doll is stunningly imagined and skillfully executed. The discovery of a mummified corpse constitutes a strong premise for the narrative. Still, the clues left on the body by the killer create a sense of mystery that haunts the investigators twenty years later.  ...
Continue ReadingSamira Mahmoodi |
To Water Her Garden: A Journey of Self-Discovery by Samira Mahmoodi is a poignant collection of poems about healing, self-love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. With each poem, Mahmoodi's words resonate with raw emotion, inviting readers to embark on a profound journey of introspection and growth. The poems in this collection are not mere words on a page; they are windows into the author's soul. Mahmoodi's ability to convey the tenderest and rawest of human emotions is remarkable. Readers get glimpses of her vulnerability, feel her pain as she opens her heart through each poem, and experience her doubts and her triumphs.Accompanied by symbolic illustrations and diagrams, Mahmoodi's poems take on an even deeper dimension. These visual elements enhance the reading experience, adding layers of meaning to the already profound and resonant verses. The symbolism in the illustrations invites readers to explore the intricate connections between the words and the images, deepening their underst...
Continue ReadingKerk Murray | Romance
Since the Day We Danced by Kerk Murray is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant novel that explores themes of love, redemption, and second chances. With its compelling characters, picturesque setting, and heartfelt storytelling, this book is a beautiful journey of healing and new beginnings. The story follows Emma Wright, a woman in her forties who is starting her life over after an unexpected divorce. Emma's journey of self-discovery and resilience is relatable and inspiring. Readers will empathize with her as she navigates the challenges of rebuilding her life, finding her sense of self-worth, and learning to trust and love again.Luke Grayson, a widowed father, is another central character in the story. His determination to repair his relationship with his teenage son, Jeremiah, is central in the story. Murray skillfully portrays the complex nature of the parent-child relationship, highlighting the challenges and rewards of family reconciliation. The setting in the picturesque coas...
Continue ReadingYvonne M Morgan | Fiction - Inspirational
In Yvonne M. Morgan's Gypsy for God, a brilliant accountant experiences mid-life crisis when she loses her job. Kathleen Johnson hasn't planned to retire until sixty-five, but when she loses her job, life becomes increasingly difficult for her. She struggles with self-doubt and is plagued by fears about the future. Working as a travel agent, she has to confront many of her fears and uncertainties, traveling to different places with her husband and meeting people in different kinds of conditions and predicaments. An encounter is about to transform her life in an unexpected way but will she have the courage to face her fears and embrace a path that might lead her to her ultimate purpose? This book intelligently articulates the themes of faith, love, and finding one's purpose, and the story will open the eyes of readers to the incredible truth that God works in mysterious ways, using adversity to lead trusting hearts to where they are meant to be. It is a novel that will appeal to lovers...
Continue ReadingSallana Brown | Children-Educational
Jeremy and the Beetle Takedown by Sallana Brown is a delightful children's book that combines adventure, education, and environmental awareness in a captivating story. The book follows Jeremy and his friends as they embark on a mission to save the ash trees in a nearby forest from the invasive Emerald Ash Borer Beetles. The story begins with the children in science class, where they are introduced to the fascinating world of entomology—the study of insects. The author does an excellent job of making science engaging and relatable for young readers. Jeremy's enthusiasm for insects and his eagerness to learn are contagious, making him a relatable and likable protagonist for children.The illustrations are colorful and they tell a story of their own. The vibrant and detailed artwork brings the story to life, allowing readers to visualize the insects, trees, and the natural world that Jeremy and his friends explore. The illustrations effectively complement the text, making the book visually...
Continue ReadingArthur Yavelberg | Spirituality & Inspiration
A Theology for the Rest of Us by Arthur Yavelberg is a thought-provoking exploration of spirituality that seeks to provide answers to profound questions about existence, purpose, and the nature of the divine. Yavelberg draws from Eastern and Western religious traditions, as well as scientific achievements and literary insights, to create an accessible framework for readers to develop their own spiritual understanding. The book encourages individuals to embrace the responsibility of seeking their own answers to life’s deepest questions, echoing the Buddha's call to “Be ye lamps unto yourselves!” and emphasizing the personal commitment required to love the divine.The book’s approach is refreshingly humble and relatable. Yavelberg presents himself as an ordinary seeker of truth rather than an authoritative figure with all the answers. He invites readers on a journey of exploration, emphasizing that he doesn't have all the answers but has found a direction that helps him navigate life's en...
Continue ReadingAllan Low | Children - Fiction
Dumb Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy by Allan Low is an emotionally intense and highly complex narrative that journeys through the lives of a group of AIDS orphans, portraying their struggles against discrimination and the headman's oppression in their southern African community. This trilogy features very sophisticated characters and a deft exploration of collective perseverance, talent, and the hunger for education, all while presenting characters that face unfair treatment and are forced into labor by the community headman.The plot is intricately woven, spanning the perspectives of different orphans across three books, unveiling the depth of their individual experiences and voices. The first book, narrated by Sipho, sets the foundation of their hardships and the inception of the Bundu Bunch, reflecting their defiance against the oppressive system. The following books are narrated by Elah, highlighting the orphans’ unexpected journey to England, their experience as immigrants and as...
Continue ReadingG.M. Matiasz | Fiction - Thriller
Dusted by Stars by G.M. Matiasz catapults readers into a thrilling space opera, blending action, adventure, and a touch of fantasy. The story revolves around Stacy Jones, a hardworking starship pilot from socialist Mars, struggling to make ends meet. When she accepts a commission to transport the legendary sangrael, unaware of its mythical significance, Stacy unwittingly plunges herself into a perilous journey. Alongside Kryz, a diminutive Rarj, she navigates through a galaxy teeming with aliens and dangers, facing thieves, hijackers, and lethal adversaries to safeguard her precious cargo. Can she outwit her adversaries and find a way forward in a world brimming with intrigue, danger, and greed?Matiasz weaves a vivid and fast-paced narrative that takes the characters through bar brawls, dogfights, and tense dangerous encounters. The relationship between Stacy and Kryz is an element of the plot that augments the entertainment potential of the narrative; it is a dynamic partnership that...
Continue ReadingColin Dodds | Fiction - Literary
The Reign of the Anti-Santas by Colin Dodds is a unique and audacious Christmas tale that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through a world where the holiday spirit collides head-on with corporate greed, scandal, and societal change. The story is narrated by Elvin, an elf with a front-row seat to the evolution and devolution of Christmas. Elvin's journey begins when he unwittingly accompanies Santa Claus on a Christmas Eve trip, setting the stage for a decades-long adventure filled with intrigue and danger. Dodds creates a narrative that includes Santa's secret affairs, the PR scandal that catapults Rudolph to fame, and the encroachment of humanity on the North Pole. What makes this book truly captivating is its imaginative world-building. Dodds constructs a fully realized universe of elves with a rich history and culture. Readers are treated to an exploration of the elves' interactions with humans and their transformation into pine trees at the end of their lives. This unearthly a...
Continue ReadingNancy R Myers (Page Publishing)
Lola has just moved to a new neighborhood and is delighted to know the neighbors, happily greeting everyone. The rabbit used to travel with a carnival, playing tunes on her bell while greeting guests. Buddy was her best friend, a dog that was always by her side. Then one day, Lola woke up early and went briefly to the park. Upon her return, the carnival games, rides, and food trucks were gone. The carnival, together with Buddy her best friend, has moved on without her. At first, she enjoyed hopping around the city and snacking in gardens, but w...
Mark Golding (Bumblebee Books)
Out of Time by Mark Golding is a spellbinding meld of science fiction, fantasy, and time travel. Joe Jackson is a twelve-year-old boy with a strong love for adventure, the kind that often finds himself in difficult situations. When he unwittingly discovers an unexploded World War II bomb site, he sets out to explore it. But an explosion sets his life on a course he never could have imagined. Joe meets Max, a pale, enigmatic extra-terrestrial from Proxima Centauri b. Max has been stranded on Earth and is seeking ways to stop Dardan, a character...
Arthur Yavelberg (MSI Press)
A Theology for the Rest of Us by Arthur Yavelberg is a thought-provoking exploration of spirituality that seeks to provide answers to profound questions about existence, purpose, and the nature of the divine. Yavelberg draws from Eastern and Western religious traditions, as well as scientific achievements and literary insights, to create an accessible framework for readers to develop their own spiritual understanding. The book encourages individuals to embrace the responsibility of seeking their own answers to life’s deepest questions, echoing...
Don Tassone (Golden Antelope Press)
Don Tassone's Drive is an engaging narrative that is also a compelling metaphor for life. Nick Reynolds is a highly successful yet deeply troubled food company executive. He is a man who is hard to deal with at work and a man who doesn't seem to have a strong sense of what is essential. He is so absorbed by himself and feared by his employees. He doesn't enjoy a strong relationship with his wife and children. When he screws up at work, his boss asks him to take some days off, so he sets off alone from his home in Chicago for Bar Harbor, Maine....
Allan Low (Bundu Bunch Publishing)
Dumb Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy by Allan Low is a powerful book with strong and resonant themes, and it is a story that deftly explores the resilience, friendship, and strength of a few kids in the face of adversity. This captivating tale takes readers on a heartfelt journey into the lives of AIDS orphans in southern Africa, shedding light on their struggles, dreams, and triumphs. Character development in this book is exceptional. Through the eyes of Sipho, Elah, and Aiyasha, we witness the growth of these young individuals as they confro...
D.E. Ring (Grinder)
Death of the Dancing Doll by D.E. Ring transports readers to the enchanting world of Barrachois, Nova Scotia, where mysteries lurk beneath the surface of idyllic autumn days. This third installment in the Urquhart & MacDonald Mystery Series has an irresistible appeal to fans of murder and mystery. The story opens with the installation of a new bronze plaque, a tribute to the city's Second World War heroes. But when a chain snaps, a mummified corpse, elegantly clad in a lawyer's gown, emerges from within the cenotaph. The shocking discovery...
Mike Avery (Fearless Advocates Press)
Susan Sorella has emerged from the rigors of a trial triumphant with an acquittal for her client. Her bliss is short-lived when she learns of a new client her firm will be representing. A man stands accused of murdering an MLB umpire. The evidence is building against her client, but Susan is skeptical. Events take an unexpected turn when the client is nearly murdered in jail. Susan has worked on tough cases in the past and this current one certainly fits the bill. Susan is resourceful and begins to look into the state’s evidence again...
Alexander C. Juden (5Points Press)
John Griffin has awakened in a hospital room, suffering wounds both physical and mental. Patricia, his best friend’s girl sits vigil by his bedside. Their minds are both set on taking revenge against Patricia’s father, whose chicanery nearly prolonged the war in Europe. Before John can claim his vengeance, he has been shanghaied into undertaking an intelligence-based mission for French intelligence. There are worries that the Bolsheviks might still undercut the peace process, so John is asked to infiltrate them. John doesn’t necessarily trust...
Marcia Peck (Sea Crow Press)
In Water Music: A Cape Cod Story by Marcia Peck, the salt-kissed air of Cape Cod becomes a canvas upon which the intricate strokes of family dynamics are painted. Set in 1956, this coming-of-age tale invites us into the world of the Grainger family, whose annual pilgrimage from sweltering New Jersey to the Cape marks not just a change in scenery but also a shift in their familial tides. Lily is a perceptive 11-year-old narrator whose keen observations and youthful innocence instantly win readers. Her parents, Weston and Lydia, are as contrastin...
Jan Jongstra (JanJongstraBooks)
Frank is a seemingly unassuming data entry clerk in a Toronto import/export company. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is promoted and relocated to Amsterdam, where he becomes the company's agent responsible for clearing containers. He is committed to his job and loves it. But as days go by, Frank becomes suspicious about the company's activities. He is torn between the allure of his dream job in Amsterdam, complete with a generous salary, a free apartment, and the chance to explore Europe, and his growing awareness that he has unwittin...