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The Framing Game < Back Jessica K. Foster The Framing Game Book blurb... Virginia Benson would do anything to get into Yale, including begging Dean Alton for a letter of recommendation. But when a graffiti prank gets pinned on her, her shot at the Ivy League is at stake. To prove her innocence, Virginia enlists her ex-boyfriend Xander. But the case isn't cut and dried, and the suspects keep piling up. They're forced to spend more and more time together as they try to track down the culprits and Xander doesn't seem sorry about it. In fact, he's taking every sleuthing moment to do more than investigate the case. He's still looking for a way into Virginia's heart. Purchase here

Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person < Back Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person A gritty, teen drama, by author Stacy A. Padula The stars align for Chris Dunkin when he meets Courtney Angeletti at a beach in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He feels an instant attraction to her, and she is captivated by him, even though she has a boyfriend. Two months later, Courtney has broken up with her boyfriend and is dating Chris. It’s the first day at Montgomery Lake High School and the teens are recovering from a party at Chris’s house the night before. Chris had experimented with hard drugs in the past, and was addicted to alcohol and weed, but he was determined not to allow Courtney, an ethical, devout Christian, to follow in his footsteps. He knew he had to clean up his act to get the grades he needed to compete on the football team. As Courtney tries to fit in with Chris’s friends she turns her back on her best friend, Julianna, and stops going to church. Chris’s friend hosts a party at his mansion, but Chris decides not to go to avoid the temptation of drugs and alcohol. He advises Courtney not to go, but after an argument she goes along anyway. At the party, Courtney hooks up with her ex-boyfriend, and realises what a fool she has been. Cops arrive at the party, and Courtney narrowly escapes being caught, while a couple of her friends are arrested. Meanwhile, nobody has noticed that Julianna is sad and alone, and at crisis point. Will Courtney break up with Chris? Will she ever reconnect with her faith? And will anyone save Julianna, before it’s too late? Montgomery Lake High #1 : The Right Person, is an authentic and gritty teen drama, written by author Stacy A. Padula. The story follows Chris, Courtney, and their group of friends, as they try to navigate their way through high school. The book was written by Padula when she was a teenager and was inspired by her own high school experiences. This is a powerful and thought-provoking book that highlights the challenges and temptations that many young people face in high school. It explores several difficult topics, such as friendships and peer pressure, relationships and break-ups, drug and alcohol misuse and addiction, depression, parental break-ups, and parental neglect. This is an excellent novel, but it is also a valuable resource for young people, and anyone with a caring responsibility for a young person. Padula was motivated to write this book to help kids socially prepare for high school. The book does exactly that, and it will help parents, carers and teachers prepare for that transition too. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and thought-provoking teen novel, that highlights the challenges and temptations that many young people face in high school. Purchase here

Darby the sheep-herd dog makes a remarkable discovery at Windrush Farm, by author Molly Awiszus < Back Molly Awiszus Puddles of Windrush Farm Roland is out in the fields one day, when his sheep-herding dog, Darby, finds an abandoned egg by a pond. Darby refuses to move until Roland collects the egg and takes it home to Windrush Farm. The family keep the egg safe and warm in an egg incubator, turning it several times every day, just as a mother duck would. After three weeks, a tiny mallard duckling breaks free from the egg. The duckling is named Puddles and soon becomes an integral part of the family, following Roland everywhere, playing with the dog and snuggling with the children. At four months old, Puddles disappeared for a few months and returned back to Windrush Farm, with a mate in tow, the following spring. For three more years, Puddles and her mate migrated south to warmer climates during fall and winter, and returned back to the farm in spring. Roland built a special duck house on Windrush Farm Pond, where Puddles nested and laid her own eggs. Soon, there was a brood of tiny ducklings waddling around Windrush Farm. Puddles was last seen at the farm in 2017, at eighteen years old. This is a charming and sweet picture book, beautifully told by Awiszus who shares fond memories of her time volunteering at the farm. Based on a real-life story, Awiszus was inspired to write the book, after Roland and his wife told her the story of the abandoned egg and the duckling that became part of their family. Illustrator Lisa Greenleaf beautifully captures the farm scenes. The book contains further information about the farm, and a percentage of the profits from the sale of the book go to the farm. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A charming and sweet picture book about an abandoned egg and a duckling who becomes part of the family at Windrush Farm. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Sarah Sparks The Messiest Monster on Mill Street Can Max escape from his huge pile of mess? Max is the messiest monster on Mill Street. He leaves paint on the walls, spills on the floor, crumbs in his fur, and dirt on his nose. Until one day the mess gets out of hand, and the dishes and pants, the socks, and clothes, topple onto Max and swallow him whole. Inside the gunky mess, fuzzy critters and creatures have started to grow. As Max kicks and cries, and tries to climb out of the mess, he promises to clean up if he ever gets out! Finally, he is free and true to his word, Max cleans up the mess, one task at a time. He tidies and scrubs and makes everything sparkly. He soon realises that cleaning is fun and turns it into a game. He promises never to let the house get so messy again, but he is still the messiest monster in the street. The Messiest Monster on Mill Street is an illustrated picture book by Sarah Sparks about a little monster, who can’t help but make a mess. He loves to have fun, and tidying up is not part of the game. Until one day, the mess gets too much and Max has to do something about it. He works hard to clean up and realises cleaning is not as tough as he thought. Max is an adorable character and young children will love to read his adventures, as he gets himself into a messy pickle. They will laugh out loud at the gunk and gloop he creates, and the tiny creatures that emerge from every surface. Parents will love this book; they will recognise the messy monster in their own children and hope (fingers crossed!) it will encourage their little ones to clean up their own mess at bedtime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and funny story about an adorable, but very messy little monster named Max. Purchase here

< Back Paula Welch A River of Fortune An ordinary woman, in an ordinary town, finds her extraordinary self, from debut author Paula Welch Maggie Malloy, an ordinary and predictable young woman, is made redundant from her job along with her friends. Months later, while taking a hike by the river, she stumbles across a discarded security case and takes it home. She opens the case and finds 1.2 million pounds inside. Maggie decides to fulfil a promise to her late, dear friend, to be adventurous and spontaneous, and decides to keep the money. She seeks the help of her closest friends to set up a charitable fund, and uses the cash to bring much needed investment to their small town in Devon. Meanwhile, the criminals who stole (and lost) the case, and greedy, corrupt politicians, are desperately searching for the security case. Unbeknown to Maggie, a small electronic pocketbook is hidden inside a black box within the case, and is far more valuable than the money. The towns rapid regeneration eventually brings unwelcome attention to the charity’s finances. Maggie and her friends’ lives are put in danger as the criminals try to retrieve the pocketbook. However, the British intelligence Service GCHQ are also searching for the pocketbook and must catch the culprits before the secrets of the British government are exposed. A River of Fortune by Paula Welch is an enthralling, action packed novel, where a series of accidental events turn one woman’s life from ordinary to extraordinary. Set in a small provincial town in England, Maggie's determination brings her back to life, but in doing so, she is unwittingly exposed to danger. Maggie’s character is well developed, and her confidence grows throughout the book, as she fulfils her friends dying wish to be extraordinary. Overall, this is an action-packed crime fiction book, with a charming protagonist, a smattering of romance and a feel-good factor.  Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enthralling, action packed novel, where a series of accidental events turns one woman’s life from ordinary to extraordinary . A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back James Whitmer Leo & Lou: When We Grow Up Book blurb... Most children at some point think about what they will be when they grow up. Will they be a teacher, an athlete, a writer, an actor, a policeman, a dancer, a fireman, a priest, etc.? This is an imaginary story about the daily lives of Leo and Lou, brother and sister field mice, and their family. In playing together Leo and Lou suggest occupations and professions they imagine for themselves: a nurse, a cowboy, a pilot, a ballerina, an author, etc. As mama and papa learn of their interests, the mama reminds them of the saying: "Be what you want to be." Purchase here

< Back Steven Thedford The First Fruits Festival of Kwanzaa (A Zulu Celebration) Shaka Thomas from Charlotte, North Carolina, is preparing to honor his ancestors by singing the ngoma at the Kwanzaa first fruits harvest festival in South Africa. The festival (also known as the Calabash Festival or Umkhosi Woselwa) is a celebration among Zulus. Shaka’s grandmother was the first daughter of the Zulu king, who moved to America after marrying a man from the United States. She promised to return to South Africa every year with her family to attend festival. But Shaka is still recovering from his last bout of sickle cell anaemia and is unsure whether he will be strong enough to sing. The book highlights the significance of family, community, and cultural heritage, and offers readers a fascinating insight into the vibrant traditions of the Zulu people and the African American holiday of Kwanzaa. Through Shaka’s journey, readers learn about different cultural practices, such as the Reed Dance, the royal tasting ceremony, and the energetic Indlamu dance, and of the importance of honoring ancestors, preserving traditions, and overcoming personal challenges. The glossary at the end provides helpful definitions of key terms, enhancing the reader’s understanding of Zulu culture and language. The First Fruits Festival of Kwanzaa by Steven C. Thedford is an engaging and educational story that celebrates African heritage and the universal values of family, courage, and cultural pride. It serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to learn more about the traditions of Kwanzaa and the Zulu people, while inspiring them to embrace their own cultural traditions. The illustrations by Khosi Pholosa beautifully complement the story, bringing the story to life with vivid depictions of family gatherings, traditional attire, and ceremonial events. The book also touches on themes of resilience, as Shaka overcomes his fears and physical limitations to perform at the festival, supported by his family and cousin Lincoln. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An engaging and educational story celebrating Zulu culture and African heritage. Purchase here

< Back Ona Gritz Everywhere I Look A heart wrenching memoir by Ona Gritz about the tragic death of her sister, Angie Boggs. Ona Gritz’ older sister, Andrea (Angie) Gritz Boggs, her partner, infant son, and unborn child were brutally murdered by a couple that were visiting their home. Their bodies were dumped in a crawl space beneath their house and were not discovered until over six weeks after their disappearance. Several decades after Angie’s death and tormented by childhood memories and guilt for not standing up for her sister, Gritz set out to find out more about Angie’s life and tragic death. She examines court documents and official school records and decides to write a memoir, addressed to her sister. Gritz recalls her childhood, growing up with Angie, six years her senior. Angie was adopted by Gritz’ parents as a baby and Gritz always believed she was treated unfavourably by her parents, particularly her mother. Gritz recalls ‘Our roles were clear to us. I was our parents’ good girl. You were a devilish force. The sisters were close during childhood and Gritz describes her sister as both a ‘tormentor and protector.’ Gritz adored Angie, but the sisters grew apart during Gritz’ teen years, when Angie was frequently away from home. Through her research, Gritz learns about Angie’s birth and early years, her schooling, and how she was abused at a very young age. She learns that Angie spent time in mental institutions and correctional facilities during her teen years and had a drug addiction. As Gritz discovers the truth about her sister’s adoption, she uncovers family secrets that had been buried for many years. Everywhere I Look is a poignant memoir by Ona Gritz about the life and death of her older sister, Angie Boggs. Written as a letter to her sister, the first love of her life, the book allowed Gritz to connect with her sister, and come to terms with her own grief. The detachment and numbness Gritz experienced for many years was a symptom of PTSD and survivor syndrome. The process of writing the memoir helped Gritz find the path towards healing. The memoir is a loving tribute to Angie and a testament to the unique and unbreakable bond between sisters. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A stunning and deeply moving exploration of grief and healing, beautifully told by Gritz with raw honesty and vulnerability. Purchase here

< Back Randy Pressgrove This Car Sux!: Tales and Tips from a Life of Wheeling and Dealing Book blurb... “In THIS CAR SUX! Randy Pressgrove does an exemplary job of colorfully describing the process of getting an automobile from manufacturing through to the brand delivering it to dealerships and into the driveway of its new owner. . . You too may find yourself intrigued, curious, and perhaps tempted, as many of us have been, to wonder what it would be like to be a part of the dynamic story of the modern auto industry.” —John Szymanski, Vice-President, Holman Automotive Group. Purchase here

Two Lands: Book 1 of “The Journey” Series < Back Rick L Brown Two Lands: Book 1 of “The Journey” Series Book blurb... Sam, a 20-year-old, embarks on a life-changing quest that few undertake. On the first day of his journey, he must choose between two destinations. He wavers, but a mysterious new friend sways him to choose the easier option, full of entertainment and ease — and a sense of entrapment. Supported by the prayers of a faithful older man back home, Sam begins to question his decision when he meets an intriguing new arrival named Jill, who finds a way out. Follow along as the epic struggle between good and evil unfolds. Purchase here

< Back David Cairns The Case of the Emigrant Niece Unlikely duo, Findo and Errol, join forces to investigate the mystery of the lost inheritance. A historical fiction novel set in the 1800’s in Australia, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. Major Findo Gask sustains a serious leg injury at the start of the Indian mutiny in 1858, and is dispatched back to England to convalesce in a nursing home. On discharge he contemplates the next phase of his life and travels to Edinburgh to see his brother. He starts work as a consulting engineer with a local construction firm and is offered a position as a consultant to support the booming mining industry in Melbourne. He meets Errol Rait during a cricket match and rents a room from him on 21/2 Bourke Street. He learns that Errol is a criminal investigator, testing new finger marks to identify suspects. They meet a pretty young heiress, Mary Mitchell, and discover she has been swindled out of her inheritance. Errol decides to take on the case and Findo, keen to develop his investigative skills, decides to accompany him. With a link back to Scotland, the pair travel to Edinburgh to find the will of Mitchell’s late uncle. The investigation takes them from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands where they discover multiple murders and a sinister plot. Will Findo and Errol solve the mystery of the lost inheritance before it is too late? Will Mary receive the fortune that she rightly deserves? The Case of the Emigrant Niece is a captivating historical fiction novel by David Cairns, set in the 1800’s and spanning Australia, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. Written in the first-person point of view, from the perspective of Findo, the book follows his journey as he builds a new life for himself in Melbourne, and partners with his friend, Errol, in a fraud investigation. The novel is a work of fiction, inspired by real people, places and events. Extensively researched, and historically accurate, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction. The novel has a definite Sherlock Holmes vibe, and I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, suspense and intrigue. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A Sherlock Holmes-esque mystery, with two memorable and eccentric criminal investigators. Purchase here

Author Ellen Dee Davidson creates an enchanting and magical world < Back Ellen Davidson WIND It’s a very strange day for sixth-grader Katie. Her classmates mock her as she thinks she hears the old oak tree outside her classroom window talk to her, and later at home she senses her beloved cat, Sasha, is trying to tell her something. Then without any warning, an earthquake strikes the town and Katie falls through a crack in the floor and into the deep dark basement below. But when Katie awakens from the fall, she finds herself in a strange and mysterious world. She encounters Za, a grumpy alien from a far distant planet, also lost in the strange new world. The only hope for the pair is to find the elusive Winged Ones, hidden away in the Golden Hills at the far corner of the planet. Katie reluctantly joins Za on the journey quest, and she is given a charm bracelet to help guide her on the journey. Accompanied by Kira, a friendly lion, the pair set off on a perilous journey, through forests and meadows, deep caves, and rivers. There are many dangers along the way, and the new friends must fend off river monsters and flying beasts, fish men and flower fairies. Katie soon discovers she has a special power to talk to all the creatures featured on her charm bracelet. But as Za is captured, Katie must use all of her strength and courage to resist the powerful forces of the Poison One, to save her friend and herself. Wind is a wonderfully written, faced-paced, fantasy story for young middle grade readers. Ellen Dee Davidson creates a magical and enchanting world, and takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, packed full of amazing characters and fascinating scenes. The main character is well developed, and readers will relate to her journey and her personal struggles, as they learn more about her life at home. The book was gripping, entertaining and full of unexpected twists and turns - a real page-turner and hard to put down! Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A wonderful, faced-paced, fantasy story, packed full of amazing characters and fascinating scenes. A SILVER winner and highly recommended.’ Purchase here