John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Impressively crafted, refreshingly original, and fronted by a dauntless protagonist, The Last Fatal Hour by Jan Matthews is a timely gem of historical fiction. Navigating the perils of normal life after serving as a “lady soldier of the Union Army,” Leona Gladney has nearly completed her controversial memoir, but a series of personal tragedies and public embarrassments threaten her ambition, reputation, and even her freedom. Desperate for answers and exoneration, she turns to the murky realm of spiritualism, but the only ghosts haunting Leona are the grim specters of her past. A historical portrait of trauma, feminine resilience, and the […]

Thoughtfully delivered from a space of transparency, clarity, and vulnerability, Money Without the Noise: A Canadian Guide to Clear Financial Thinking in a Clickbait Era by Stephanie Sirot is a common-sense guide to financial competence from a distinctly Canadian perspective. Offering practical advice that realistically accounts for flawed choices and common coping mechanisms associated with financial hardship, Sirot acknowledges that no one is perfect, but emphasizes that everyone deserves a chance at independence and stress-free living. Whether analyzing root causes of overspending, unpacking debt and credit management, or outlining the arduous steps of financial recovery, Sirot humbly shares her story […]