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< Back Burnest Gemingway GOD MADE A farmer God Made a Farmer tells the story of Everett Wooden, a humble Mid-west farmer who strives to make a living growing wheat. But when a deadly stem-rust disease destroys his crops, Everett struggles to feed his family and the community. Together with his family and neighbors, Everett attempts to develop a rust-resistant strain of wheat. Through relentless hard work, faith, and neighborly support, they overcome many challenges to create a new seed that not only saves their community but also feeds the world. Everett’s journey is marked by quiet heroism. He refuses many accolades and commits to keeping the seed affordable for small farmers. His efforts culminate in a global impact when his wheat is airlifted to India and other countries facing famine. Everett’s humility and steadfast principles inspire those around him, including his family, who embody his values of perseverance and generosity. Everett’s story is not just about farming but about the power of small, consistent acts of goodness. His refusal to let greed or pride dictate his actions ensures that the seed remains a gift to humanity. The tale ends with Everett’s enduring influence, as his values inspire future generations. It’s a testament to the profound impact of one man’s unwavering commitment to doing what’s right, no matter how hard the effort. Burnest Gemingway’s God Made a Farmer is a sprawling, poetic homage to the grit, humility, and resilience of the American farmer. The book explores the intersection of faith and science, showing how the two can coexist to combat hunger and hardship. The narrative is both intimate and expansive, blending the personal struggles of Everett and his family, with the global stakes of wheat producers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A tale of faith, science, and community, exploring the profound impact of one man’s steadfast commitment to the land and the people it feeds. Purchase here

< Back Deborah Hutchinson Colorsss Book blurb... This book teaches children about colors in a fun and engaging way by using nature as their guide, and features photos taken by the author. Colorsss includes bonus pages filled with cool scientific facts about how snakes defend themselves from predators by using colors, patterns, venoms, and poisons. Purchase here

The Witchfinders Serpent < Back Rande Goodwin The Witchfinders Serpent Orphaned brothers find themselves in a race against time to defeat a supernatural force. Brothers, Nate and Marc Watson, are sent to live with their Aunt Celia in Windsor, Connecticut, following their father’s death. The siblings are anxious as they have never met their Aunt Celia, and curious why their father kept her a secret. The brothers have free rein of the house, but Celia forbids them to enter one room on the second floor. When they hear Celia talking to someone in the forbidden room, and they find an old photograph of their dad as a young boy with a woman who looks exactly like their aunt, the boys are puzzled. When Celia is out of the house one day, Marc finds the key to the forbidden room and the brothers start to explore. The room is full of strange objects and artefacts, and a book titled The Discovery of Witches. Nate picks up a metallic snake like object, which coils around his wrist, and clamps into his flesh. He panics, and accidently breaks an old bottle. Nate tries everything to remove the snake, but nothing works. Eventually, he confesses to Aunt Celia, and she reveals the origins of the snake. They discover that the broken bottle has released a dark and powerful force that has put all of their lives in imminent danger. The boys learn of Celia’s true identity and a family connection to events that took place in Windsor in the 1600’s. While Nate is desperate to free himself from the snake’s jaw, he learns that someone is desperate to retrieve it. As the brothers learn more about their aunt and their family history, they find themselves in a race against time to defeat a supernatural force. The Witchfinder's Serpent is a magical, teen fantasy fiction novel about two brothers whose world is turned upside down when they move to Connecticut with their mysterious aunt. As the brothers delve deeper into their aunt’s world, they discover family secrets that tie their own destinies to the witch trials of the 1600’s. Alternating between the 1600’s and the present day, this is a contemporary teen novel, with an intriguing historical backdrop. Readers are immersed into a world where the past and present collide, and where the supernatural is hidden among the mundane. This is a thrilling and compelling read for young adults and adult readers who enjoy magic and suspense. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A new magical fantasy adventure, inspired by the witch trials of the 1600’s. Purchase here

< Back James Richard Hansen Moonlight in My Eyes: Poems Book blurb... In Moonlight in My Eyes, poet James Richard Hansen illuminates 2023 with exquisite depictions of nature. Through 55 poems, the moon, stars, wind, sea, and occasional sun blend with words, painting nuances of his emotions. Embracing life's moods, shades, and spirit, the short poems form a symphony of insights. Upon each reread, the visitor delves into new depths, feeling the poet's words resonate. Each line and image triggers sympathetic harmonies, akin to classical music, evoking complex emotional responses. These poems, with clear yet profound language, embrace a spectrum of passions, inviting repeated readings that unveil the poet's soul and the reader's yearnings. Purchase here

< Back Nicole Frankel What is math good for, anyway? Can Bennie learn to love math? Bennie hates math. He thinks math is dull and silly, and he doesn’t understand why he has to learn math at school, when he could be doing something much more interesting instead. He ponders, what is math good for anyway? As Bennie goes about his day, he soon learns that math is more useful than he realises. In the cafeteria at lunchtime, Bennie uses math to count his chips and trade cookies with his friend. In the playground at recess, Bennie uses math to count how far he can swing in a monkey bar competition. After school, he uses math to find out how much money he needs to buy his ice cream. At home, he uses math to measure how tall he is, to see if he can ride his favourite roller coaster. That evening, as Bennie thinks about how he used math throughout his day, he realises that math is Mathtastic after all! He feels excited to go to school the next day to continue his math journey. What is math good for, anyway? Is a picture book by author Nicole Frankel, illustrated by Firman Putra Irawan. The book follows a young boy named Bennie as he discovers that math doesn’t have to be dull and boring. It can be fun, cool and useful in any situation, from playing in the park, to buying treats. The book shows that math is an integral part of life, and is used anywhere and everywhere. The book is an excellent resource for parents, carers and educators to introduce young children to math and help explain its importance. Young children will be inspired by Bennie’s curiosity and will hopefully learn to love and appreciate math, both in the classroom and at home. The artwork is fun, vibrant and engaging. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun introduction to math and its usefulness in everyday life. Simply Mathtastic! Purchase here

< Back David Parish The Twitter Gospels An Italian seminarian is sent on a mission to East Jerusalem to protect the Catholic Church. Paolo Venticinque is an Italian seminarian working towards becoming a Jesuit priest. He has been relieved of his teaching duties and sent on a mission to East Jerusalem to investigate a number of hospital reports, where men have been admitted claiming to be Jesus Christ. They are inflicted with a unique psychiatric phenomenon called The Jerusalem Syndrome, where visitors to the city develop a sudden and intense religious psychosis. A twitter account, @ilvangelofinale, is believed to be controlled by one of the hospital patients and has quickly amassed millions of followers. The twitter account represents a significant risk to the Catholic Church and its ‘brand.’ Venticinque’s task is to visit the hospital, question the patients, and identify the creator of the Twitter account. He interviews each patient, but concludes they are unlikely to be behind a coherent social media campaign. But when the tweets lead to mass gatherings across the world, the investigation becomes more intense. One patient named Malcolm Garrity admits to being @ilvangelofinale and claims a hospital orderly managed the Twitter account on his behalf. A deal is done with a Bishop, and the Vatican takes control of the Twitter account. Venticinque is suspicious but agrees to return to Rome to manage the account and tend to its thirteen million followers. Meanwhile, there is an assassination attempt on the Pope, and Venticinque is drafted in to put pressure on the would-be assassin to expose any co-conspirators. As Venticinque learns more about the attempted assassination, he discovers a connection to the Bishop responsible for the Garrity deal. He returns to Jerusalem to uncover the truth about Garrity and the mysterious Twitter account. The Twitter Gospels by David Parish is a tense and gripping novel, about a social media campaign that threatens the very existence of the Catholic Church. Paolo Venticinque, a dedicated seminarian, is tasked with investigating the case, and unwittingly becomes embroiled in a corruption scandal. Parish presents a compelling novel that blends the traditions of the church with the modern dilemmas of the digital age. He challenges readers to ponder difficult questions about faith, power and corruption. A must read for fans of thrillers, or anyone interested in faith and the balance of power and integrity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An intriguing, twisty, and thought-provoking tale of faith, power and corruption. Purchase here

< Back DF Kennedy The Truth A gripping semi-autobiographical novel, by author DF Kennedy Dahlia Frost joins the US Air Force to escape her dysfunctional family, but during one particular mission she discovers a phobia of wearing a mask and small spaces. Unable to conquer her fears, and experiencing recurrent traumatic nightmares, Dahlia is medically retired from the Air Force. When Dahlia returns home to the US, she learns from her mother, Sylvia, the cause of her nightmares. As a child, Dahlia was abducted by her biological father, Dahmon, and driven into a lake where her father tragically drowned. Following her father’s death, her mother marries Bob, a violent man who terrorises and abuses both women. Dahlia learns she has lost six years of childhood memories and records her mother’s testimony in a journal. Several years later, Dahlia writes Daddy Issues, an autobiographical novel based on her dysfunctional family and traumatic childhood experiences. Published under the penname of Frances Slater to protect her identity, the novel becomes a worldwide bestseller. But when Dahlia’s real identity is mysteriously exposed, she is unwittingly thrust into the limelight and back into the arms of her ex-lover, Roland, an a-list Hollywood actor. The couple rekindle their relationship, but Dahlia is tormented by a secret stalker, who seems to know much more about her past than revealed in her novel. As the stalker closes in, Dahlia finally learns the truth about her childhood, and the real cause of her father’s death. The Truth by DF Kennedy is a tense, gripping and emotional semi-autobiographical novel, loosely based on the authors own experiences. The author successfully interweaves a story of horrific abuse and childhood trauma, with joyous, light-hearted moments of love and romance. Dahlia is a well-developed, complex character, with complex relationships. Readers will empathise with her and route for her, but will equally be frustrated by her decisions. This is the first volume in a planned series, and ends on a thrilling cliff-hanger. I can’t wait to read the next instalment in this series. The book will appeal to readers of drama fiction, suspense, and women’s fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense, gripping and emotional semi-autobiographical novel, which successfully interweaves a story of horrific abuse and childhood trauma with a beautiful love story. Purchase here

< Back Terry Kirk Pitfall Frank Cork had it all. As head trader at Chicago’s leading commodities brokerage firm, Frank made a fortune trading wheat futures. He lived the good life, with his beautiful wife Katrina and their two children. Frank witnesses a gangland shooting and fears for his life when he is noticed by the shooter. Shortly after, Frank’s entire fortune is wiped out when the price of wheat plummets during the 1929 stock market crash. Frank flees to Canada, to escape the mob and recover his losses, leaving behind Katrina and the children. While the firm tasks intern Lewis to find Frank, the police open an investigation into his disappearance. Frank has a plethora of enemies, and the police suspect foul play. Frank travels to the Canadian Prairies where he adopts an alias and takes refuge with a local family. He partners with a bootlegger and begins to smuggle Canadian whiskey to the United States, while secretly orchestrating a high-stakes wheat futures deal to recover his losses. Meanwhile, Katrina, struggles to keep their family afloat and forms a bond with Lewis, who continues to search tirelessly for Frank. Frank’s journey is fraught with challenges, including encounters with mobsters, a relentless investigator, and a rival from the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. Pitfall by Terry Kirk is a gripping historical fiction novel set in Chicago during the 1929 stock market crash. The story follows Frank Cork as his life unravels amidst financial ruin. The novel offers a fascinating insight into Chicago’s financial world, wheat trading, and the great stock market crash. The vivid descriptions of Chicago’s financial district and the wind-swept Canadian Prairies create a rich, atmospheric backdrop for the drama. The characters are well-developed, particularly Frank and Katrina, whose personal struggles feel authentic and relatable. The novel combines historical drama with personal introspection, making it a must-read for fans of character-driven stories and historical fiction. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A compelling and emotionally charged historical fiction novel, with memorable characters and a gripping plot inspired by real-life events. Purchase here

< Back Deborah Wade Always In Your Heart Always In Your Heart is a picture book for younger children exploring grief and loss, by author Deborah Wade. Always in Your Heart, written by Deb Wade and illustrated by Tim McGee, is a deeply moving children’s picture book about love, loss, and grief. It follows a number of families with children and their experiences of losing a treasured loved one. The children miss their loved ones deeply, and recall precious memories of cherished times they have spent together. The book encourages children to think about and visualise their loved ones and to remember the good times – the hugs and kisses, singing silly songs, reading stories together, and outdoor adventures, fishing and feeding the birds. It also shows children that it is okay to miss their loved ones. That it is okay to cry and be sad. That it is okay not to be okay. The book is a great resource for families who have experienced the loss of loved one, or for those who want to open up conversations about death and grief. With supporting questions for the reader, the book will encourage parents, carers, and children to talk about their own grief, and to discuss their thoughts, emotions, and memories of those who have sadly passed. Beautifully simple illustrations by Tim McGee capture the love, sadness, and sentiment perfectly. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A deeply moving picture book for younger children, exploring the important topics of love, loss and grief’. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Janice Hechter Where Are the Women? Girl scouts will stop at nothing to get a statue of women represented in Central Park. Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park tells the true story of a group of young girl scouts who set out to raise awareness of the lack of women statues in Central Park, New York, in 2016. At the time, none of twenty-two statues in the park portrayed a real-life woman. The girls supported an organisation called Monumental Women, which works to bring statues of women into the park. The girl scouts made signs, cards and pins, and marched down the cobbled sidewalks of Central Park West to raise awareness and protest about the number of women represented on pedestals in Central Park. The girls raised funds to help pay for a statue by selling cookies, and throughout 2017 and 2018 raised thousands of dollars. But the girls were disappointed when the proposed location of the statue was a dark, isolated corner outside of the park. As the girls continued to fight for a statue in the park, public awareness increased. Finally, in 2020, a sixty-year-old ban of new statues in the park was overturned and a statue of three inspirational women was revealed. The three women, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady changed history when they fought for women’s rights. Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park by author Janice Hechter is an inspirational true story about an inspirational group of girl scouts. Through perseverance and self-less determination, the young women worked tirelessly to get the first statues of real-life women in Central Park. This is an inspiring and empowering story, which highlights not only the importance of representation, but also the impact of youth activism. It demonstrates how the collective efforts of individuals, can drive significant change. The young women featured in this book, are a credit to girls and women everywhere. Truth, Anthony, Cady, and all the other women who fought for gender equality, would be proud of their achievements. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : This is an inspiring and empowering story, and a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, history and youth advocacy. Purchase here

< Back Kathleeen Janz Anderson September Wind Book II A tale of survival and justice by author Kathleeen Janz-Anderson. Emily Rezell had a troubled childhood. Her mother died just hours after she was born, and she never met her father. She was brought up by her strict, god-fearing grandfather on his Illinois farm. After accidently killing a man who raped her over many years, Emily flees to San Francisco and finds work in a brothel to make ends meet. Emily is forced to go on a dinner date with a wealthy widow named Donald Shillings, by her manipulative landlady. Donald asks her to move into his mansion and be a nanny to his two children. Emily is unsure of Donald’s motives but has no choice after her cash and necklace are stolen from the brothel. She settles into the Shillings’ home and develops a bond with the children, Maria and Nathan. Donald is strange, elusive, and controlling, but Emily persuades Donald to buy the children ponies. He employs a stableman named Paul, but Emily believes he has been hired to spy on her. Emily notices odd behaviour from Donald and his staff and starts to explore the estate. When she finds something sinister buried in the grounds, she tries to escape but falls down a flight of stairs and is knocked unconscious. When she wakes in hospital, Paul is by her side. As Emily recovers from her injuries, she learns the truth about the mysterious stableman. Paul persuades Emily to return back to Illinois, and after a year on the run, she is forced to confront her past. September Wind Book II is a riveting and emotionally charged family saga / coming of age fiction novel, and the second book in the series by author Kathleeen Janz-Anderson. Set in the 1960’s the novel follows a courageous young woman who is forced into a life on the run after she accidently kills a man who rapes her. Her life spirals out of control, as she ends up in a brothel, and is then tricked into working for a man who exploits her. The book shows the plight of women and girls, during a period in our recent history when they had few rights and limited opportunities. Gripping, heart breaking and thought provoking, this book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A riveting and emotionally charged family saga about a young woman who is forced into a life on the run. Purchase here

< Back Nick Vakalopoulos There's Something About ROBINS The beautiful robin is captured in this children’s picture book, by author and wildlife photographer, Nick Vakalopoulos. There's Something About ROBINS follows a robin in its natural habitat, as it hops in the grass, searches for food, listens for predators, and prods the ground to find a worm or a bug. The robin soars through the sky before landing on the ground to feed its young. There's Something About ROBINS features glorious technicolour photographs of Robins in their natural environment, taken and edited by Vakalopoulos. This book is a great introduction to robins for young readers, but older readers will enjoy the photography too. We might be fortunate to spot a robin in nature, but we rarely get an opportunity to see a robin up close, and in this level of detail. The robin is a stunning bird, and the photographs wouldn’t look out of place on a festive greetings card. The book might inspire children and adults to grab their binoculars and explore birds in their natural habitats. While aimed at a younger audience, this book is a great reference for readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A glorious book about the beautiful robin, and a perfect resource for wildlife enthusiasts. Purchase here