Search Results

< Back Christy Burbidge Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale Paulie the Piping Plover lived on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. It was his first migration south to the Gulf of Mexico, and he was going to miss his friends, Liam the lobster, Sarah the sea turtle and Belle the blue fish. But just as Paulie is about to leave, he discovers that Sarah has been cold-stunned and taken to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center on Cape Cod. Worried about their friend, Paulie, Liam and Belle build a raft and ride in the wake of a ferry all the way to Cape Cod. When they arrive at the Rescue Center, they find Sarah is safe and well looked after. The three friends decide to help spread the word about cold-stunned sea turtles and come up with a plan. They face an arduous journey back home, but they are determined to help other sea turtles stranded on the beaches of Cape Cod. Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale is a charming, illustrated picture book by author Christy Burbidge. When three friends learn that Sarah the sea turtle is missing, they will stop at nothing to find her. With strength and determination, the friends work together to find Sarah. Inspired by the work of the Rescue Center, the friends hatch an innovative plan to help other sea turtles. This is an inspiring and engaging picture book for young readers, with an adorable cast of characters and charming illustrations Mary Jo Helchowski. Perfect for young children who love birds, sea turtles and other sea creatures, as well as for budding explorers and conservationists. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and engaging tale, with an adorable cast of characters, charming illustrations, and an important message about friendship and ocean conservation. Purchase here

Book Reviews: Age 3 to 7 Marteena Rodriguez-Drinnen Always Room for More Kathleen Welton Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star Mr Z The Mayfly and the Methuselah Tree Sara Patricia Kelly 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood Poems Ali Barclay The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City Margaret Grote A Farmer I'll Be and more poems for the young and young-at-heart Glynis Falloon New Friends Laura Lee Rittman Lucky Ruby - A Hanukkah and Christmas Holiday Book Katie Germain The Honey Bees: The Power of Positivity Adalgisa and David Nico Fish in the Desert: The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish Reesa Shayne I Breathe For Me Joanne Russo Insull Don't Follow Pino! LOAD MORE

< Back Apple An Mother of Red Mountains: A Novel of a Woman's Journey Through Revolutionary China Eleven year old XiaoJun Liu, enjoys helping out in her father’s store in Chifeng, northeastern China. The Liu family is close knit, but life changes when the eldest son joins Chiang Kai-Shek’s National Army to fight in the Civil War, and Mrs Liu dies suddenly. XiaoJun starts school and excels academically, but she is made homeless at the age of 17 when the government of the People’s Republic of China seize the family home. XiaoJun finds friendship and comfort with a schoolboy named Yanshao. XiaoJun changes her name to Jun, and attends a vocational school to study civil engineering with Yanshao. Jun and Yanshao develop a deep affection for one another, but dating at school is strictly forbidden. Following her graduation, Jun finds work in a prestigious civil engineering institute, and drifts apart from Yanshao. She meets a man named Binkai and becomes pregnant out of wedlock. She quickly marries Binkai, but due to their different social statuses, she is never fully accepted by his family. Jun struggles to balance work and new motherhood, and is forced to rely on Binkai’s family for support. But when the Red Guards threaten the in-laws, Jun has a difficult decision to make to protect her children. Mother of Red Mountains: A Novel of a Woman's Journey Through Revolutionary China is a historical fiction novel by author Apple An. Set in China between 1946 and 1966, this is a powerful and poignant novel about a young girl growing up during a turbulent period of China’s history – a time marked by war, political upheaval and social change. Jun faces unimaginable grief and hardship in the new People’s Republic of China, but fights to survive against all odds to give her children a better life. Apple An masterfully blends historical moments with a deeply personal narrative, capturing the struggles of a generation alongside an individual perspective. XiaoJun Liu’s journey is both heart breaking and inspirational. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A powerful and poignant historical fiction novel that transports the reader to mid-twentieth century China. Purchase here

< Back Alayne Smith The December Postcards Reeda (“Ree”) Jones lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia, with her father James, and her thirteen-year-old daughter, Virginia. Ree is a reporter for a local newspaper, covering four to five stories a day on local issues. Her husband, Mason, was killed shortly after they were married while serving in the Army Air Corp in North Korea. Her mother, Mildred, was murdered thirty years ago, when Ree was just twelve-years old. James’ brother (Ree’s uncle), Richard, was accused of her mother’s murder, but he mysteriously disappeared just before the trial. Ree and her father struggled to come to terms with her death, but never believed Richard was capable or responsible for her murder. Since the year after Mildred’s death, James had received an anonymous postcard every December. The postcards were sent from all over Europe and North America, and James believed they were sent by Richard. As James looks through the collection of old postcards again, Ree decides to try and find her uncle. She hopes to clear Richard’s name, and bring the real perpetrator to justice. Ree visits the location of several postcards, and discovers a connection between her mother’s murder, and an infamous serial killer. As Ree learns more about her mothers life, and the tragic circumstances of her death, she receives a mysterious letter that puts her life in imminent danger. The December Postcards is an intriguing family saga and murder mystery novel, by author Alayne Smith. Set in the early 1960’s against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the book follows a reporter who reluctantly investigates her own mothers murder. As she learns more about her mother’s death, she uncovers dark secrets that have been buried for over thirty years. Ree is a compelling protagonist; flawed and vulnerable, yet strong and determined. The mystery itself is well paced, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Readers who enjoy murder mysteries, and thought-provoking fiction that is rich in historical detail, will enjoy this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An intriguing family saga and murder mystery novel, with a unique and fascinating plot and interesting characters. Purchase here

< Back Kyle Palmer The Last Rival: A Time of Our Choosing Late 1946, shortly after the end of World War II, and the Soviets continue to threaten peace in Europe. The Soviets have successfully developed a fusion bomb, and a group of men are summoned to Washington DC for a secret meeting with President Truman. Truman sets out his ‘Marshall Plan’, a grand scheme to resurrect Europe and position the United States of America as the leading world power. The plan brings together the great and the good of warfare, science, technology and business to construct and manage a new independent, intelligence agency, and build a fusion bomb. The new agency will be a rival of the Central Intelligence Agency, but entirely devoid of governmental influence or awareness. But when the men learn that Adolf Hitler did not die at the end of the War, their mission becomes even more critical. They discover that Hitler and other Nazi leaders fled to Argentina under the cover and protection of President Juan Peron. The men face an arduous journey by land and sea, to track down and eliminate the world’s most dangerous predator. The Last Rival: A Time of Our Choosing is an alternate history novel, set shortly after the end of World War II, by author Kyle Palmer. This is a chilling story, which imagines a world with a different outcome at the end of the War. The book poses a number of thought-provoking, but terrifying questions. What might have happened if Hitler survived World War II? What would you say if you came face to face with the Fuhrer? Palmer masterfully blends history, politics and detective fiction into a disturbing, but believable story. At over 500 pages this is a long novel, but very easy to read. A must read for fans of alternate history, political thrillers and detective fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A well-researched and believable alternate history, with a compelling mix of mystery, suspense and espionage. Purchase here

< Back Bryan David Murphy Nanite Evolution Set in the far distant future, the uber-rich Dunk family have ambitious plans to dominate the universe by acquiring new planets beyond the Solar System. Blayden Dunk, heir to the Dunk family dynasty, has bought himself a new toy - a one trillion Dunk dollar, state-of-the-art gaming yacht (spaceship) named the Dominator. When Blayden attempts to ‘jump’ the Dominator to the opening of his father’s new casino, the ship is involved in a catastrophic collision with a freighter ship. Many of the crew and passengers are killed and the Dominator is stranded light years away with only emergency battery power. As the remaining crew try to repair the ship, they discover Dunk nanites have been released. Dunk nanites are tiny machines engineered to inhabit the body to keep it healthy and prevent attacks. The nanites are part of the Dunk’s plan for immortality, but they are evolving at an alarming rate, and tearing the ship apart bit by bit. The crew’s only option is to tame the nanites before they destroy the ship and kill everyone in it. Meanwhile, a spy named Cher from an independent colony, has infiltrated the Dunk family. As she helps the Dunk family try to rescue their son, she is on a special mission to stop the Dunk’s domination and save her home planet. Nanite Evolution is a thrilling science fiction novel set in the far future, by author Bryan Murphy. The novel imagines a future universe where the Dunk family’s quest for power and control threatens the balance of life across the galaxies. But everything changes when the heir to the family’s fortune is involved in a catastrophic spacecraft collision. What appears to be a tragic accident is quickly revealed to be a meticulously staged event, engineered by a group of crusaders intent on bringing the Dunk dynasty down. Murphy delivers a fascinating and chilling sci-fi epic about power and authority, and the human impact of technology and bioengineering. Nanite Evolution is not just a story about space conquest; it is a cautionary tale about how far those in power will go to preserve control. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and chilling sci-fi epic about one family’s quest for power and control. Purchase here

< Back Teri M Brown Daughters of Green Mountain Gap An Appalachian granny woman. A daughter on a crusade. A granddaughter caught between the two. Maggie McCoury, a generational healer woman, relies on family traditions, folklore, and beliefs gleaned from a local Cherokee tribe. Her daughter, Carrie Ann, believes her university training holds the answers. As they clash over the use of roots, herbs, and a dash of mountain magic versus the medicine available in the town’s apothecary, Josie Mae doesn’t know whom to follow. But what happens when neither family traditions nor science can save the ones you love most? Daughters of Green Mountain Gap weaves a compelling tale of Maggie, Carrie Ann, and Josie Mae, three generations of remarkable North Carolina women living at the turn of the twentieth century, shedding light on racism, fear of change, loss of traditions, and the intricate dynamics within a family. Author Teri M. Brown skillfully navigates the complexities of their lives, revealing that some questions are not as easy to answer as one might think. Purchase here

< Back Carl Gorham My Life in a Garden My Life in a Garden is a poignant and deeply personal memoir by author and TV writer/producer, Carl Gorham. In 2005, Gorham retreats from the hustle and bustle of London, with his wife and their four year old daughter. They find the house of their dreams in the Norfolk countryside, complete with three acres of land, a maze, orchard, tennis court and outdoor swimming pool. Gorham loves the garden but describes himself as the ‘world’s most useless gardener’. He has ambitious plans for the land, but everything changes following his wife’s death in 2007. Overcome with grief, and with a young daughter to take care of, the garden falls into a state of disrepair. A few years later, with a new love and renewed energy, the garden finally gets the attention it deserves. But, when Gorham’s TV work dries up, he is left with no option to move out and rent the house out as a holiday let. He hires a professional gardener and together they attempt to transform the garden into a tranquil space for paying guests. My Life in a Garden by Carl Gorham is a beautifully written, tender and emotional memoir. The book chronicles Gorham’s journey as he attempts to reclaim his life and garden following death, grief, illness and a breakdown. What begins as an effort to maintain the physical land soon becomes a symbolic act of survival. Gorham’s connection with his garden mirrors his life – tired and careworn, neglected in places, but slowly coming back to life after a long period of turbulence. The memoir is a moving exploration of how our external world can reflect our internal struggles, and how tending to the earth can help us through the healing process. The garden provides a rhythm and a sense that life - even though altered - carries on. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A warm, honest, and funny memoir about love, loss, and the healing power of nature. Purchase here

< Back Lesley Beiro and Heather Scott Over the Lotion Over the Lotion is a true story, written by mother and daughter Heather Scott and Lesley Beiro. Written primarily by Scott, a white woman who grew up in South Africa during the 1950s and 1960s. The book follows Scott’s journey from childhood through to adulthood, from her early years in Pretoria , to her emigration to the United States in later life. The latter part of the book is written by her daughter, Biero, following her death. Set against a backdrop of apartheid in South Africa, Scott recalls the social and political changes that happened throughout her life, and the impact on her family and community. From the release of Nelson Mandela, civil unrest, and the turbulent transition into post-apartheid South Africa. Scott faced many personal struggles throughout her life. She survived polio as a teenager, and later married a man she discovered was an alcoholic. Early in her marriage Scott experienced the tragic loss of a baby, and her husband was often violent towards her. As Scott tried to make a good life for herself and her children, she sought comfort, guidance and strength from God. Over the Lotion is a deeply personal and heartfelt memoir that chronicles one woman’s experience of life in South Africa during apartheid and in the immediate post-apartheid period. As Scott witnesses the social and political upheaval of her beloved country, she has to make a difficult decision for her family. Scott does not shy away from the moral dilemmas of many white South African farmers – those who grew up calling South Africa home, but were left feeling alienated and abandoned as society changed. Beiro finished the memoir following Scott’s death, and is a beautiful and touching tribute to a much-loved mother and grandmother. For readers interested in personal histories of South Africa, and the US immigrant experience, this book offers a gripping and emotionally charged perspective . Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heartfelt and thought-provoking memoir of a white woman growing up in South Africa during apartheid. Purchase here

< Back Shawn Callaway Hays and Stephen Callaway Hays What Light Was What Light Was is a dialogue novel by authors Shawn Hays and Stephen Hays. The book interweaves the stories of two famous authors, Mary Shelley, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The authors reconstruct their worlds, drawing connections between their personal lives, relationships, and their literary masterpieces. Mary Shelley, the nineteenth century English author of Frankenstein, whose personal life was as dramatic as her iconic novel. Her story is not just about her literary creations, but of the devastating losses she experienced throughout her life. Shelley’s writing became a form of healing, a way of finding her voice and making sense of her grief and heartache. A century later, American author F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby. The Great Gatsby represents Fitzgerald’s disillusionment with the Jazz Age – a period marked by excess, wealth and prohibition. Fitzgerald drew from his own personal experiences, his relationship with his wife who initially rejected him because of his lack of wealth, and led him towards the lifestyle he loathed. What Light Was is an extraordinary novel written in dialogue by authors Shawn Hays and Stephen Hays. The stories of Shelley and Fitzgerald are beautifully retold through of blend of dialogue, poetry, and meditation. The book captures a writer’s life, their fears, anxieties, self-doubt, and inspiration. It highlights the emotional and artistic parallels between the two authors, and explores the impact of the creative process on the artists. It examines the relationship between suffering and creativity. Do you have to endure heartbreak, tragedy and turmoil to produce something extraordinary? This is a fascinating and unique novel, and nothing like I have read before. I was totally engrossed from the very first page to the last. The book offers a fresh perspective on two literary icons and will appeal to readers of literary fiction, and fans of Shelley and Fitzgerald. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A masterpiece of literary fiction by Shawn Hays and Stephen Hays. Purchase here

< Back Randy Susan Meyers The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone A young woman is torn between saving the world and saving her family. Summer 1964, eighteen-year old Annabel Cooper, a self-declared, free-thinking Unitarian, volunteers with the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project. She is assigned to work as a teacher in a Baptist church, and decides she wants to devote her life to serving God. Everything changes when she meets and falls in love with Clay, a young African American volunteer. The couple try to keep their blossoming relationship a secret, but when Clay mysteriously disappears, the involvement of the Klu Klux Klan cannot be ruled out. Annabel returns home and starts a new relationship with Guthrie. Annabel and Guthrie attend college in Boston together, and move into an intentional community, Puddingstone, with other civil rights activists. The Puddingstone families devote their time to fighting for human rights and social justice, but Annabel is forced to give up college when she falls pregnant and has a daughter named Ivy. In the mid 1970’s, the Puddingstone families decide to move their children to a commune in Vermont - the Roundhouse. The children are cared for permanently by one adult, while the other parents continue to fight for their cause in Boston. Life in the commune is challenging, and Ivy struggles to adapt to the new environment and regime. But when the children discover an old, locked trunk in a barn, there are tragic consequences that change their whole lives forever. The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone is a poignant and thought-provoking novel by Randy Susan Meyers. Set predominantly in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the story centres on Annabel Cooper who makes the heart-wrenching decision to send her children away to live in a commune. Interweaved throughout Annabel’s story is the story of her daughter, Ivy, who reflects on her own experience. Meyers has crafted a story that is both intimate and expansive. Told from the perspective of the two women, the book captures the unique bond between mothers and daughters, and it also captures key events of this turbulent period of American history. There are beautiful moments of joy, love and tenderness, and there are harrowing scenes of loss and grief. I laughed and cried in equal measure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautifully written, witty and heart-warming novel of love and loss, set against the backdrop of the American civil rights movement. Purchase here

< Back Morgan Hatch Gone to Ground Javier Jimenez, a first-generation Mexican immigrant living in Los Angeles, has a bright future. He is excelling at East Valley High School, and hopes to get a scholarship to attend UCLA. One condition of the scholarship is that he does not get into trouble with law enforcement. His thirteen year old younger brother, Alex, has taken a different path in life, mixing with street gangs and drug dealers. When Alex is arrested, the police contact Javier to see if he can persuade Alex to assist them in their investigations. If Alex refuses to help, he risks juvenile detention and could put Javier’s scholarship in jeopardy. As Javier attempts to steer his brother away from the criminal gangs, the two brothers come to physical blows. Javier finds a burner phone while working at his half-sisters car-recovery business. The car was involved in a hit and run, and the phone belongs to George Jones, a businessman with big plans to re-develop their run-down neighborhood. But, when Javier notices pictures and odd messages on the phone, he becomes dubious of George’s motives. He suspects George’s involvement in several local murders and a number of “natural” disasters. The phone is handed back to George, but when Javier steals the phone to find evidence of corruption and criminality, he becomes George’s next target. As Javier does everything he can to protect his little brother, he is unwittingly drawn into the murky underground world of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Javier has a target on his back and George will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. Gone to Ground is a gripping, suspense novel by author Morgan Hatch. The book follows two first generation immigrant brothers, as they navigate starkly different paths in life. While one brother sees a way out of the neighbourhood through education, the other brother has other ideas. Set in a rundown neighbourhood of LA, this is a gritty, fast-paced novel, full of twists and turns. Hatch presents a vivid picture of their lives, and the difficult choices they make in an unequal society. In a parallel story, the local community is destroyed by an unscrupulous entrepreneur for financial gain. The novel reflects the struggles faced by many people in the forgotten corners of our big cities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gripping, suspense novel set in the streets of LA, and an unflinching exploration of poverty and structural inequality. Purchase here