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< Back Melissa Rousu Grandpa Loved Wild Things Grandpa Bill loves wild things, and loves to take his grandchildren outside to enjoy nature. He takes them into the snowy forest to find a snowy owl, and teaches them about owl habitats. Grandpa Bill also takes care of injured wild animals in his home. He looks after an injured eagle, and a racoon who has been abandoned by his mother. Grandpa Bill teaches his grandchildren about each animal, and how to take care of them. Another day, Grandpa Bill takes his grandchildren to a lake to look at the ducks. As the grandchildren get older, they spend less time with Grandpa Bill, until one day he joins the wild things he loved so much. His grandchildren remember what he taught them, and they teach their own children all about the wild things their grandpa loved. Grandpa Loved Wild Things by Melissa Rousu is a charming, illustrated picture book that explores the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, and the importance of passing down knowledge and stories through generations. Grandpa Bill patiently teaches his grandchildren about nature, and in time those children pass on the same learnings to their own children. The book has a gentle environmental message, encouraging young readers to explore the world around them, and to take care of nature. A perfect book to inspire children to get involved in outdoor activities and nature. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary: A charming, illustrated picture book with a gentle environmental message. 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 Douglas King An Innocent World An Innocent World by author Douglas King is a deeply thought-provoking exploration of a hypothetical scenario: What if Adam and Eve had chosen not to eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? This Christian-based non-fiction book delves into the implications of such a choice, contrasting two paths of existence—the innocent, immortal life represented by the Tree of Life; and the guilty, mortal life filled with suffering and character-building. King uses deductive logic to examine profound questions about human nature, morality, and the purpose of suffering. He proposes that the Guilty world, with its pain and challenges, is a necessary path to build the strength of character required to stand in the presence of Almighty God. The book also imagines a world of Innocents, free from human evil, crime, and war, yet still subject to accidents and natural disasters. King contrasts this idyllic world with the harsh realities of our own, highlighting the prevalence of human suffering and evil. The book is rich in philosophical and theological insights, supported by biblical references and logical reasoning. King’s writing is accessible yet deeply reflective, encouraging readers to question their beliefs and consider alternate perspectives on existence, morality, and faith. A fascinating and compelling read for those interested in philosophy, theology, and speculative thought. An Innocent World challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices that shape their spiritual journey, offering a fresh perspective on the human experience. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A bold and speculative exploration of Christianity, morality, suffering, and the human experience. Purchase here

< Back Christopher Schildt An American Christmas Carol Christopher Schildt retells the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens. Set in Boston in 1843, the book opens in a small coastal fishing town, where Edward Marley meets his fate when he slips off the dock and drowns in the murky waters. Henry Rutherford, Marley’s so-called friend and business partner, is the only mourner at Marley’s funeral. Seven years after Marley’s death, Rutherford lives alone in an old mansion. His only living relative is his young niece, Julia. It’s Christmas Eve and Rutherford refuses to donate to the poor and declines an invitation to join his niece for dinner. He reluctantly agrees to allow his hardworking and underpaid clerk, William Cratchit, one day off on Christmas Day. That night, Rutherford is visited by a phantom of his late business partner, Marley. Marley explains to Rutherford that three ghostly spirits will haunt him, to help him escape the same bleak path that he travelled. Rutherford is first visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, where Rutherford is forced to look back on his lonely childhood, and the love he lost. The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Rutherford to the cobbled streets where he witnesses great acts of kindness in the poorest districts of Boston. He goes to the home of his clerk, Cratchit, and learns that his son, Tiny Tim, is severely ill. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come takes Rutherford to the future, where he learns what could be of his own fate, and discovers that there is still time for him to change. An American Christmas Carol by Christopher Schildt is a heart-warming tale, based on the much-loved Christmas classic by Charles Dickens. Schildt perfectly captures the essence of Dickens, while adding his own unique flair . Much like the original Scrooge character, Rutherford is known for his greed and distain for the less fortunate. The cobblestone streets of Boston replace the smoggy London backdrop, but the book has the same feeling, warmth and memorable moments as the original. Though the plot is familiar, the setting and unique touches, make the story feel fresh and exciting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : Schildt transports the reader to the cobbled streets of 1840’s Boston, in this interesting and heart-warming retelling of a much-loved Christmas classic. Purchase here

< Back Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark A joyful exploration of similes, by Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is an imaginative and interactive collection of similes, brought to life through funny stories and vivid illustrations. Each page introduces a new simile and poses a question, which will engage, entertain, and educate younger readers. How silly is a goose? How quiet is a mouse? How angry is a hornet? The book cleverly combines wordplay with captivating visuals. Each simile is accompanied by a silly tale, and funny illustrations that bring the simile to life. ‘ How cool is a cucumber? A cucumber is so cool he always has a date on Friday night.’ The illustration depicts a dashing cucumber arm-in-arm with a date (fruit). How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is a simple, effective, and memorable way to introduce similes to younger children. The book demonstrates the fun and playful aspect of language and will help develop children’s vocabulary. With further ideas for parents, caregivers and teachers, the book will spark curiosity and creativity, and will encourage a love of reading and language among young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and silly collection of similes, beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. A delight to read. Purchase here

< Back Charles Byrd The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! A young girl dreams of becoming a Grim Reaper. Eleven-year-old Lyra Corvin is a living girl in the Underworld. She has no memory of her childhood or recollection of how she came to the Underworld. Lyra works as an assistant to a Grim Reaper named Silas. She hopes one day to become a Grim Reaper herself, but Silas does not think she has the necessary people skills to do the job. But, when a strange case presents itself to the Grim Reaper, he asks for Lyra’s help. Lyra is sent to the Living Realm, to help guide a young boy to the Afterlife, but the circumstances on the death scroll keep changing. Lyra meets the boy named Casper at a bus stop, and discovers she is not invisible to him, as expected. Casper is scared of Lyra and runs away. As she tries to catch him, Lyra trips and falls, and her precious necklace is broken in the tussle. Casper falls in the road and is hit by a bus. His soul leaves his body and becomes a ghost, but his body does not die. Lyra must take Casper to the Underworld to seek Silas’s advice. During the journey, Lyra and Casper are chased by Soul Eaters who want to capture their souls. But when Silas suddenly disappears, Lyra seeks help from various creatures of the Underworld. She wants to help return Casper’s soul to his body, find her necklace, and understand why she has no memories of her childhood. As Lyra and Casper try to evade capture from Soul Eaters and Spectres, they go on a journey to the Greek Afterlife, where Lyra finally learns the truth about her family history. The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! by Charles Byrd is a funny and slightly scary book for young readers about ghosts and ghouls, spectres and soul eaters, and all kinds of terrifying creatures that inhabit the Underworld. The book follows a seemingly ordinary girl who somehow came to live in the Underworld, and her work as an assistant Grim Reaper. At just eleven, she is not quite ready to step into the Grim Reaper’s shoes, and she must learn the key tricks of the trade. Byrd crafts a rich, detailed world, filled with intriguing characters and dark secrets. Overall, this is a unique and captivating book that explores the darkly enchanting world of life, death and the supernatural. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, funny and slightly scary book for young readers about the job of a Grim Reaper, and the ghosts and ghouls that inhabit the Underworld. Purchase here

< Back Kris Land The Infinity Within: Break Through Fear, Trust Your Inner Power, And Create A Life That Reflects Who You Truly Are Book blurb... Are you ready to awaken the vast power already within you? The Infinity Within invites you to break through fear, trust your soul’s knowing, and remember who you truly are. Follow Gabe’s gripping journey—from childhood visions to a life-shattering crash—as he uncovers a truth too powerful to ignore: the impossible becomes possible when you stop doubting your divine potential. In a world ruled by fear and forgetting, this story delivers a radical message: your transformation begins within. Blending spiritual wisdom, mystical encounters, and raw personal insight, this book reveals how to dissolve illusion, reframe suffering, and reclaim your infinite self. If you’ve ever sensed there’s more to life than what you’ve been told, this is your sign. Stop surviving. Start remembering. The answers, the healing, and the power have always lived inside you. You are not broken. You are divine. 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 Marieke Lexmond The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles #4 The Madigan clan return in the fourth volume of this magical series. The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles is the fourth instalment in this fantasy series, by author Marieke Lexmond. Several centuries ago, four sisters separated four powerful elemental objects (the Cup of Plenty, the Wand of Wisdom, the Dagger of Consciousness, and the Pentacle of Growth). The Cup of Plenty was hidden in northern Greenland, with a strong magical safety net, of witch wands and modern technology. The Cup is protected by the guardian of the Cup, Snowflake, and the Berthelsen family. In her pursuit of power, evil aunt Lucy Lockwood was banished from the family for trying to steal the elemental objects. She created a powerful spell to find the general location of the Cup and to breakdown the protective barriers. Lucy locates the Cup on the island of Greenland, and travels to the island to recover it. Freya and Luna Madigan also travel to Greenland, to warn Snowflake and help her protect the Cup of Plenty. Will Freya and Luna find the Cup before Aunt Lucy and the Queen of Fairy? The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles #4 is a magical and mesmerising fantasy fiction novel by author Marieke Lexmond. Lexmond effortlessly weaves together a spellbinding tale of magic, destiny, and a battle between good and evil. With beautiful scenery, a rich mystical world, wonderful eccentric characters, and a cleverly crafted and gripping plot, this is a fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. Readers new to the series might struggle to follow some of the backstory, and I recommend starting from the first book to fully enjoy this magical series. The book (and series) will appeal to readers who enjoy character-led fantasy fiction adventure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A spellbinding tale of magic, destiny, and a battle between good and evil. 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 Stephanie Woodward The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design Author Stephanie Woodward describes how she ‘scaled back’ her life in business to find fun, happiness and love. Author Stephanie Woodward excelled in business, and climbed the ladder to the very top. But, her drive and dedication to work eventually took its toll on her mind and body. Woodward describes how she sacrificed herself and her relationships to achieve success. But the success she was striving for was based on other people’s standards of productivity, long hours, loyalty, dedication and self-sacrifice. Woodward describes how she was conditioned at a very young age to enter the world of business, suppressing her inner desires and love of reading, writing and creativity. When her father sadly passed away from a terminal brain tumour, Woodward reflects on her father’s life as a businessman, and her own life as a self-described ‘loyal workhorse’. Exhausted, burnt out, and grief stricken, Woodward receives support from a coach and therapist. She begins to question her role in the workplace, and seeks to make changes in her life, to restore balance and find happiness. The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance by Your Own Design is an engaging and insightful memoir and self-help book by author Stephanie Woodward, a life and leadership coach. Woodward shares her own personal journey, from her school days, through university, and into the corporate world. She describes how her work was all encompassing, impacting all areas of her life, and how she managed to step ‘off the ramp’ to find fun, happiness and love. She explains the many obstacles and challenges she faced, and how she eventually identified four measures of success: having fun, paying bills, moving her body and love. She provides a useful framework for others who might want to embark on personal change, based on the concept of ‘conscious productivity’, which defines success on understanding the self. This is a real and honest book about how one woman found fulfilment, personally and professionally. With resources, worksheets and reflective questions, this book may encourage readers to start their own journey to find work-life fulfilment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An engaging and insightful non-fiction book, which will appeal to readers looking for a real and honest book about leadership, management, and personal development. Purchase here

< Back Diann Floyd Boehm Charlie and the Tire Swing - How it Began A charming story about the special bond between grandparent and child, by author Diann Floyd Boehm Charlie looks at the big oak tree outside his grandparent’s kitchen window, and asks his Grandpa Jack, how did the oak tree grow so big? Grandpa Jacks tells Charlie a story from his own childhood, when he found a little acorn and with the help of his own grandfather, planted it in the garden. Young Jack waited patiently for the acorn to grow and visited his grandparents every weekend to check the trees progress. Over many weeks and months, there was still no sign of a tree, and Jack feared the little acorn had been washed away in the rainstorms, or frozen in the winter snow. Until one spring day, a little sapling sprouted from the ground. Jack took very good care of the little tree, watering it, talking to it, and protecting it from the frost in winter. Over several years, the little sapling grew into a magnificent tree, and became home to many creatures, including cardinals, owls and hawks. The tree was enjoyed by the whole family for many years, as the house and beloved tree were passed through the generations. Grandpa Jack asks Charlie to take good care of the tree and he ties an old rope and tire to the branches, so Charlie can play and enjoy the splendid specimen. Charlie and the Tire Swing: How it Began by author Diann Floyd Boehm is a sweet and wonderful picture book about a young boy and his exploration with nature with his grandfather. It shows the beauty of the relationship between child and grandparent, as Grandpa Jack lovingly tells the young boy a story from his own childhood over a mug of hot chocolate. In an age of gaming, technology, high energy entertainment and social media, this is a reminder of the simpler things in life, and the importance of nurturing relationships through conversations and storytelling. I hope this book will encourage both young children and adults to explore nature in their own backyard, and beyond. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, wonderful and warm intergenerational story and exploration of nature. Purchase here