Search Results

< Back Margaret Grote I Like Mud A fun collection of poetry for young readers, and the young at heart. I Like Mud and other poems for the young and young-at-heart is a collection of fourteen poems by author Margaret Grote, Illustrated by Marcia Wheelan Coles. The poems cover a wide range of fun topics, such as ‘I Like the Beach’, ‘The Ice Cream Man’, ‘My Dog’, ‘My Friends’, and ‘I Like Mud’. Each poem is short and succinct (one to two pages), and easy to read. Perfect for younger readers. My favourite is ‘My Friends’, ‘In my room I have many friends, You’ll find them hiding everywhere…. I bet you know who my friends are, They all live here, they are my books.’ The poems have a beautiful lyrical quality and young readers will enjoy reading them out loud with parents or carers. They describe simple childhood pleasures, playing, having fun, and spending time with family, and will spark children’s imagination and creativity. The poems were written by Margaret Grote (1922—2005) and published by her son, David. This is a beautiful collection of poems, and a loving tribute to a talented poet. The collection offers a wonderful variety of poems. There is something for everyone, boys and girls, young and old. The poems are sweet, simple and delightful. Each one was a joy to read. The pastel, whimsical illustrations by Marcia Wheelan Coles are simply stunning. This is an excellent introduction to poetry for children, and I hope it will inspire a love of reading and a love of poetry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun collection of poems, by a much loved and talented poet. Purchase here

< Back Karla Huebner In Search of the Magic Theater Two women embark on a creative journey of self-discovery, by author Karla Huebner. Twenty-two-year-old Sarah has lived with her aunt since her mother passed away when she was a little girl. Sarah is an ambitious and talented celloist, but she is introverted and socially awkward, and has lived a largely sheltered life. Sarah is dealing with significant, unresolved childhood trauma, and is still processing her mother’s tragic death. When Kari, a forty-something divorcee, rents a room in her aunt’s house, Sarah is intrigued by the mysterious new lodger. Kari is on the verge of a mid-life crisis following her divorce, and is seeking fun and adventure. Sarah takes an unhealthy interest in Kari, and fantasizes about her life and relationships. Kari develops a relationship with a much younger man, re-awakening her sexuality and creativity. Meanwhile, Sarah meets new friends, explores new musical collaborations, and is exposed to new temptations. As Sarah and Kari each embark on their own creative journey of self-discovery, their lives intertwine through their relationships and through their art. In Search of the Magic Theater, by author Karla Huebner, is a well written, multi-layered and intelligent novel about two very different women, who both embark on a creative journey of self-discovery through music, art, and performance. The plot develops at a gentle pace, and the main action doesn’t happen until the last quarter of the book, but it is well worth the wait. This is an original novel, written in the first-person perspective, which alternates between the points of view of the two main characters. With authentic and intriguing characters, rich and honest dialogue, and a unique and unusual plot, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy theatre, music, art history and classics. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A well written, unique and unusual novel, which will appeal to readers who enjoy theatre, music, art history and classics. Purchase here

< Back Christine Copeland Gold Author Christine Copeland captures the changing of the season, and the magnificent splendor of autumn. Autumn is approaching and the forest is changing. There is a chill in the air, the wind is howling, and the leaves and seeds are falling to the ground. The colors are transitioning from luscious greens to wonderful hues of yellow, gold, brown and reds. The animals are preparing for the colder weather. The geese are flying away to warmer climates, the squirrels are gathering nuts and hiding in their nests, and the bears are resting in their lair. Autumn in the Forest by author Christine Copeland is one in a series of books for younger children about the seasons and the natural world. This is an enchanting picture book, which captures the changing of the season, and the magnificent splendor of autumn. Beautifully written in rhyme, with wonderful rhythm and repetition, this lyrical book sings the sights and sounds of the forest. The rich, vibrant, watercolor illustrations are stunning, and capture the essence of autumn perfectly. The book will help children learn about the changing of the seasons, how plants and animals prepare for autumn, and the habitats of forest animals. With further information, questions for readers, and suggested activities at the end of the book, the book will encourage further discussion and exploration of nature. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: This is a stunning book, that children and families will treasure forever. Purchase here

< 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 Aimee Hill All The Gray In Between Two clients, two deaths, one month apart . Thirty-year-old therapist, Lexi, specialises in cases of child neglect and parental alienation, a form of abuse where one parent is intentionally negative towards the other parent. Lexi had a good childhood, but everything changed when her wealthy stepfather abused her during her teenage years. Lexi’s mother stuck with her husband, and abandoned Lexi when she reported the abuse to the police. Following her stepfathers conviction, Lexi was awarded millions of dollars in compensation, which meant she never had to work again. However, as a result of her own trauma, she was determined to help other children, and qualified as a therapist. Lexi has had an on-off relationship with Beau, a detective for the Key Sebastian Police Department, for many years. Beau was also neglected by his mother and abused as a child. Lexi loves him deeply but is scared of commitment due to their troubled upbringings. When one of Lexi’s clients commits suicide, she wonders whether she could have done more to save her life. One month later, another client also commits suicide in similar circumstances. Lexi becomes suspicious and questions the cause of both deaths. Lexi believes there is foul play and starts to investigate the case with Beau. They find a connection between the deaths and a police officer, her own brother, and the son of one of her clients. Is there a serial killer on the loose? Or is someone targeting Lexi’s clients to get to her? Meanwhile, Lexi thinks she is being followed, and her estranged mother pays her an unexpected visit. Will Lexi and Beau solve the two mysterious deaths? Will Lexi forgive her mother? And can the couple leave their past behind them and move forward with their lives together? All The Gray In Between is a harrowing, psychological thriller / crime mystery by author Aimee Hill. Hill weaves a chilling tale of a therapist whose life takes a dark and twisted turn when two of her clients are found dead in mysterious circumstances. As Lexi, and her on-off partner, Beau investigates the case, old wounds are opened, and their relationship is put to the test. With strong characters, and an original plot with plenty of twists and turns, this is a captivating read that was hard to put down. The twist at the end of the book was totally unexpected and made me reevaluate the whole story. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A harrowing, psychological thriller about a therapist whose life takes a dark and twisted turn when two of her clients are found dead. Purchase here

< Back Stacy Gabel At the Zoo-oo-oo Sing-along with Stacy At the Zoo-oo-oo by author, singer- songwriter, and recording artist Stacy Gabel, is a fun sing-along picture book for younger children, featuring an original song written by the author. It’s a day trip to the zoo, and young readers are invited to sing along and find a variety of zoo animals. But zoo animals like you have never seen before. A giraffe, riding a raft! A potbellied pig dancing a jig! With lots of wonderful rhyme and repetition, each page follows the same structure. ‘Who’s seen a slippery seal, slip slip sliding on a banana peel? Who’s seen a slippery seal at the zoo? Well, I’ve seen a slippery seal, slip slip sliding on a banana peel! I’ve seen a slippery seal right here at the zoo! At the zoo, oh at the zoo! Woo! I’ve seen a slippery seal right here at the zoo!' Parents and children will love to sing along to the simple and catchy tune and will enjoy the illustrations of the zoo animals in various unexpected scenarios. The author recommends readers download the accompanying song and official music video from her website to enjoy the full experience. I didn’t, but I made up a tune and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! An interactive, creative sing-along book, with a rather catchy earworm. I’m sure the book will inspire a love of music and encourage creativity amongst younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, sing-along picture book about life at the zoo-oo-oo. Purchase here

< Back Jerry Gundersheimer Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love A heart-breaking love story, by author Jerry Gundersheimer Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love by Jerry Gundersheimer is a beautiful story about Ernie Resnick, who met his childhood sweetheart, Ava Winkler, when he was just 11 years old. The young couple fell deeply in love, and believed they would grow old and spend the rest of their lives together. The couple were happy and pursuing their dreams, Ava as a professional ballerina, and Ernie as a New York Times bestselling author. But when Ava was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, their whole worlds fall apart. As Ernie watches Ava’s health decline, he feels powerless to help her. But he must also face his own frailty, and the possibility of life without his beloved sweetheart. As Ernie comes to terms with Ava’s diagnosis, it has a devastating impact on his own mental health, and he is later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love is a powerful, heart-breaking and deeply emotional story about a man who slowly loses his wife to Lewy Body Dementia, a type of dementia with a rapid loss of mental ability. Beautifully written, well-researched, and told with sensitivity and compassion, through the eyes of Ernie. It is a powerful story about love and loss, and a tribute to all those who have been impacted by Lewy Body Dementia, and the dedicated caregivers who provide love, care and support to those in need. One cannot fail to be moved by this book; it brought a tear to my eye on several occasions. Gundersheimer’s beautifully written prose will remain with me for a very long time. Anyone who has been impacted by Lewy Body Dementia, or other types of dementia, will relate to this story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful, heart-breaking and deeply emotional story about a man who slowly loses his wife to Lewy Body Dementia. 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 Daniel Lawrence Abrams Aliens Venmoed Me a Trillion Dollars: The Short Story Douglas “Doug” Dawkins is a sceptical YouTuber known for debunking popular conspiracy theories. Doug’s wife, Lena, is an internationally acclaimed scientist, conducting groundbreaking astronomical research with the Belarusian State University. While Doug scoffs at the notion of alien life, Lena’s research has found undeniable proof of super-advanced, extraterrestrial communications. When Doug is contacted by aliens out of the blue, he thinks it is a scam. The aliens offer Doug huge sums of cash to conceal the truth about extraterrestrial life. They ask him to forward on a computer virus to the Belarusian State University, to destroy his wife’s research before it is made public. Believing the communication to be a prank, Doug sends the virus to the National Security Agency, to protect his own back. The virus completely destroys the NSA’s servers, and two NSA agents are sent to Doug and Lena’s home to spy on the couple, believing them to be Belarusian spies. When the aliens make contact again, Lena requests demonstrable proof that the aliens are real. But, when the aliens provide irrefutable proof of their existence, Doug and Lena find themselves in a whole heap of trouble. Aliens Venmoed Me a Trillion Dollars is a short genre-bending story by author Daniel Lawrence Abrams that fuses satire, science-fiction, conspiracy debunking, and espionage. Abrams delivers a sharp, satirical comedy about a guy who makes his living debunking conspiracy theories, only to discover indisputable proof of alien life. What starts out as a seemingly absurd message from an alien, quickly spirals into a darkly comedic series of events. Lena’s scientific integrity and Doug’s cynicism collide in high-stakes decisions that test their loyalty, love, and the very boundaries of reality. I enjoyed the clever inversion of roles: the sceptic becomes the target of the ultimate conspiracy, and the scientist must demand proof that shakes the foundation of her beliefs. The writing is sharp and laced with dry humor and biting social commentary. The result is a gripping page-turner that is both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : Satire meets sci-fi in this fast-paced, darkly comic short story by Daniel Lawrence Abrams. Purchase here

< Back Kerk Murray Since the Day We Danced A second chance at love, for two Hadley Cove residents. Forty-year-old Emma Wright is forced to sell the home her grandfather gifted to her, following her divorce to Chad Jones. Throughout the marriage, Chad was cruel, manipulative, and controlling. The turbulent relationship ends when Chad had an affair with a younger woman, and Emma is left broken. With intense feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and hopelessness, she doesn’t know how to move on with her life. Her only joy is Riley, the golden retriever rescue dog she retained full custody of following the divorce. She moves into a smaller cottage, closer to the coast in Hadley Cove, Georgia. But shortly after the move, Riley escapes through an open door and Emma is distraught when she cannot find him. Riley finds his way back to his old home, where he meets new residents Luke Grayson and his seventeen-year-old son, Jeremiah. Still grieving the loss of his wife who died two years previously from cancer, Luke has moved to Hadley Cove from Chicago, to spend more time with his son. Jeremiah has struggled since his moms death and blames his dad for not being there for him when he was younger. Luke and Jeremiah grow fond of Riley and let him stay until they can track down his owner. When Emma and Riley are finally reunited, Emma develops a friendship with Luke, Hadley Cove’s handsome new bachelor. But when their friendship turns into something more intimate, they decide to keep their relationship secret, to avoid hurting Jeremiah. Will Emma ever trust a man again? Can Luke learn to love another? How will they break the news to Jeremiah? Since the Day We Danced by author Kerk Murray is a romantic novel and a tender love story between two middle aged adults who find love again after heartache. As Emma and Luke try to rebuild their lives in Hadley Cove, they are brought together by Emma’s beloved dog, Riley, and discover an unexpected companionship. But the path to finding love again isn’t easy, as each character must deal with their own pain and trauma. The novel explores the devastating impact of grief and divorce, and the healing power of connection, friendship, and love. A beautiful reminder that even after heartache, one can find love again. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tender and heartfelt love story about a widower and a divorcee who discover an unexpected companionship, and the prospect of a second chance at love. Purchase here

The Bear and the Rose < Back E.K. Larson-Burnett The Bear and the Rose An outstanding debut, from author E.K. Larson-Burnett Springtide is approaching in Hazelfeur, and the village is on high alert as the bears wake from their winter hibernation. Ever year the bears have grown bolder, and in recent years have started to breach the village. Rhoswen, an orphan and female bear-slayer, has sworn to protect the village from the bear goddess, Artio, who terrorises the village with her army of bears. When a bear enters the village and kills a young boy, Rhoswen travels through the forest to find and slay Artio. While Rhoswen searches for Artio’s lair, she finds a beautiful young woman, named Diomath, trapped in Artio’s nest. Diomath appears to have been attacked by a bear, and has an injury to her leg. Rhoswen is enchanted by the young woman, and goes back to Hazelfeur to get her some help from the village healer. Rhoswen soon discovers that Diomath is the daughter of Artio, but Diomath explains she has no love for her mother who inflicted her with a terrible curse. Can Rhoswen stop the bear attacks once and for all? And can she trust the daughter of the evil bear goddess? The Bear and the Rose is a beautifully written fantasy novel for young adult readers, by debut author E.K. Larson-Burnett. The novel is pure, wonderful escapism, as the author takes the reader on a fantasy journey into the mesmerising world of Hazelfeur. I was totally immersed in this story and transported into Hazelfeur and Artio’s lair for a period of time. The book comprises short, concise chapters, and has many twists and turns that kept me riveted throughout. This book could be easily devoured in a single sitting. With beautiful, lyrical prose, fully developed characters, and a rich fantasy world, this is an outstanding debut novel. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy, fairy tales, folklore and Celtic mythology. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written fantasy novel for young adult readers. The novel is pure, wonderful escapism, and highly recommended. Purchase here

< Back Eric Halstead The Final Verdict: A Shane Alexander Novel Book blurb... The military fiction “The Final Verdict” by Eric Halstead is an enthralling exploration of duty, fairness, and the heavy weight carried by those in uniform. Set in the background of military courtroom drama, the story follows Specialist Shane Alexander as he confronts a court-martial that changes the way of his life forever. Halstead skillfully narrates the complications of military law, the poignant chaos of family, and the ethical dilemmas confronted by soldiers in combat. This convincing story exemplifies the punitive realities of military service and raises serious quarrels about accountability and the burden of choices made in the heat of conflict. With bright characters and an accurately composed plot, readers will find themselves engrossed in Shane’s fight for improvement and the journey for truth during chaotic times. Best for the enthusiast of military fiction and courtroom dramas, “The Final Verdict” delivers a deep reflection on sacrifice and the consequences of war. Accompany Shane on his journey and explore the daunting realities within the military justice system. This book is a crucial read for an intense and provocative experience. Purchase here