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< Back Kathleen Welton Pigs Have Wings Pigs can’t fly, or can they? Miz Peg is a petite pig, with awfully big feet. She likes to jump and leap, but her feet get in the way! Miz Peg would love nothing more than to have wings and fly, fly away. But her friends won’t listen to her dreams and laugh at her , “Oh, my dear! You know pigs don’t have wings.” Peg watches the birds and tries to fly, but falls flat on the ground. When an owl finds Peg crying, she encourages Peg to believe in herself. Peg believes she has wings, leaps into the air, and all of a sudden, she is flying in the sky. Pigs really do have wings! Pigs Have Wings is a sweet, illustrated picture book by author Kathleen Welton. The book follows the journey of Miz Peg, a cute little pig, who dreams of flying like a bird. But no matter how hard she tries, she cannot fly. Pigs don’t have wings after all, or do they? Miz Peg and the other woodland creatures are adorable. Young children will love to hear about Peg’s dreams and will be captivated by her journey. The illustrations by Chau Pham are dreamy and capture Peg’s personality and her fantastical journey perfectly. This is an imaginative picture book, written in rhyme. The book will encourage young children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, no matter how improbable or impossible they might seem. Miz Peg’s unwavering determination teaches young children about resilience and the importance of not giving up, even when the odds are stacked against them. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet and charming picture book about an adorable little pig, with a big dream. Purchase here

< Back Deborah S. Greenhut The Hoarder's Wife Inside the secret world of the hoarder, by debut author Deborah Greenhut Sixty-five-year-old Grace Berg receives a telephone call and is told that her ex-husband, and the father of her two children, Professor Ludwig Berg, has tragically taken his own life. As Grace grieves for the man she once loved, she reads her old journal and reflects on the life she shared with him. The signs were there from the start of their relationship. The clutter. The mess. The lack of empathy. The signs of disorder. Grace recalls how Ludwig took control of their finances and slowly accumulated lots of possessions, throwing their family home into disarray. The couple seek specialist help and Ludwig is diagnosed with adult ADHD, OCD, ODD, perfectionism, procrastination, and depression. But as Ludwig’s hoarding and anger escalates, Grace finally reaches breaking point and makes a heart-breaking decision to reclaim her life, after thirty-five years of marriage. The Hoarder’s Wife by Deborah Greenhut is an engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. Written as a series of journal entries, this is an intimate and personal story about one woman’s experience of living with someone with a severe mental illness, and the devasting impact of hoarding disorder on families and relationships. Greenhut writes about the disorder with sensitivity and compassion, describing Grace’s turmoil as she makes the most difficult decision of her life. This is a deeply moving and emotional story, and it will appeal to readers of women’s fiction and literary fiction. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess A young Aztec girl's journey of courage, self-discovery and emancipation. Azreya is born with light eyes and a mark on her hand. Her parents fear she is cursed, and they seek advice from a shaman, Nukpana, just two days after her birth. Nukpana confirms Azreya is Tepeyollotl, the Aztec god and Lord of Darkness, with hidden powers and the ability to transform into a beast. Nukpana suggests he trains Azreya to subdue her inner beast, help her learn to control it, and harness her gifts. Just before her fourth birthday, Azreya is sent to live with Nukpana. He trains her daily through games, physical activity, and meditation. She connects with her inner beast, a spotted leopard she names Tecuani. She also discovers her special gift is the ability to hear other peoples thoughts and see the future. For many years Azreya is hidden away, but, as Nukpana attempts to reintroduce her into society, she is ridiculed because she is different to other children. As Azreya harnesses her gifts, Nukpana asks her to help him perform his shaman duties incognito. Azreya is able to help many people by looking into their future and diverting them from danger. Soon, word gets out that Nukpana is an exceptional shaman, and he is asked to help the King. But when Azreya learns that Nukpana has lied to the King, and also realises he has exploited her for many years, she decides to escape. Alone, afraid, and scared her inner beast might surface, Azreya goes in search of her family. But, when Nukpana reveals Azreya’s true identity, she is soon pursued by the King and his army. Azreya, Aztec Priestess, by author Tricia Copeland is an engrossing chapter book for middle grade readers based on Aztec mysticism and mythology. The book is told from Azreya’s perspective, a young girl born with special gifts and extraordinary powers. The book follows her journey from birth to her teenage years, as she is torn from her family and forced to live with a shaman who exploits her for his own personal gain. It is a journey of courage, self-discovery, and emancipation, as Azreya fights for her life and her people. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the illustrations by Matt Maes are divine. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and engaging book about Aztec mythology for middle grade readers. Purchase here

< Back Lynne Golodner Cave of Secrets Eve, a Jewish American research student working at the National Archives of Scotland, is hiking through the forests around Loch Lomond. When she shelters from the rain in a cave, she finds a leather-bound satchel half buried in the dirt. Inside the satchel are letters written by a woman named Shira to her lover, Benjamin. Eve suspects the letters are from the mid-nineteenth century and takes them home for safe keeping. Returning back from the walk, she stops by at a local pub and meets the owner, Mac, the son of a wealthy landowner, the Earl of Monteith. Eve and Mac develop a romantic relationship and fall deeply in love. Meanwhile, Eve and her boss at the National Archives find more letters hidden in a trunk deep inside the cave. They uncover shocking evidence about Shira Levenson-Macalaster, the wealthiest woman in Great Britain in the 1870s, who was married to the Prime Minister of Great Britain. As Eve continues her research, she finds a connection between the Macalaster family and Mac’s family, the Montieth’s. The revelations could damage the reputation of the Monteith family and the whole of the British aristocracy. When Mac’s mother discovers that Eve is planning to write a book about her research, she will stop at nothing to keep the family secrets hidden. Cave of Secrets by Lynne Golodner is a captivating novel about an ambitious American woman who discovers the dark family secrets of a British aristocratic family. While in the midst of her research, she meets a charming Scotsman who quickly sweeps her off her feet. As their relationship develops, a family mystery slowly unravels. With an atmospheric backdrop of sweeping landscapes, rugged terrain, and cosy pubs, the book transports readers to the idyllic Scottish countryside and the beautiful city of Edinburgh. The novel seamlessly blends the past and present, as Eve’s research threatens to shatter the pristine image of the British aristocracy. Golodner accomplishes her goal of addressing serious topics, such as homophobia, antisemitism, social class and power in a heart-warming and engaging romance. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautiful and touching tale of love, loss, and family, set in the atmospheric Scottish highlands. Purchase here

< Back Bryan Asher The Treasure of Lor-Rev Another gripping fantasy fiction adventure, set in the Intercontinents, by author Bryan Asher On the Intercontinent of Lor-Rev, Jared Dareje, an explorer, and collector of digital artefacts, is searching in the deserted mountains of Kal for a prototype model of the SatellaField Personal Station. When he finds the devise hidden in a cave and takes it away, he sees a projection of the late Johan Naoki, the man who created the device and the owner SatellaField, and a stark warning meant for someone, or something called Daemon. Daemon, an android built by Johan, has evolved into a cybernetic demigod. He has escaped the digital cage where he has been imprisoned, and he needs the Personal Station to link up with three other devises, to achieve his goal of enslaving humanity. But first he must find others who can help him on his mission, and he has engineered microscopic nanites to ensure that those he recruits will participate, willingly or otherwise. Meanwhile, Johan’s granddaughter Kanna, receives an alert that the device has been taken. Kanna must find and retrieve the devise before Daemon pairs the devise with the others and destroys the whole of humanity. The Treasure of Lor-Rev is the second book in a series, and another gripping fantasy fiction adventure from author Bryan Asher. With unique and memorable characters, an enticing plot, and a rich and imaginative setting, the second book in the series does not disappoint. The book stands alone, and can be read without reading the first book, The Assassin of Malcoze, but the two books together create an imaginative and mesmerising fantasy world. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A rich and imaginative fantasy fiction novel, with unique and memorable characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Lori Rotter Best Chef in Town Best Chef in Town by Lori Rotter tells the tale of Chef Romi Rabbit, a confident and somewhat self-absorbed chef, and her hardworking sous chef, Sam. The story unfolds as Romi enters a high-stakes cooking competition, only to find herself unprepared and reliant on Sam’s quick thinking to save the day. The narrative is fast-paced and filled with rhyming verses that make it enjoyable to read aloud. Romi’s overconfidence and her initial disregard for Sam’s contributions set the stage for a humorous yet meaningful lesson about teamwork. The turning point comes when Sam, despite being overlooked, steps up to create a unique chocolate pasta dish that ultimately wins the competition. Romi’s eventual acknowledgment of Sam’s talent and her decision to share the spotlight add a heart-warming conclusion to the story. The illustrations by Vaughan Duck are vibrant and playful, and the expressive characters bring the story to life. Duck’s ability to capture the chaos of the kitchen and the tension of the competition adds humor to the story. The book also includes a fun recipe for chocolate pasta, encouraging readers to try cooking. This interactive element is a clever addition, making the book not just a story but an experience that families can enjoy together. A perfect choice for young readers who enjoy stories about food and cooking. It is sure to make them giggle and leave them feeling inspired. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful and engaging story about cooking, competition and the importance of teamwork. Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle Can Princess Gabrielle and her lover Bastien save the Kingdom of Finistère. Princess Gabrielle, ‘the Viking Princess’ and daughter of the King Guillemin of Finistère, has returned home from Paris due to her father’s rapidly declining health. French law proclaims that a woman can neither inherit the throne or rule as queen in her own right. If her father dies before she marries, the throne and Kingdom of Finistère would be lost. The Marquis de Nantes is pressurizing the King to arrange a marriage between Gabrielle and his son, Ugolin Cauchon. Ugolin is a wicked and ruthless man who seeks control of the Breton seas and plans to revoke the Maritime Treaty which ensures safe passage along the coast. Rather than reject the offer outright, the King announces a Yuletide Joust, where members of the nobility will compete to win Gabrielle’s hand in marriage. Gabrielle is distraught and seeks comfort in the arms of Sir Bastien de Landuc, her equestrian tutor and royal personal guard. Bastien has secretly loved Gabrielle for many years and the relationship soon becomes intimate. Bastien dreams of marrying his Viking Princess, but without a title of nobility, he is unable to compete in the joust. Meanwhile, Ugolin is determined to become the King of Finistère, and will stop at nothing to win the contest. He has a wicked plan to win the contest, marry the princess, and then enslave her in the castle so he can take control of the Kingdom. Ugolin and his cronies attempt to kidnap Gabrielle, but she is saved by her beloved Bastien. The King rewards Bastien with a fiefdom and a title of nobility, which makes him eligible to compete in the joust. As Bastien prepares to enter the contest and win Gabrielle’s hand in marriage, Ugolin has another devious plan to take the princess, her royal dowry, and the Kingdom of Finistère. Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle is the first in a new ‘Christmas in the Castle Series’ by author Jennifer Ivy Walker. Set in the mythical Arthurian period, the book features familiar characters, such as Sir Lancelot du Lac, and other characters from Walkers’ Sea Raven trilogy series. With a beautiful, star-crossed love story, an enchanting fantasy world set within the royal courts, and a wicked villain, this medieval fantasy fiction novel was a joy to read. The book transports the reader to a mythical realm of kings and queens, armoured knights, and horses. A delightful read for those seeking escapism from reality. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A perfect cosy, medieval fantasy book to snuggle up and escape with over the holiday period. Purchase here

< Back Amy Lee Westervelt The Colors Inside of Me A little black and white panda discovers just how colourful he really is, by author Amy Lee Westervelt Panda loves art. He loves to draw and paint and create. One day, his teacher gives him an assignment to draw a picture of himself, using all the colours inside of him. Panda is confused, “All I am is black and white.” he sobbed. His teacher explains that all of the colours that exist are in both black and white, and therefore all the colours that exist are inside of him. He is black and white on the outside, but on the inside, he is calm like the blue ocean, passionate like a red rose, and happy like the yellow sun. With a little help from his teacher and friends, the Panda soon comes to realise just how amazing and colourful he really is. The Colors Inside of Me is a sweet and heart-warming picture book by Amy Lee Westervelt about a young panda bear and his journey towards self-acceptance. Children will love the fun, vibrant, detailed illustrations by Mandy Moore, and the cute panda bear and other animal characters. By focusing on our hidden strengths and inner beauty, rather than our physical appearance, this book will help to develop confidence and self-esteem in young children. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet and heart-warming picture book about a young panda bear and his journey towards self-acceptance.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Sofi Sands Fake Date Real Love: A Enemies To Lovers Small Town Romance Book blurb... I'm fake dating my enemy and I'm terrified I'm falling for him. There's a Valentine's contest offering a $5,000 prize—but there's a catch. I have to partner with Miles Hartman, the arrogant coffee shop owner across the street who's been stealing my customers since he opened. I should say no. Instead, I say yes. Because without that prize money, I'll lose my bakery—the only thing I have left of my grandmother, the woman who raised me after my mother walked out when I was fifteen. Miles needs the money just as desperately. His coffee shop is one bad month from closing. We're supposed to be faking it. But somewhere between the late nights and the stolen glances, the fake starts feeling real. He's falling for me—I see it in every look, every touch, every moment he forgets we're pretending. And I'm terrified because I'm falling for him too. If we win, we save our businesses. If we lose, we lose everything we've built. But the real risk? Falling for my fake boyfriend and ending up with a broken heart and an empty bank account. Purchase here

< Back Betty Cetas Oscar and Otto Friendship is much more fun than fighting. Oscar is a troll who loves to fish. Otto is a fish who loves to trick fishermen. When Oscar takes his boat into the lake, Otto cannot wait to have some fun. Oscar throws his line into the lake, and Otto bites on the tasty worm. But when Oscar retrieves the worm, there is no fish. Oscar drops his line again, and again and again, and Otto nibbles on the worm, one bit at a time. Until Oscar has no worms left. Otto teases Oscar, and Oscar hatches a plan to catch the fish. He tries a fishing net, but Otto is too strong and falls into the water. He tries a hook, but the line snaps and he falls into the water. Otto escapes, but the hook is stuck in his mouth. Oscar is furious, and even when the lake freezes over, he plots to catch Otto. He cuts a hole in the icy surface of the lake, but the ice isn’t thick enough and he falls into the water again. Oscar cannot find the ice hole, but Otto sees him drowning and helps him to the surface. When spring arrives, Oscar returns back to the lake…but this time he has a very different plan. Oscar and Otto is part of the Troll Tales and Other Stories from Grandma’s Cottage series, by Betty Cetas. This is a heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside to become good friends. It follows Oscar as he battles to catch the fish ‘that cannot be caught’. The more Otto evades Oscar’s capture, the more furious Oscar becomes. Oscar is determined to catch the pesky fish, and Otto is determined to evade the fisherman. Until the day their games go too far, and both Oscar and Otto’s lives are in danger. Otto notices Oscar is in trouble and helps save his life. In return, Oscar does a good deed to help the fish. The book demonstrates the importance of friendship, kindness, and supporting others when they are in need. Young children will enjoy the fun scenes of Oscar repeatedly falling in the lake and will root for the fish as he evades the troll’s capture. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside and become best friends. Purchase here

< Back Josh Weiss-Roessler Future Me and the VR Prison Book blurb... After losing her grandmother, eleven-year-old gamer Lu Jacobs retreats into the controlled world of her favorite VR game with her online team. But when her grizzled, middle-aged future self appears asking for help to stop an AI bent on trapping humanity inside a VR prison, Lu has no choice but to re-enter the real world, specifically Prescott Academy, a school for gifted students where the AI has planted a spy to seed the dangerous technology that will destroy the future. Realizing this isn’t a job for one person, Lu recruits her online teammates IRL. But she still has to juggle grief, friendship, and her secret mission, while navigating dazzling technology, suspicious classmates, and the growing fear that anyone, even her teachers, could be the AI spy. As they race to uncover the truth, Lu’s hardest task may be proving to herself that she’s more than the mistakes and losses she carries. Purchase here

< Back Wittingly Yours You Are Enough, Just as You Are (Yes! It's True) You Are Enough by Wittingly Yours is a heartfelt and empowering book that gently reminds young readers of their self-worth and individuality. Through poetic verses and soothing imagery, the author crafts a message of self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's unique journey. The tone is compassionate and uplifting, making it a comforting read for anyone struggling with self-doubt or societal pressures. The book emphasizes that self-worth is not defined by external validation, material possessions, or social media likes. Instead, it encourages readers to treasure their inner qualities, scars, and experiences, as these are what make them truly unique. The recurring affirmation, "You are enough," acts as a mantra, urging readers to embrace their authentic selves and reject the urge to conform to societal molds. The poetic structure flows beautifully. The verses are simple yet profound, making them accessible to a wide audience. The imagery of nature, such as blooming flowers and growing trees, is used effectively to symbolize personal growth and the importance of patience in one's journey. The book also touches on themes of resilience, reminding readers that mistakes and setbacks are natural parts of life and essential for growth. You Are Enough by Wittingly Yours is a beautifully written picture book for younger readers. With its simplicity and heartfelt message, this book would make a valuable addition to anyone's collection of inspirational literature. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautifully written and heart-warming book that gently reminds young readers of their self-worth and individuality. Purchase here