'6.4 Squared'

There are only a handful of authors in the world who I would read every word they’ve ever written. John Walsh is one of those. With Irish wit and worldly knowledge, John has put together a wonderfully warm and humourous collection of reflective poems. Several of the poems from John's rich understanding and wisdom about life made me stop, think, reread and really absorb what he said. With a masterful command of verse and a bullish view of life, this book is both special and thought provoking. A true treasure to read and a book that you will pick up again and again and again and.....

'Borrowed Wings'

The sequel to the award winning 'Skylark', Borrowed Wings continues where Skylark left off. Billie must find her way forward and Jack must find his way back. But this time the secondary characters from the first book get into the spotlight much more, and that is a good thing. The great thing is this is a book that pretty much everyone can (and will) enjoy. It is funny, tender, thoughtful and thought-provoking - as the layered meanings run deep in this book. This isn't Fargo. It is something more tender and beautiful. It is a book you will think about long after you close the cover. 

'Granite Grit'

Granite Grit by Lee Cooper is a superb story, that is both fast and engaging. The plot was powerful and utterly gripping; filled with highs and lows, laughter and tears. The story of a boxer named Joe who falls into the seedie world of underground bare knuckle fighting. Not being familiar with this topic, reading this book allowed me an amazing insight to the world of boxing. Along the way we are introduced to a lot of characters but not once did I get confused whilst reading as they all connect well with one another. So thank you Lee for this fabulous book which gave me many hours of reading pleasure.

'Colour'

'Colour' is book 2 in 'The Miracles and Millions Saga' by Ella Carmichael. The book has romance in it but mainly it's a fiction story that focuses on the lessons Dorothy must learn to find happiness - happiness that has been eluding her for so long. After a huge win in the lottery, Dorothy starts to live the high life. But with money comes people who want a slice of the action. The way the author gives the characters in the book both good and bad characteristics of the human spirit really fascinates me. The internal dialogues sound like the back and forth I do in my own head. They know the right thing to do but are they going to be willing to do it, because as we all know the right thing is so often the harder thing to do. I can't wait for the next book!

Lovers' Tide

I was under the weather for a few days and these were perfect short stories to read as I rested. All the stories are well written. I would recommend reading the stories in order as they play off each other very well. I read the first story and thought 'that's my favourite' - but then the 2nd one became my favourite - and so on. This is a wonderful book for you to enjoy and it would also make a beautiful gift someone who enjoys reading. Highly recommend.

'Solid Stone'

When it comes to 'Solid Stone' by E.G. Patrick, my opinion is to go into it blind. I say that because the way this heartbreaking and beautifully erotic story unfolds is just to die for, at least for me it was! Violet knows the alluring Adam Stone is renowned in the high-powered corporate world. He consumes all of Violet's thoughts. A control freak, Adam is determined to possess all of her. They embark on a passionate odyssey. How far is Violet willing to go to keep their relationship alive? Secrets are exposed leading to an explosive climax. This is a very well written story and even though I have not read a lot of this type of genre, I enjoyed reading it. This author kept my interest from the first meeting between the two main characters.

Naked.

Covered only by her long hair, Lady Godiva famously rode naked through the streets of Coventry. This tale entitled 'Naked' by author Eliza Redgold is a beautifully written novel filled with loyalty, sadness and the victory of grace and love. This book had me -- and took me right into another place and time. Just as Lady Godiva grew in the story, so did I. An immersive and compelling adventure that I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in good quality historical fiction, especially if you're interested in the time period of Saxon England.

'Places and Time'

Places and Times is a collection of poems by Arthur Turfa that are full of beautiful descriptions from America to Europe to Mexico. I loved the slow and steady pace of Turfa's verse, powerfully filled with lots of emotion. I thought the poems were all well presented in the best possible order, so that midway through you find yourself on a summit, seeing the drop ahead and the inevitable powerful halt at the end. This is a collection I will hang on to and read whenever I want to understand the ups and downs of life.

'The Woman of the Void'

I have already read the author's Kota series, set in a futuristic apocalyptic world and any who loved that series will love 'The Woman of the Void'. A short story with characters that are both colourful and intriguing. The descriptions are imaginative and vivid and the story kept me entertained the whole way through with never a dull moment. I do enjoy the author's writing style, so I'm look forward to she if she can write well in a different genre. 

'The Way Knight'

The Way Knight by Alexander Wallis is a dark fantasy tale about a girl named Daimonia and her journey from child to goddess. When corrupt politicians execute her brother, she travels to her mother. To survive the journey, she hires a warrior sworn to protect anyone who pays him. The author goes to great lengths to show the inner turmoil that faces Daimonia. And the world was so intriguing, as the author describes the scenery in a beautiful creative way. Also, the little Illustrations gave the book a more life-like reading experience. All-in-all a nice little read.

'Nothing'

Nothing by Linda Naseem is, as the author says herself "unfortunately, inspired by experience". It tells the "fictional" story of Annie, who discovers her husband is a drug addict. It was a very interesting story highlighting the affects on a relationship due to drug abuse. Some of the writing was convoluted and hard to get through but nonetheless worth the effort. A raw story filled with tragedy, violence and hope. These kind of stories stir up just about every emotion possible. So thank you Linda for sharing a story that many of us are not strong enough to even articulate aloud.

'The Border Reiver'

'The Border Reiver' is a fantastic story from a fantastic writer. And Nick Christofides is that writer. The alternate-world setting is both well-imagined and evoked in a non-intrusive telling way. Instead of beating up the reader with polemics about complex issues like the erosion of civil liberties or the geopolitical conflicts of the region, this book tells its story in a way that is accessible and relevant to people who don't have patience for politics. Told from the perspective of real people dealing with extraordinary circumstances you can't help but be entertained. The main character Nat, starts out a bit two-dimensional but grows to be three-dimensional over the course of the story. Atmospheric at times, this book was well worth the read.

'Losing The Plot In LA'

I couldn't really relate to these characters, that's part of the reason it took me so long to push through this short book. Some of the informal of language was hard for me to get use to, but 'Losing The Plot In LA' by Sonia Farnsworth impressed me for being what it was. The seemingly black and white morale I found at first, soon turned into a more entertaining canyon of adventure, showing that not every stereotype is to be believed. Funny and biting with saucy characters, it does a good job of exploring modern ideals of identity, so in that way it's a great little read for its target market.

'Crumbling Walls'

Jack and Emily. Emily and Jack. Crumbling Walls by Laura Strandt is the first in a series of YA romance books. I didn't love this book, but I did like it. The book kicks off really well with two entertaining personalities. Right from the start you can see a truly sizzling chemistry that never fizzles out. The humour and witty dialogue really carried the story a long way. There are moments that show hesitancy from Emily, but this makes for a more interesting read. A few typos, but overall, this a winner and I am seriously convinced that she will write an even better follow up.

'Sketches of Spain'

After reading the first book in the series by DL Osment, I just had to get the second instalment "Sketches of Spain". The erotically-charged romance of Lucy Major and Miguel Velasquez continues. I can't say too much about the story without injecting spoilers but things start happening right from the first chapter, as the story delves into their past, present and future. The characters Lucy and Miguel are so meant to be together. They are so well developed you feel every emotion they are feeling throughout the story. It appears Miguel has never forgotten about Lucy just the same as she hasn't forgotten about him. Lucy is a very mysterious character- not only to herself, but to those she is close to. The story moves rapidly along and while the ending may be projected from early on, the getting there certainly keeps your interest. Very impressed with this author and will look for other offerings from her. Give this a try - I think you will enjoy it.

'Violet Chain'

People lie and manipulate, I simply don't know how I would react if I found my fiancé with another person at our engagement party!!! But things change for Violet when Chain comes into her life. The dual narrative tells the story from the alternating POVs of Violet and Chain. I'm not going to go into much detail, as I don't want to ruin anything. I will just say: within the first few pages of Chain being introduced, you'll develop a certain feeling towards him. The characters might seem stereotypical and one-dimensional to begin with, but as the story progresses we begin to see just how complex they really are. Absolutely delightful, well written, sensual, and characters you won’t forget. Janelle Kahele’s Violet Chain is a book not to be missed.

'Born To Magic'

There are other dystopian novels out there and I have found that there is quite a bit that can be done with a post-apocalyptic world. However, author David Wind has come up with one of the most intriguing and original story lines for a book that I have come across in a long time. Part science fiction, part fantasy and part horror, 'Born To Magic' is a futuristic fantasy where the world of Nevaeh jumps off from the first page. The author writes beautifully, using specific vocabulary, without holding back the story line. I thought Areenna, the young heroine, was a well-developed character and fully understanding of the consequences of her actions. I couldn't put it down and read it from beginning to end in one sitting! I stayed up until three in the morning to finish it ;p Excellent writing from an excellent author.

'The Death of Pat Bannon'

I like the straight forward way the author writes. It reads easy, and you don't have to go back and forth to figure out what he means about something. The Death of Pat Bannon by Kirk Bailey is quirky to say the least. At times its deeper than I was expecting with a character that's facing moral questions that the reader is forced to answer. The secondary characters added to the plot and the author writes well but I did feel like some of the dialogue was more like rehearsed speeches. I wont spoil anything but just say it's a fun read with delightful characters and a quirkiness that keeps you reading until the end. 

'Expecting'

After two miscarriages, Laurie and Alan are expecting - through IVF. But everything gets turned upside down when their doctor tells Laurie she was accidentally impregnated from a donor other than her husband! They must now face reality and their new future. You could easily see this being a movie. Expecting by Ann Lewis Hamilton is told with humour and substance that will leave you thinking of it long after you close the book. I thought it was going to be a bit fluffy but the author manages to pack in a lot of emotions without overdoing it. Ann's book was a wonderful read that I expect to rise on the best-sellers list.

'The Everyday Space Traveler'

Travel on a virtual voyage to Mars and discover your inner self. If you have gloomy view of our species’ destiny, you probably won’t enjoy this book. The Everyday Space Traveler by Jason Klassi reminds us how it is an human imperative to explore. The author has divided the book into nine chapters, each beginning and ending with part of a fictitious "Log" on a journey to Mars. Each chapter also gives a very importance insight of mindfulness in our lives and how it can improve our living. I've always been a fan of mindfulness and have read a lot on it and how recent scientific researches shows that mindfulness can affects our brain positively. Through in a foreword by Buzz Aldrin and you have a wonderful "out of this world" experience in the palm of your hands.