Author: Chris Waddington Release Date: 19 October 2025 Series: Genre: Historical Fiction, WW1 Format: E-book Pages: 288 pages Publisher: Coffee Shop Publishing (Self-Published) Blurb: I don’t know if I’m living longer or dying slower… Armed with dreams of heroic victory and Lord Kitchener’s rally cry ringing in his ears, Jack Crosby proudly made his way to the front line. Once there, he quickly realised that there was no glory to be had on the blood-soaked fields of Flanders. On the back of unrelenting German fury, December delivers a brutal Belgian winter…
Water pours in, swirling around Jack’s ankles, it meanders effortlessly through the trench, bringing with it the pungent stench of death. Body parts intermingle with rats and slushy mud, facilitating the inevitable spread of disease. Cutting a forlorn figure, Jack’s hardening heart aches for home, his beloved Rose and the idyllic life he now mourns. But then, on Christmas Eve, dulcet German tones carried on the wings of angels float serenely through the gloriously placid night air… Christmas in Flanders Fields is a poignant and moving depiction of the ungodly struggles encountered by decent men, too young to die. Set against the backdrop of the remarkable Christmas truce in 1914, It’s a story that encompasses love, hope, fear, bravery and the most unlikely friendships forged on the rugged plains of No-Mans-Land.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Christmas in Flanders Fields by Chris Waddington is told through the reflective voice of British soldier Jack Crosby, immersing the reader in the muddy trenches of World War I, where brutality has become routine and hope feels like an act of rebellion. From its opening pages, the book establishes an unflinching realism where rats, corpses, fear, and exhaustion are rendered with lyrical restraint rather than sensationalism.
At its emotional core is the historical Christmas Truce of 1914, a fleeting moment when enemy soldiers laid down their weapons to sing, bury the dead, exchange gifts, and briefly remember their shared humanity. Author Waddington captures this event with remarkable tenderness. The scenes of candlelit trees rising from German trenches, carols drifting across no-man’s-land, and men shaking hands with those they had tried to kill only hours earlier are written with a sense of awe and disbelief that feels earned. The friendship between Jack and German soldier Wilhelm Becker becomes a powerful symbol of the fragile, fleeting nature of peace.
Equally affecting are Jack’s memories of home, particularly his love for Rose, whose letters and small gifts sustain him through despair. These quieter passages ground the novel emotionally, reminding us what war steals and what soldiers fight to preserve. The prose is evocative and reflective, often reading like a lament for lost innocence and squandered potential.
On the whole, Christmas in Flanders Fields by Chris Waddington is a poignant, immersive, and deeply emotional and moving tribute to a moment when compassion briefly triumphed over conflict. It is historical fiction at its most heartfelt. It is sobering, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome J.J.N. Whitley, author of The Orichalcum Crown, for an author interview with The Reading Bud.
About The Author
J.J.N. Whitley
J. J. N. Whitley is a licensed attorney and proud cat-dad. His time in Okinawa sparked a love for anime and JRPGs, and living in Australia did the same for sports.
Welcome to TRB! Could you provide our readers with a personal introduction beyond yourofficial Author Bio?
Sure. I’m JJNW (Juh-jin-wuh). I introduced myself as that one year in drama class, and the name stuck. One year for Halloween I told a friend I was JJNW’s ghost, and that stuck too.
I’m naturally fidgety and always itching to work on the next project, whether it’s something I’m writing, playing or watching. So when I was diagnosed with ADHD last year I thought it explained a lot.
Beyond the blurb, can you share a unique aspect or background detail about your book’s setting or characters?
One major detail is the prevalence of gods. The oft aloof All-Mother is the literal mother of Athena and one of her sisters. The original emperor runs a brothel just down the mountain. Even when they’re not directly involved in the plot, their shadows loom large.
Every book begins with an idea. What was the initial inspiration that led you to write this particular story?
Funny enough, it came from a lack of inspiration. I realized that while I’d been working on existing projects for several years, I hadn’t come up with anything new in a long time. I started with the central idea of exploring the relationships of a royal family with an aging emperor on the decline and let it flow from there.
Fantasy often tackles profound themes. What central message or theme do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The initial theme was about the weight of leadership. Heavy is the head that wears the crown and all. But, despite the best intentions, that head is still human and prone to err. As the story evolved, it also tackled the theme of feeling like an outcast even in places where you’re supposed to be loved.
Of all the characters in your book, is there one you feel particularly close to? Why?
As much as I love Athena, I’d have to say Makoto. At her core, Makoto is someone who believes love must be earned and is almost always at risk of being lost. She wants nothing more than to be loved without needing to perform but is terrified of her authentic self being rejected.
There are elements of that I relate to. My favorite line in the book comes from her conversation with Ephraim in the garden and came right from my own heart.
How do you approach character development in a fantasy setting to ensure they are relatable to readers?
By grounding key character traits and relationships in reality. A handful of examples.
Athena being a protective older sister comes from her strained relationships with her parents. Dad is busy running the empire, and Mom is too busy being a god to care. So, she takes it on herself to make sure the little scamps are cared for.
Olive’s love of art stems from Athena’s encouragement. Now it helps her feel connected to a sister that’s no longer around.
Makoto and Ephraim are so close, because they met at a time when they each needed friendship. She needed a friend to make her feel safe in a new environment, and he needed a friend to deal with the grief of losing his parents.
When the character’s core feels grounded, their development comes naturally. Even in the face of fantastical elements.
What served as the primary inspiration for your characters? Were they from existing myths, personal experiences, dreams, or something else entirely?
Once I decided on the initial premise of a royal family, I had to start filling out the ranks. While some characters, like Ephraim and Klaus, are unique to this story, several others are from other ideas that never went anywhere. This includes major players; such as Athena, Makoto and Reina. It’s why I often refer to this story as my Island of Misfit Toys.
How long did the process of writing this book take from inception to completion?
About six years off and on. I had several drafts that started and ended in different places. I’d take breaks from writing or to work on other projects before coming back to tinker with it some more. The first idea started around February, 2020 when I was walking the track at the gym.
Are there other stories or fantasy worlds you’re currently developing?
Absolutely. One of them is a story of people trapped in a video game, so it’s a hybrid science fiction story as well. Another takes place in a world my friend made. And another is small town Indiana but with a little dash of magic.
What attracts you to the fantasy genre specifically? Do you explore other genres as well?
I usually stick with fantasy but include other genres as part of the work. I love that fantasy has no limits and can encompass other genres. You can still write romance, horror, comedy and drama within a fantasy setting.
When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer? Was the journey straightforward, or did you face challenges along the way?
My fourth grade teacher, Mr. Kolp, had a mandatory journal writing period. I would write stories based on shows I was watching; like Dragon Ball or Pokémon. Had so much fun that I kept doing it. There’ve been a lot of challenges. Self-doubt, low sales and all that. But, here we are still doing it because I love it.
Can you describe your typical writing routine?
It usually goes one of two ways. I’ll either have a flash of inspiration and starting writing a scene on my phone until the scene ends or I get stuck.
Alternatively, I’ll sit at my computer and re-read the last few paragraphs to get back into the scene. I’ll see it play out in my head and transcribe it as best I can. If I get stuck, I’ll go for a walk and think through it and hopefully get unstuck.
Editing is a crucial part of the writing process. How do you approach revisions and self-editing in the context of a fantasy narrative?
I try to note what’s missing or inconsistent in a draft when I’m reviewing it. If a character mentions something that’s from a previous draft then it needs to be cut or reworked. Likewise, if someone acts in a way they normally wouldn’t there needs to be a good reason for it or else it’s gone.
In addition, if there are elements of the plot or characterization that are lacking or not featured at all then I note where they should be inserted and rework those moments.
With the growing popularity of audiobooks and multimedia adaptations, have you considered these formats for your work?
I haven’t looked into audiobooks at this time, but I’d love one. I think it would be really cool.
I’d be ecstatic if someone wanted to adapt Orichalcum into a show, movie or game but I’m not holding my breath yet.
If you had to describe your writing style in three words, what would they be?
Talkative but violent.
What tools or methods do you prefer for writing—computer, typewriter, voice recording, or traditional pen and paper?
My go to is the notes app on my phone. That way I can write in just about any situation. But when I need to grind out some pages or editing, then I have to sit at my computer. Every now and then I do enjoy hand writing a few pages.
Could you share five books or authors that have influenced your writing, especially within the fantasy genre?
The Harry Potter series is a big one. I know I read a lot as a kid, but it’s the first time I remember being sucked into another world and not wanting to leave.
Lord of the Rings and Warriors as series with their own mythologies and large casts of characters.
I read Mistborn a few years ago, which helped a lot in developing the magic system of another story.
While not a book series, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the Trails series for its world building and character writing.
How do you tackle Writer’s Block when working within the expansive boundaries of fantasy?
A couple different ways. If a particular sentence is giving me trouble I’ll write a very basic to the point sentence, put it in brackets and move on with the paragraph.
If it’s the start of a scene or story, I’ll try hand writing and just seeing what happens. I did that with one story and a character I hadn’t previously imagined showed up and changed the whole ding dang thing.
If it’s a big picture element, I’ll play around with different versions of it and discuss it with people who know the story.
What piece of advice would you offer to budding writers, especially those looking to venture into fantasy?
Number one is to write. It’s the cliche answer, but your idea will always be just that until you write it down.
Number two is be flexible and willing to adapt. Sometimes plot threads and characters don’t go where you initially imagined, and that’s okay.
Last is to have a “why guy”. Someone who knows the story about as well as you do who you can bounce ideas off of. Regardless if they like the new idea or not, their job is to ask why a new direction is a good thing. The process of explaining it will generally show if it’s a passing fancy or something with deeper roots. Then you can have a good faith discussion about it.
Thank you, author Whitley, for taking the time to answer our questions and for all your insightful answers!
About the Book
The Orichalcum Crown
Makoto lost her mother to a battle she can’t remember before being adopted into the Kauneus Empire’s royal family. Upon her eighteenth birthday, she receives her mother’s necklace from the emperor. Makoto’s memories slowly return, haunting her with visions of her lost sister and her mother’s murder. She is torn between the family and answers awaiting her across the sea and the relationships with her family, best friend, and his handsome brother. Makoto fears returning home will cast doubt upon her loyalty to the emperor and sever her from the family. After all, Kauneus has no need for a disloyal princess. Makoto’s eldest adoptive sister, Athena, remains banished from Zenith Palace for uncovering the emperor’s secret bastard. She is visited by her former dragon uncle, who shares a rumor that the emperor will be assassinated during the annual ball. Athena has no choice but to break her exile to save her father. Returning home risks death, but she’ll pay any price for her family’s safety. As night falls upon the ball, lurking shadows and hidden agendas threaten the empire’s fragile peace. Makoto and Athena must navigate the delicate lines between loyalty and betrayal and learn what they are willing to sacrifice for freedom, truth, and family.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author: J. J. N. Whitley Release Date: 1 November 2025 Series: The Orichalcum Crown (Volume 1) Genre: High Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Coming of Age Format: E-book Pages: 337 pages Publisher: – Blurb: Makoto lost her mother to a battle she can’t remember before being adopted into the Kauneus Empire’s royal family. Upon her eighteenth birthday, she receives her mother’s necklace from the emperor. Makoto’s memories slowly return, haunting her with visions of her lost sister and her mother’s murder. She is torn between the family and answers awaiting her across the sea and the relationships with her family, best friend, and his handsome brother. Makoto fears returning home will cast doubt upon her loyalty to the emperor and sever her from the family. After all, Kauneus has no need for a disloyal princess.
Makoto’s eldest adoptive sister, Athena, remains banished from Zenith Palace for uncovering the emperor’s secret bastard. She is visited by her former dragon uncle, who shares a rumor that the emperor will be assassinated during the annual ball. Athena has no choice but to break her exile to save her father. Returning home risks death, but she’ll pay any price for her family’s safety. As night falls upon the ball, lurking shadows and hidden agendas threaten the empire’s fragile peace. Makoto and Athena must navigate the delicate lines between loyalty and betrayal and learn what they are willing to sacrifice for freedom, truth, and family.
“A cleverly plotted fantasy with a cast of memorable characters. Highly recommended!” – The Wishing Shelf
“The Orichalcum Crown is a lush and wonderfully imagined work of fantasy that centers on a princess who, after recovering lost memories of her former life, seeks out the truth about her past. Whitley slowly develops the narrative tension, enticing readers through atmospheric worldbuilding and stirring writing.”
–TheBookLifePrize
“In a land populated with deadly monsters, reluctant immortals, vicious secrets, and persistent whispers from a hidden past, a young woman finds her voice in The Orichalcum Crown… a family-first novel steeped with mythology and shrouded in mystery.” – Indie’s Today.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Epic fantasy often hinges on spectacle, but The Orichalcum Crown by J.J.N. Whitley distinguishes itself by placing intimacy, memory, and moral responsibility at the heart of its world-building. Set within the empire of Kauneus, the novel follows Makoto Clarissa vi Kauneus, a young princess burdened not only by political expectation but by fragmented memories, inherited trauma, and a power she does not fully understand. From its opening moments, the story establishes a deeply personal tone, even as it unfolds on an imperial scale.
Makoto is a compelling protagonist precisely because she is uncertain. She makes her way through the courtly intrigue, assassination threats, and questions of succession while grappling with her origins in Avalon and the meaning of the Orichalcum Crown itself, an artifact that symbolizes humility and responsibility rather than glory. The political tension surrounding Avalon’s possible independence, the shadowy influence of religious and noble factions, and the menace of unseen conspirators give the narrative a steady undercurrent of suspense. Yet the novel never loses sight of its emotional core: Makoto’s relationships with her sisters, her father, and those sworn to protect her.
Author Whitley’s world-building is meticulous and textured, enriched by mythology, ritual, and a cast of sharply drawn supporting characters, most notably the volatile Athena, the observant Reina, and the enigmatic Morgana. The prose is elegant without being overwrought, allowing moments of introspection to sit naturally beside scenes of political maneuvering and latent violence. Themes of identity, legacy, restraint, and power recur throughout, lending the story a philosophical depth that to to another level, beyond standard fantasy fare.
Overall, The Orichalcum Crown by J.J.N. Whitley is a thoughtful, character-driven, intense, and impressive opening to a new epic fantasy series. Readers who value political complexity, morally grounded protagonists, and richly imagined worlds will find much to admire here, and plenty to anticipate in the volumes to come.
Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Chris Waddington for his latest release, Christmas in Flanders Fields.
Book:Christmas In Flanders Fields Author: Chris Waddington Publication Date: 19 October 2025 Publisher: Coffee Shop Publishing (Self-Published) Page Count: 288 Genres: Historical Fiction, WW1 For Readers Who Enjoyed Reading: Sebastian Faulks, Christmas Truce – Malcolm Brown & Shirley Seaton, Christmas Truce by the Men Who Took Part – Mike Hill & Silent Night – Stanley Weintraub.
About the Book
I don’t know if I’m living longer or dying slower…
Armed with dreams of heroic victory and Lord Kitchener’s rally cry ringing in his ears, Jack Crosby proudly made his way to the front line. Once there, he quickly realised that there was no glory to be had on the blood-soaked fields of Flanders. On the back of unrelenting German fury, December delivers a brutal Belgian winter…
Water pours in, swirling around Jack’s ankles, it meanders effortlessly through the trench, bringing with it the pungent stench of death. Body parts intermingle with rats and slushy mud, facilitating the inevitable spread of disease. Cutting a forlorn figure, Jack’s hardening heart aches for home, his beloved Rose and the idyllic life he now mourns. But then, on Christmas Eve, dulcet German tones carried on the wings of angels float serenely through the gloriously placid night air…
Christmas in Flanders Fields is a poignant and moving depiction of the ungodly struggles encountered by decent men, too young to die. Set against the backdrop of the remarkable Christmas truce in 1914, It’s a story that encompasses love, hope, fear, bravery and the most unlikely friendships forged on the rugged plains of No-Mans-Land.
You can find Christmas In Flanders Fieldshere: Amazon | Goodreads
About The Author
Chris Waddington
The Christmas Truce of 1914 has always been a source of great fascination and the idea of writing a fictional story set during this remarkable and historic event has danced around my head for more than 2 decades. The thought that opposing groups of men thrown together and made to endure the most atrocious conditions can lay down the weapons and come together in the name of Christmas showcases the very best of humanity. I toured around Belgian battlefields and war cemeteries in the Flanders region conducting research for this book and found the whole experience emotional and humbling. I’m very excited to produce a story that pays homage to this momentous occasion and the brave souls, regardless of nationality, who risked and gave their lives.
This is my second novel following the release of Coffee Shop Girl in 2020. Prior to that I have wrote children’s books, poetry and even lyrics to the odd song. I’m a proud Grandfather to Nirvana & Neveah, a staunch Liverpool supporter and a self-confessed Elvis fanatic! It’s a passion I share with my beloved daughter, Chantelle. I’ve enjoyed visits to Graceland, Tupelo and my favourite city, Nashville.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author:KZK Release Date: 23 September 2025 Series: Genre: Horror, Body Horror, Psychological Thriller, Eco-Horror Format: E-book Pages: 215 pages Publisher: – Blurb: When Thea returns to her quiet Minnesota hometown, she expects to confront her mother’s erratic behavior. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a chilling mystery: two men have vanished without a trace, and whispers of prejudice and paranoia ripple through the community. As Thea digs deeper, secrets buried in the bog begin to surface. Family lies, hidden forces, and small-town grudges collide in a suspenseful story where survival means uncovering the truth before it consumes her. Fans of Gillian Flynn, Tana French, and dark rural thrillers will be gripped by Filaments — a haunting tale of disappearances, betrayal, and the dangerous threads that bind us together.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Filaments by KZK is the kind of uneasy read that creeps into your bloodstream and refuses to leave. It is a richly atmospheric eco-horror story that blends fungal body horror, grief, myth, and psychological tension into a narrative that feels intimate as well as deeply unsettling. From the very first chapter, author KZK establishes a voice that is confident, immersive, and unafraid to linger in discomfort, and that is precisely what makes this book so compelling.
At the heart of the story is Thea, a protagonist shaped by loss, guilt, and unanswered questions surrounding her mother’s death. As she searches for the truth, the natural world around her begins to feel increasingly hostile and alive. The forests, bogs, and soil are not just backdrops but active participants in the story. KZK’s treatment of mycelium and fungal networks is particularly striking, as they are used not merely as a horror device, but as a metaphor for inheritance, interconnectedness, and the way trauma spreads invisibly, and relentlessly.
One of the strongest aspects of Filaments is its atmosphere. The writing is lush and tactile; you can feel the damp earth, the creeping tendrils, the oppressive stillness of the bog. The horror here is not loud or gratuitous; it is slow, biological, and psychological. When the body horror does appear, it feels earned and meaningful rather than sensational. This restraint gives the novel its power.
The emotional core of the story is equally strong. Themes of female rage, autonomy, grief, and control are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The relationships, particularly between women, are complex and fraught, adding layers of moral ambiguity that take the book beyond a straightforward horror novel. By the time the story reaches its climax, the tension feels both terrifying and inevitable.
The ending is haunting, resonant, and perfectly suited to the tone of the novel. It does not rush to comfort the reader, nor does it over-explain. Instead, it lingers, much like the filaments themselves.
Overall, Filaments is a standout eco-horror novel that is original, disturbing, and beautifully written. If you enjoy atmospheric horror, fungal or biological themes, and stories that balance emotional depth with genuine unease, this is a book you should not miss.
Author:Del Elle Release Date: 26 March 2019 Series: James and Jones (Book 1 of 3) Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure Format: E-book Pages: 41 pages Publisher: Delartelle Blurb: Most people pass the shop without a second glance, mistaking it for an old estate agent’s with bad signage. But inside, James (Jay), Jones (Jo), and their not-so-receptionist Suzé tackle problems that shouldn’t exist. When Phillens Martens arrives clutching an apple-shaped brooch, they’re drawn into a tangle of illusionists, collectors, and the ancient title of Prince of the Apple Towns — a title that tends to cause chaos for whoever holds it. Witty, wondrous, and brimming with invention, Prince of the Apple Towns is the first adventure in James and Jones — a whimsical fantasy series about a not-so-ordinary shop, its impossible cases, and the unlikely team who take them on.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Prince of the Apple Towns by Del Elle is an inventive work of fantasy that unfolds less like a conventional quest and more like a dream you slowly realize you are already inside. The story follows Phillens Martens, an anxious, slightly off-balance man who finds himself entangled with a pair of eccentric “Intuitive Consultants” and, through them, a far larger conflict tied to the mysterious Apple Towns and their powerful brooches. From the very first chapter, author Del Elle establishes a tone that is whimsical on the surface, yet edged with unease and consequence beneath.
What truly distinguishes this book is its worldbuilding through conversation and implication rather than exposition. The Apple Towns, Delcorf, Akane, Gala, Cox, Braeburn, Elstar, and others, feel lived-in and ancient without ever being formally mapped out for the reader. The brooches, each tied to a town and granting extraordinary abilities, introduce a compelling power structure that culminates in the titular contest: the struggle to become the Prince of the Apple Towns. This looming competition adds real stakes to what initially feels like an almost playful narrative.
Characters like Jo and Jay bring levity and texture, but they are never merely comic relief. As the story progresses, the danger becomes tangible, especially with the arrival of Orchardé and the revelation of what possession of multiple brooches means. The action sequences are sharp and kinetic, yet still grounded in the book’s distinctive, slightly surreal rhythm.
Ultimately, Prince of the Apple Towns is a story about power, guardianship, and choice, and about what happens when responsibility is forced upon those who never asked for it. It’s a richly imaginative, thoughtfully paced fantasy that rewards attentive reading and leaves the door open for intriguing continuations in this unusual world.
Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author J. J. N. Whitley for his latest release, The Orichalcum Crown.
Book:The Orichalcum Crown Author: J. J. N. Whitley Publication Date: November 1, 2025 Genres: High Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Coming of Age Formats Available: Kindle, Paperback (in progress)
About the Book
Makoto lost her mother to a battle she can’t remember before being adopted into the Kauneus Empire’s royal family. Upon her eighteenth birthday, she receives her mother’s necklace from the emperor. Makoto’s memories slowly return, haunting her with visions of her lost sister and her mother’s murder.
She is torn between the family and answers awaiting her across the sea and the relationships with her family, best friend, and his handsome brother. Makoto fears returning home will cast doubt upon her loyalty to the emperor and sever her from the family. After all, Kauneus has no need for a disloyal princess.
Makoto’s eldest adoptive sister, Athena, remains banished from Zenith Palace for uncovering the emperor’s secret bastard. She is visited by her former dragon uncle, who shares a rumor that the emperor will be assassinated during the annual ball. Athena has no choice but to break her exile to save her father. Returning home risks death, but she’ll pay any price for her family’s safety.
As night falls upon the ball, lurking shadows and hidden agendas threaten the empire’s fragile peace. Makoto and Athena must navigate the delicate lines between loyalty and betrayal and learn what they are willing to sacrifice for freedom, truth, and family.
“A cleverly plotted fantasy with a cast of memorable characters. Highly recommended!”
– The Wishing Shelf
“The Orichalcum Crown is a lush and wonderfully imagined work of fantasy that centers on a princess who, after recovering lost memories of her former life, seeks out the truth about her past. Whitley slowly develops the narrative tension, enticing readers through atmospheric worldbuilding and stirring writing.”
–TheBookLifePrize
“In a land populated with deadly monsters, reluctant immortals, vicious secrets, and persistent whispers from a hidden past, a young woman finds her voice in The Orichalcum Crown… a family-first novel steeped with mythology and shrouded in mystery.”
J. J. N. Whitley is a licensed attorney and proud cat-dad. His time in Okinawa sparked a love for anime and JRPGs, and living in Australia did the same for sports.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author: Alison Bellringer Release Date: 26 April 2024 Series: Genre: Middle Grade Fiction Format: E-book Pages: 75 pages Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers Blurb: Britney is a young, extremely malnourished child, who comes from a poor family with an abusive father. Her mother does everything she can to protect her daughter from her husband, receiving the brunt of the aggressive beatings herself. The girl barely speaks, afraid of being overheard by the wrong person, and the only words she knows are the few repeated words her mother uses to calm her after a fight. A total of three words in all, namely – Whisper, Britney, and Ma. There is a very private, sheltered spot in the nearby forest which Britney uses as a place to hide away if ever her mother has to spend the day walking into the nearest town to
purchase supplies or to trade goods. They have discreet, non-verbal signals which they use to keep the area hidden and make sure that Britney is secure (far away from Pa’s prying eyes). On one such day, Britney hears unusual sounds and is terrified that her father has found out about their system, but the surprise turns out to be just a lonesome little puppy. The girl quickly becomes friends with the stray, instantly joining forces in their solitude, only ever meeting in the secret place where they share such a deeply silent, unspoken bond. This continues until Ma helps her only child run away for good, tearfully leaving Britney to fend for herself in the best way she knows how. The adoring puppy (promptly being referred to as Whisper) unexpectedly follows the girl, and together they set off on a journey that will forever change their lives…
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Whisper by Alison Bellringer is a beautiful story that opens softly and still manages to break your heart, and then carefully put it back together. Told from the POV of Britney, a malnourished little girl living with an abusive father, the novel traces her journey from fear and secrecy to safety, found family, and, slowly, trust. The book’s gentleness comes from an unlikely guardian: a stray puppy Britney names Whisper, whose steadfast presence changes the course of her life.
From the gut-punch opening in the cottage, to the quiet, sacred ritual of a secret forest hideaway, and the puppy who finds her there, Author Bellringer writes with unshowy clarity that lets emotion land without melodrama. Scenes like Whisper fetching help and leading a kind carpenter to the collapsed child (and the warm safety of Grandma Ruby’s hearth) feel cinematic yet grounded, the sort of moments young readers cling to when they need proof that good adults exist.
What I loved most is how the book treats healing as a slow, layered process. Britney’s vocabulary at first is just three words and the narrative mirrors that tentative expansion of self. As she grows, the world widens and there is the complicated arrival of people from her past. The author doesn’t sanitize trauma, but she centers resilience and community, showing how patience, consistency, and everyday kindness knit a life back together.
Parents, teachers, and librarians will appreciate how the book handles tough themes with care like domestic violence, abandonment, and a nuanced strand of possible redemption, while keeping the focus on safety, boundaries, and support. The tone is middle-grade friendly, but I’d still suggest guided reading for sensitive readers; it invites valuable conversations about speaking up, trusting safe adults, and what real change looks like.
Author: S.A. Sterling Release Date: 26 October 2025 Series: Genre: Memoir Format: E-book Pages: 70 pages Publisher: – Blurb: 2:47 a.m. Again. For two years, she woke in the quiet hours—when the house slept, when the world felt suspended between night and morning. In that stillness, she began to write. AWAKE is a collection of sixty nights lived in real time: the hum of insomnia, the weight of perimenopause, the questions that surface at 3 a.m. when defenses are down. These pages don’t offer solutions. They offer presence. For anyone who’s ever felt alone in the dark hours, this book is company.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
AWAKE: Notes from the Quiet Hours by S.A. Sterling is a gentle, meditative, and moving memoir.
Told through short entries written during real bouts of insomnia, AWAKE reads like a midnight journal, part memoir, part meditation, part conversation with yourself. Author Sterling’s writing covers drifting thoughts from the small rituals of staying awake to ponderings on motherhood, ageing, marriage, memory, loss, and the strange kind of clarity that only arrives when the world is still.
There’s a beautiful rhythm to the entries. Some nights are fleeting with a single page of observation about her hands or the hum of the fridge, while others open like essays about belonging, identity, or the ache of loving people from afar. The language is spare but lyrical; each sentence feels distilled, honest, and unadorned. What makes it powerful is the intimacy, that rare feeling of being trusted with someone’s unfiltered 3 a.m. thoughts.
Author Sterling’s greatest gift as a writer lies in her ability to turn exhaustion into revelation. She writes of menopause, motherhood, migration, and midlife with a rawness that never feels self-pitying. There’s humour here too, and grace in the smallest acts: warming her feet, watching the rain, whispering “you again” to her reflection at 2:38 a.m. By the end, you realise AWAKE is about awareness, about being fully alive even in the quietest, most uncertain moments.
The Reading Bud 