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< Back Katie Jay Murder most Vegan There is a new amateur sleuth in town, by author Katie Jay Cecilia, a fifty-something environmental health officer from Glenelg Council, Adelaide, is annoyed when a routine health inspection at The Vegan Café, is derailed by the presence of the cook sprawled out on the kitchen floor. Cecilia notices a bottle of vodka on the counter and presumes the cook has passed out from drinking too much alcohol. But when there is no response after she prods the cook with her stiletto heel, she realises there is something not quite right. The cook is pronounced dead, presumed murdered, by the police. The next day, Cecilia returns back to the café to help the police with their investigations, and using her skills of health and environmental safety investigations, notices a few things awry in the kitchen. Cecilia turns amateur detective and joins forces with Aldo Giovanni, a handsome police detective, to help solve the mystery. Who could possibly want to kill a peaceful vegan in a sleepy coastal town? And why does the owner of the café seem intent on publicising the death of her cook? Murder most vegan, by author Katie Jay, is a charming cosy mystery novel, about a middle-aged woman from Adelaide who is thrown into the curious world of criminal investigation, following a death of a cook on her patch. Cecilia is a well-developed, likeable protagonist, and a charming amateur sleuth for a cosy murder mystery series. This is a light-hearted and funny novel, which will entertain adults and young adult readers. Well written, with a gripping plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy women's fiction and cosy mysteries. I hope there will be more investigations from amateur sleuth Cecilia, in the future. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A laugh out loud cosy mystery, with a charming new amateur sleuth. Purchase here

< Back Andrew Daniels Tomorrow's Rain Book blurb... Prepare to be whisked away on an adventure written by the majestic writer Andrew Daniels. His poetry is a monument to what a writer can create with their quill dipped in the sacred black ink of a poet's black heart. His drawings and illustrations bring his poetry to life with a flurry of colors and unique vision. Nothing is impossible if an artist has the imagination to build bridges and skyscrapers with only their words, and Andrew Daniels proves it in Tomorrow's Rain. However, will you find the answers to your questions in the trenches of his poetry? Grab your umbrella as Andrew Daniels takes you on an adventure to the state of Washington to find out. Good luck... Purchase here

< Back Greg Payne My Grandpa's Grandpa An unforgettable bedtime story, by Greg Payne Charlie’s grandpa and grandma are visiting, and after a fun-filled day of adventures and wrestling, his grandpa tucks him into bed. Charlie asks his grandpa whether he had a grandpa when he was young. His grandpa tells Charlie that he had a grandpa and he loved him very much. He explains that his grandpa lived on a farm when he was a boy, and had to help out with farm duties whilst also going to school. His grandpas’ grandpa loved sports, just like Charlie, and when he left school he joined the army and fought in a great war. Charlie’s grandpa shows him photographs of his grandpa and describes how he liked to wrestle with him and climb on him, and how his grandpa took him to many fun and wonderful places when he was a young boy. Just before Charlie drifts off to sleep, he asks if he can meet his great-grandpa, His grandpa explains that one day, many years in the future, Charlie will meet his great-grandpa, great-grandma, and many other members of his family. My Grandpa’s Grandpa is a sweet and heart-warming picture book about the love and unique bond between a grandchild and grandparent, and the special times they spend together sharing stories. Through their adventures and stories, Charlie learns more about the past, his family history and what life was like many years ago. The book introduces younger readers to issues they might be unfamiliar with, such as rural life, war and death, and will encourage further discussions with caregivers. This is a great intergenerational picture book for grandparents, or any care-giver, to share with children at bedtime. The illustrations by Narayan Baidya are wonderful, and I particularly enjoyed the images of Charlie ‘watching’ the historical scenes of his great grandpa brought to life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and heart-warming picture book about the love and unique bond between a grandchild and grandparent, and the special times they spend together sharing stories. Purchase here

The King's Labyrinth < Back Zachary Palmer The King's Labyrinth A young man wrongly accused of a crime, is thrust into a perilous quest to clear his name. The King's Labyrinth is set in Xelea, a magical world based on a system of magical architecture that can slow down time, and shift and shape reality . Novice architect Matthias, and his friends, Ceaser and Calli, are wrongly accused of conspiring with his master and quarry-leader, Irk, of selling the rights to mine creanite to the Architect’s Guild. Creanite is a powerful substance that gives Rooms in Xelea their magical power and cannot be mined without the consent of the royal family. Irk is killed, while Matthias and his friends are sentenced to death. Matthias is thrown into Room 204, an inescapable time-pinching Room, created by the greatest architect of all time . But when Matthias miraculously escapes from Room 204, he and his friends are forced to assist Prince Calum in order to clear their names. They join the prince on an expedition to the Labyrinth, the most dangerous place in Xelea, to retrieve a sacred chisel. As the friends set out on their mission , outside the Labyrinth a battle ensues for control of Xelea. The King's Labyrinth is a mesmerising fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, by debut author Zachary Palmer. This is the first instalment of a planned trilogy, where readers are transported to a world where architecture itself is alive and ever-changing. The novel tells the story of a young man named Matthias, wrongly accused of a crime. To clear his name, Matthias is thrust into a perilous quest to retrieve an artefact hidden deep within the dangerous Labyrinth. Matthias’ quest to clear his name by navigating the Labyrinth will keep readers hooked until the very last page. Zachary Palmer has crafted a unique and imaginative novel, with a thrilling blend of action and adventure, magic and mystery. The blend of architectural innovation with fantasy elements creates a unique and captivating setting. With its rich, immersive world-building, gripping plot, and memorable characters, this book is pure escapism for fantasy fiction readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A mesmerising, must-read, fantasy fiction novel, with a thrilling blend of action and adventure, magic and mystery. Purchase here

A Light in the Sky < Back Shina Reynolds A Light in the Sky Author Shina Reynolds creates a mystical, equestrian world, full of action and adventure. Seventeen-year-old Aluma’s dream is to join the Cavalry and ride an Empyrean Steed – majestic, winged, flying horses who defend the land. But her future is already mapped out for her. Like other girls in her village, she is expected to marry, have children, and serve the King. Aluma was trained to ride and fly by her father, a retired Empyrean rider. She secretly rides her father’s winged horse, Darwith, but knows that if she is caught flying, she could face imprisonment. Every year, there are try-outs for the Cavalry, but Aluma’s father forbids her to enter, fearing her safety if the country goes to war. But when Aluma’s father is injured just before the tournament, Aluma must enter the contest to protect her family and her father’s name. Aluma wins a place in the Cavalry and is soon thrust into war, where she discovers the truth about the King and the war with their neighbours. A Light in the Sky is an outstanding novel for young adult readers. With a strong female protagonist, who is equally matched in combat with her male counterparts, this is a gripping story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Reynolds creates a remarkable world that is both mesmerising and believable, with characters that are well developed and likeable. The book is jam packed with action and adventure, magic and mysticism, friendships and romance, and betrayal and war. And not to forget the flying horses! What more could you ask for? This is an imaginative and captivating read. I was completely blown away, and I would love to see this story pictured on the big screen. I look forward to the next book in the series and I can’t wait to read more about the adventures of Aluma and her friends. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An outstanding novel, with a strong female protagonist, that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jessica Dailey My Tiny Pet Elephant A fun picture book about a little girl and a most unusual pet, by author Jessica Dailey If you could choose any type of tiny pet, what would you choose? A miniature pup? No! A miniscule kitten? No! A teeny rabbit? No! How about a tiny elephant? An elephant so small it can fit in your hand. Yes, yes, yes! For one little girl, her wish is to own a tiny elephant of her very own. An elephant so small it could fit right in the palm of her hand. An elephant so small she could take it in her pocket to school. If she had a tiny elephant, she would play hide and seek with it, she would build him his very own tiny village, and she would read to him at bedtime. The best thing about owning an elephant is the tickles, cuddles, and kisses. Everyone needs a tiny elephant, they make the best of friends, but be careful, even though miniscule in proportions, they still make an enormous mess! My Tiny Pet Elephant by author Jessica Dailey is a sweet, playful, and funny picture book, about a little girl with a vivid imagination. Young children are naturally curious and often ask the most random and unusual questions. This book will spark children’s imagination and encourage further creative conversations. If you could choose any type of tiny pet, what would you choose? With further fun facts and interactive activities at the end of the book, this is a great resource to help parents, carers, and teachers, keep children active and engaged. The illustrations by Gabby Correia are stunning, colorful, and funny. The characters are adorable and will delight younger readers. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, playful, and funny picture book, that will spark children’s imagination. 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 Laurel Guillen A Bellwether Christmas: A Novel Inspired by True Events Author Laurel Guillen tells the story of the birth of the Christmas nativity, through the eyes of a little orphaned lamb. This is a sweet story about a little orphaned lamb named Bart, who lives in a small settlement in Greccio, Italy, in the thirteen century. Bart is a friendly, curious, and mischievous little lamb. He frequently escapes his pen so he can meet his farmyard friends and explore the world around him. While out grazing in the field, Bart meets Seconda, a young hare. Seconda tells Bart a story about a man who could speak to animals and saved her grandfather from a trap. Then, while out exploring the pasture, Bart meets Mr Lark, who also tells the story of a wise and mysterious man who can speak to the animals. One day, Bart and his friend Ginevra wriggle through a fence to find the best plants, and stumble across a lone wolf, Lupo. Lupo also describes a man who can talk to the animals and saved him from being hunted and killed by the towns people. Lupo explained that the man and his Brothers would soon be arriving in Greccio for the Christmas season. As Christmas approaches, Bart is excited to meet the mysterious man who can talk to animals. When a group of four strange men arrive in the town, Bart recognises one of the men from his friend’s description. Bart, and the other animals greet the travellers, and the man introduces himself as Brother Francesco, and his companions, Brothers Giles, Angelo, and Simon. Brother Francesco invites Bart, his shepherd Mundo, and an Ox and a Donkey, to a special Christmas Eve event – a nativity that has never been seen outside the Holy Land. Bart and his friends take part in the special nativity to help the townspeople imagine the night when Baby Jesus was born. The next day, Bart joins the Christmas day festivities at Greccio castle. He is given a special bell by Lord Giovanni and invited to be part of the Christmas nativity celebration every year. A Bellwether Christmas by author Laurel Guillen is a beautiful novel for newly independent readers, about love, belonging, honor and praise. The book tells the story of Brother Francesco (St Francis of Assisi) and the birth of the Christmas nativity. The story is told through the eyes of a sweet and mischievous little lamb, and will appeal to younger readers in this age category. The book would make a great family read on Christmas Eve, and a perfect Christmas gift. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful novel of love, belonging, honor and praise, told through the eyes of a sweet and mischievous little lamb. Purchase here

< Back Zelly Ruskin Not Yours to Keep Thirty-somethings, Billie and Tyler Campbell from Boston, Massachusetts, are thinking about adoption. Following years of unsuccessfully trying to conceive a baby, the couple believe it’s their only chance to have a baby of their own. Billie works as an adoption specialist at a local adoption agency, while Tyler is a successful attorney about to become a junior partner at his law firm. When Billie meets Madison, a pregnant college student considering giving up her baby for adoption, she becomes obsessed with her unborn baby. She longs to adopt Madison’s baby and raise it as her own, but Tyler is having second thoughts about fatherhood. He wants to make Billie happy, but he is haunted by past events that Billie knows nothing about. Meanwhile, a troubled local woman named Anne also longs for a baby of her own and becomes obsessed with Madison and Billie. Billie and Tyler’s life is turned upside down when Tyler starts to receive anonymous messages and a photo of an unknown baby. Then, when a newborn baby goes missing, the characters collide as Billie becomes prime suspect number one. Not Yours to Keep is a tense psychological thriller by Zelly Ruskin. The novel follows the journey of a young couple desperate to adopt a baby after years of heartbreak and infertility. Billie’s anguish and desperation to become a mother is heartbreakingly real. But their lives begin to unravel when a mysterious woman from Tyler’s past begins to stalk them. What starts as a story of heartache and longing, spirals into a chilling tale of obsession, secrets, and betrayal. Well written with multiple person perspectives and multiple timelines, the tension builds slowly over time. But, just when you think you have it all figured out, the plot twists again. If you enjoy thrillers with complex characters, this one is for you. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An emotionally charged, captivating and heartfelt novel about a young couple desperate to adopt a baby after years of heartbreak and infertility. Purchase here

< Back Danny Holst The Harlem Story A harrowing and moving account of a young African American man growing up in Harlem, from debut author Danny Holst The Harlem Story is an intriguing novel, originally written as a musical screenplay. The novel follows the lives of James Harris and Diane Smith, who witness the murder of their parents at the age of six in 1963, outside their church, by the Klan. James’ great aunt Millie takes the children inside the chapel for safety when it is set on fire. Luckily, the children escape, and they leave with Aunt Millie from their home in the South, to Harlem. The children are raised by their aunt, and they grow up in the Christian faith, singing in church choir. James and Diane become accomplished singers and win an amateur singing contest, singing ‘Lift Every Voice.’ Diane goes on to be a successful recording artist, but James’ singing career is short lived after he is wrongfully arrested and imprisoned for murder in 1983. James is finally exonerated in 1990, but he has lost all of his faith in God. He struggles to reignite his passion for singing and his life spirals out of control. James faces unimaginable pain and hardship, but ten years on from his first singing contest, he reunites with his sister to sing again. This is a beautifully written and profoundly moving story about a young African American man and how he triumphs over adversity. The book deals with painful issues of hate and discrimination, murder, and sexual assault, yet there are wonderful and joyous moments of happiness, love, and romance. The harrowing events are told sensitively and with compassion, and the author does a remarkable job at developing a real connection and empathy for the main characters. The book gives hope that out of darkness, one can find light; and out of hate, one can find love. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully written and profoundly moving story about a young man and how he triumphs over adversity. A SILVER WINNER and highly recommended.’ 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 Dr Tamara Lazic Strugar The Sunscreaming Summer Siblings Mia and Luka learn how to stay safe in the sun. The Sunscreaming Summer is a graphic novel for middle grade readers, and the first book in the Skinventurez series, by Dr. Tamara Lazic Strugar. The book follows the adventures of siblings Mia and Luka, and their friends Jude and Anya, as they take a trip to the countryside during the summer break. Luka is terrified of ghosts and even scared to watch the movie Ghostbusters. When Jude and Luka attack Mia and Anya with rabbit poop, the girls decide to take revenge. They hatch a plan to convince the boys that their dad is a real ghost. The boys test the theory. His skin is pale. His hands are ice cold to the touch. They are convinced he is a ghost. One day as the children play outside, Mia tries to get Luka to wear sunscreen. He ignores her advice because it is cloudy and gets badly sunburnt. His skin is pink, sore, and very itchy. His dad suggests they visit Dr Lazic, a skin doctor in the city. Dr Lazic gives advice on how to stay safe in the sun. She explains how to apply sunscreen correctly, how much to apply, and the importance of protecting the skin by covering up, staying in the shade, and wearing a hat and sunglasses. She also warns of the dangers of sun exposure and provides tips for treating sunburn. When they leave the doctor’s office, they soon learn the truth about Mia and Luka’s dad. Why is his skin so pale? And is he really a ghost? The Sunscreaming Summer is a fun graphic novel, with an important message about sun safety. Written by Dr. Tamara Lazic Strugar, a dermatologist who was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Struga uses her experience as a skin doctor to raise awareness and educate young people about the dangers of sun exposure. Combining a fun summer holiday and a silly ghost story, the book deals with a serious topic in a way that young children will easily understand. With lots of hints and tips for staying safe in the sun, and additional resources, including a quiz and several puzzles, the book makes the topic fun and accessible for readers of all ages. The illustrations by Lea Embeli are sublime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and educational graphic book for young readers about sun safety. Purchase here