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< Back J.C. Wade Summer's Reaping A powerful witch named Ursa is heartbroken following the death of her young daughter, Elenwin, who was bitten by a viper while exploring her mothers’ witching pantry. Ursa journeys through the Wild Wood with Elenwin’s decaying body, in search of the evasive ingredients needed to cast a spell to bring her back to life. But, when her spells fail, Ursa must make a living sacrifice to fully restore her daughter. When two local village children are found dead and mutilated in the forest, a young woman named Saoirse suspects the beast that roams the boundary between the human and fae worlds is responsible. When Saoirse’s little brother Dafydd disappears in the middle of the night, she journeys into the forbidden forest to find him. Accompanied by her friend and secret love, Edred, they are guided on their journey by enchanted bees. They find Dafydd alive deep inside a cave, but he is changed beyond recognition. They interrupt Ursa’s evil spell but become trapped inside the cave by the wicked beast. Saoirse and Edred must escape the cave and stop Ursa before Dafydd becomes her next victim. They must leave the human world and enter Faerie to find the summer goddess Áine and restore Dafydd’s soul. But, when Edred is snatched by dark elves, Saoirse is forced to make a sacrifice of her own. Summer's Reaping by author J.C. Wade is a chilling fantasy fiction novel inspired by Welsh mythology. The story follows Saoirse, a determined young woman, who attempts to rescue her little brother after he is snatched by an evil witch. Accompanied by her friend and secret love, their perilous journey through a mystical forest tests their courage, resourcefulness, and friendship. J.C. Wade has created a rich fantasy world, filled with faeries, elves, dragons, monsters, and mythical creatures. This is a dark and chilling tale, intertwined with a beautiful and tender love story. A must-read for fans of fantasy, fairy tales, folklore, and Celtic mythology. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A rich and beautifully crafted fantasy fiction tale, with a perfect blend of dark magic, mysticism, and a touch of romance. Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Creatures of the Rainforest A guidebook about the rainforest, for young explorers. Creatures of the Rainforest is a reference book about the rainforest and the different creatures that live there. The book explores types of organisms in the animal kingdom, where they live, how they look, and how they act. It also includes valuable information about how readers can learn about these creatures, through observation and investigation. It includes lots of fun facts – did you know there are over 430 different kinds of mammals and over 2.5 million different insect species in the rainforest? Featuring some well-known species as well as some lesser well-known species, the book explains the importance of the rainforest and how it impacts on the entire planet. With lots of resources, including a biologist reference sheet, nature notes and fun facts about different species, and access to a free online activity pack, the book will encourage young readers to continue their discovery of nature and biology. On completion of the book, readers are awarded a ‘Junior Rainforest Biologist’ certificate. Creatures of the Rainforest by author and photographer Cheryl Johnson is an educational and entertaining guidebook for young readers. Well researched, full of interesting facts and figures, and sensational photography from Johnson, the book will appeal to anyone interested in nature, biology, and the rainforests. The book will increase awareness of the rainforest and the key issues affecting the rainforest and the creatures that live there. It will help to prompt further discussion and debate about environmental issues and conservation. Written in a simple and engaging way, with clean and clearly structured pages, this book is accessible for readers both young and old. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sensational portfolio of wildlife photography, with fascinating facts about the rainforest, this book will entertain readers for hours. Purchase here

The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society < Back Terry Overton The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society A group of teens try to take back control of their lives, when their freedoms are removed by military force . Set in 2031, the World Force military controls everything across the United States of America, from food to fuel, and even books. Since the totalitarian military regime was introduced, many adults and young people were sent away or vanished without trace. Many others died of disease. Children were left to fend for themselves, in a hostile environment where everything is tightly controlled. It has been seven years since the schools closed, and five years since books were banned. No one is allowed to read, and no one is allowed to teach anything that isn’t approved by the World Force. In the mountains and valleys of Virginia, a group of orphaned teens find an underground cave in the countryside and join together to rediscover the joy of reading. Kahn, Jairus, Casey, and Asher meet every day in the cave to eat and talk, pray and read the Bible, and devour a book in their illegal collection. For seven years, the teens have met in secret, avoiding the military, and amassing a collection of over three hundred books. Until one day, a young girl named Leena follows Kahn to the cave and is introduced to their secret society. Can Leena be trusted? Will she be accepted into the secret society? And how long can the group evade the World Force military? The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society (Book 1) by author Terry Overton is a dystopian fiction novel for young adults, set in the not-too-distant future. The book follows five young people as they battle for survival under a new world order, where everything is controlled by the military. As the teens struggle to navigate a world where curiosity is suppressed and intellectual freedoms and creativity are under siege, their friendships are tested to the limit. Brilliantly told, with rich and vivid detail, Overton does a great job at building a hostile, futuristic world where a generation of teens are prohibited from accessing the many things, we take for granted in life. Readers who enjoy mystery and dystopian novels will enjoy this thought-provoking tale of humanity’s battle against a new world order. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A vivid and chilling exploration of a future world, where books and learning are prohibited. Purchase here

< Back D.F. Kennedy The Last Time I Saw Her Charlotte’s story Wealthy heiress and author, Dahlia Frost Hughes, is missing presumed dead when the aircraft she boarded in Miami failed to arrive at its destination. Dahlia was travelling to Puerto Rico, for a private getaway with her husband, famous actor Roland Hughes. Dahlia’s best friend and business partner, Charlotte Moore, is questioned by detectives about her disappearance. The police have received information that links Dahlia to the earlier disappearance of Charlotte’s ex-husband, Guy Burke. They believe Dahlia hired a hitman to kill Guy, conspiring with Charlotte to stop him getting hold of her inheritance. Charlotte has connections to the Italian Mafia, and their involvement in the disappearance of her ex-husband cannot be ruled out. Charlotte and Dahlia had been friends for many years, and set up a successful publishing company together. The women were inseparable and supported each other through tough times. Dahlia was finally moving on with her life with her husband and daughter, after she was kidnapped by her ex-husband and harassed by an online stalker. Charlotte also had a difficult few years, following the tragic death of her parents, a miscarriage, and a bitter divorce from her abusive, ex-husband. Guy had attacked Charlotte and left her for dead, before his disappearance a year earlier. As Charlotte grieves for the loss of her best-friend, she tries single-handedly to keep the company afloat, whilst also navigating a new relationship. When an old acquaintance makes an appearance at her office, Charlotte is forced to travel to a remote, private island off the coast of Brazil, to find the truth about her best friends disappearance. The Last Time I Saw Her is the next instalment in this gripping, psychological drama series by D.F. Kennedy. The book follows on from where the last book ended, as Dahlia’s aircraft mysteriously disappears on route to Puerto Rico. This book tells the story from Charlotte’s perspective, an equally fascinating and enigmatic character. Full of chilling thrills, nail-biting suspense, and timely-placed twists and turns, the story keeps you invested as you read in eager anticipation of what's going to happen next. Just when you thought you had it all figured out, a new clue takes you in an entirely different direction! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An electrifying, page-turning, psychological thriller, with an intriguing plot, fascinating characters, and a multi-layered storyline. Purchase here

< Back Kristen Wilson Nobody Likes a Picky Eater: And Other Life Lessons From Nonna's Kitchen K. Renée’s memoir, Nobody Likes a Picky Eater: And Other Life Lessons from Nonna’s Kitchen, is a poignant and deeply personal exploration of family, food, love, grief and sacrifice. Through a series of vivid, heartfelt vignettes, Renée weaves together her Italian heritage, childhood memories, and the complex relationships that shaped her life. The narrative is both intimate and universal, inviting readers to reflect on their own familial bonds and the ways in which food serves as a metaphor for connection, care, and identity. Renée’s prose is evocative, painting scenes of her childhood with sensory detail that brings her memories to life. From the olive tree in her front yard to the strawberries she sliced for her father, each anecdote is filled with emotion and meaning. The recurring theme of food—whether it’s Nonna’s insistence on clean plates, the strawberries sold by farm workers, or the meals shared with loved ones—serves as a thread that ties the narrative together, symbolizing nourishment in both the physical and emotional sense. Renée does not shy away from the darker aspects of her family’s history, including abuse, loss, and the weight of unfulfilled dreams. Yet, she balances these moments with humor, warmth, and a deep sense of gratitude for the resilience of the women in her family. The stories of her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother reveal a legacy of strength and endurance, even in the face of hardship. Ultimately, Nobody Likes a Picky Eater is a celebration of life’s messy, imperfect beauty. It reminds us that the act of feeding—whether it’s a meal, a memory, or a moment of comfort—is an expression of love. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : Renée’s memoir is a heartfelt tribute to the power of food to connect us to our past, our loved ones, and ourselves. Purchase here

< Back I.K. Silver Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons A tiny dwarf goes on a big adventure into the unknown, by author I.K. Silver Snowy is a tiny, grumpy dwarf who lives in the Winter Village, where winter lingers all year long. He spends his days cutting down trees in the forest, in the freezing snow and biting winds, but he dreams of adventure and a better life. Snowy hasn’t ventured beyond the village, and wants to explore the outside world. When he reads a book about the Originem, a village from another age and time, where there is undiscovered treasure, and the sun always shines and the green grass grows, he decides that’s where he must go. So he packs his bags and leaves the pearly white village to find the Originem and its hidden treasure. Snowy sets off and meets a new friend, Kokoro, and together they travel through magical lands, where they meet lots of strange creatures and encounter many dangers along the way. Their journey is long and hard, but before they reach their final destination, the friends must first solve the mysteries surrounding the four villages of everlasting seasons. Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons is a captivating fantasy adventure book by author IK Silver, with a multitude of interesting creatures and characters, an enticing plot, and a magical world that will engage middle grade readers. This is an action-packed book, full of imagination, exploration and adventure, which will appeal to those who enjoy fantasy fiction and adventure stories. Snowy is a unique, funny and strong-willed character, who shows strength, courage and determination to leave his home and follow his dream. The book has all the key ingredients for a wonderful fantasy fiction story, a magical world, adventure and danger, colourful characters, and valuable life lessons. The book is most suited to younger readers in this age category. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating fantasy adventure, with a multitude of interesting characters, an enticing plot, and a magical world that will engage middle grade readers. Purchase here

< Back Ron Keres This Book Is Perfect! Readers, please make sure you wash your hands before reading this book! Most people think that frogs are dirty and slimy creatures. But most people have probably not met Finn the Frog! Finn is the cleanest and tidiest frog you could ever meet. Finn is so clean and tidy he doesn’t want readers spoiling his pristine book. He doesn’t want their grubby little hands touching and staining the perfect, pure white pages. Finn’s book is perfect, and he would like to keep it that way, thank you. So, how can Finn stop readers destroying his perfect book? How can he stop them staining the pages with cheesy puff-stained orange fingers, purple grape juice drips, and sticky pink gum? But it gets worse, the stains and the drips and the gum, are attracting pesky, dirty little flies. Urgh, Finn does not know what to do! If he squishes the flies, he will make even more mess. If he tries to vacuum up the flies, he could create even more damage. What is a frog to do? Hmm, now let me think. What’s a frog’s favourite snack again? This Book is Perfect, by author Ron Keres, is a fun picture book about an adorable, but neurotic, little frog with an obsession with cleanliness and tidiness. I particularly enjoyed the participative element of the book, as Finn talks directly to the reader throughout. Finn’s increasing annoyance and frustration as readers mess up his pages, will humor readers of all ages. I really enjoyed the illustrations by Arthur Lin, and the gradual transition from pristine, perfect white pages, to bright, colourful, stained, pages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Another unique and funny picture book, by a talented author-illustrator duo. Purchase here

< Back Charly Froh Lotti and the Impossible Dream Lotti overcomes many obstacles to follow her dream, by author Charly Froh Eleven-year-old Lotti starts a new school at Little Hill Middle School, New York. Lottie tries desperately hard to try and hide her knee injury and the scar on her leg, from a medical accident when she was a baby. Teased throughout kindergarten, Lotti vowed never to reveal her scar again. But the school rules state she has to wear the school PE uniform and Lotti is required to wear a pair of shorts. Her classmates notice the scar on her leg and tease her relentlessly. When an Olympic rhythmic gymnast visits the school and showcases her skills, Lotti is fascinated by the sport. She contacts the gymnasium and joins up straight away. Lotti worries about wearing a leotard and revealing her scar to the other gymnasts, but also worries whether she can achieve the skills and flexibility required, due to her knee injury. Lotti does not want special treatment, and through hard work and determination, makes the team who will compete in the upcoming Junior Regional Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships . Lotti finds friendship and a sense of belonging at the gym, and is determined to succeed in the sport. At the same time, she settles into school, develops new friendships, experiences her first slumber party, and goes on a date to the movies with a boy. But as the Junior Regional Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship approaches, Lotti is anxious about wearing the championship leotard, and revealing her scar to her teammates. When her teammates notice the scar, some of them question her place on the team, and think she has taken the place of a more capable gymnast. Lotti’s role in the championship is put in jeopardy. Will Lotti’s team mates accept her place in the team? Will she compete in the Regional Championships? And can she put her traumatic kindergarten experience behind her to move forward in life and shine in the sport she loves so much? Lotti and the Impossible Dream by author Charly Froh is a sweet, heart-warming and inspiring story about a young girl who is determined to follow her dream. Against all odds, and with the support of a loving family, supportive coach and good friends, Lotti overcomes many challenges and becomes a successful rhythmic gymnast. Based on a true story, this book will inspire others to follow their own dreams. Young readers will relate to Lotti’s experiences, her fears and anxieties, lack of confidence, school bullies, and struggle to fit in. It will help to develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience in younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, heart-warming and humorous novel, which will inspire young readers to follow their dreams. Purchase here

< Back Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self A collection of heartfelt poems from author Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self is a collection of twenty-five poems by author Kyli Santiago. This is an inspiring and heartfelt collection of poems, based on Kyli’s own lived experience. The poems were written during the authors darkest moments and follow her personal journey from the depths of depression towards recovery. Kyli experienced significant trauma, as a child and throughout adulthood, and the cathartic process of writing poetry supported her healing process. This is an emotional, touching and deeply personal poetry collection, which deals with issues of abuse, rape and suicide. One cannot fail to be moved by this book – Kyli’s words are powerful and will remain with me for a very long time. The book will provide comfort and encouragement to anyone who has experienced trauma or depression, and hope that one can find true happiness and fulfil their potential, if they move forward in life, rather than look back. Kyli’s bio states she is a poet and performer, and I can imagine these poems would be even more impactful in the spoken word. The poems have a wonderful lyrical quality, and I would love to hear these poems performed on stage. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written collection of poems about one woman’s journey from the depths of depression towards recovery and healing. Purchase here

< Back Deborah Cholette Digger: Dig or Die! Nick and his friends battle to save humanity from an environmental disaster. It is just another ordinary day at school for Nick, when his friend Stewie charges into the classroom yelling the sky is falling. The school implements emergency evacuation procedures, and Nick and his friends are sent home. NASA officials confirm there is a large crack in the earth’s magnetosphere, causing the atmosphere to leak out into space. The level of breathable air has fallen to just a few miles above sea level, and people are advised to move to the lowest altitude possible. Not doing so may result in death! Nick, his mom, and his sister move into the basement of their house. Unbeknownst to his family, Nick has previously dug a secret tunnel from his house to the ravine. Nick was inspired by his builder-dad, who left the family home some years ago. As the level of breathable air continues to fall, everyone’s life is in danger and the most vulnerable members of the community are isolated in their homes. To help those in greatest need, Nick has an idea to dig further tunnels and connect the houses in the community by an underground network. As Nick enlists the help of his trusted friends, there are others in the community who will stop at nothing to save themselves. Digger: Dig or Die! is an illustrated book for newly independent readers by Deborah Cholette. This is a thought-provoking, fast-paced, action packed, sci-fi adventure, set in a post-apocalyptic world. The book considers what might happen if humans ignore the climate change emergency and continue to burn fossil fuels. Nick and his friends come together to try and save humanity and repair the damage to the earth, caused by adults. Along the way, the kids are faced with a number of obstacles and moral dilemmas, which tests their friendship and their own belief systems. The book encourages readers to think critically about the environment and climate change, and will hopefully inspire young readers to take action to protect it. Overall, an imaginative yet entirely believable science fiction story. Perfect for readers who enjoy science fiction and are interested in the environment and climate change. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An imaginative, thought-provoking, action packed, sci-fi adventure, about a group of kids who try and save humanity and repair the damage to the earth, caused by adults. Purchase here

< Back Sara V Robinson Walter Bilingual Edition English/Spanish Author Sara V Robinson, tells Walter’s story Walter is a black Labrador mix dog, who didn’t have the best start in life. In his first home, his owners didn’t allow him inside the house. He was locked outside in the backyard, unloved, alone, and cold. His whole life was restricted to a patio, doghouse, and a fence. But Walter was a curious dog, and he wanted to explore beyond the confines of the fence. One day, Walter jumped so high he could see the lights and the bustling city in the distance. As he jumped high into the sky, Walter grabbed onto the fence with his front legs, and fell into the street below. Walter explored his surroundings, and was dazzled, by all the new sights, sounds and smells of the city. After a night exploring the city alone, Walter was tired, hungry, and scared. He found a parked car for shelter, and fell asleep. Walter was woken in the morning by strange sounds, and was quickly captured by dog wardens and taken to the city dog pound. He was taken to a new home, but this time locked inside a kennel, and surrounded by many other frightened and abandoned dogs, also in desperate need of a loving home. Walter soon settled into the pound, but longed to be adopted by a loving family. One day, a couple named Sofia and Christian visited the pound and spent time with Walter outside his kennel. Walter felt an instant connection with the couple and hoped they might adopt him. Will Sofia and Christian choose Walter and take him home? And will Walter ever find his forever home? Walter, by author Sara V Robinson, is a sweet and charming story for younger readers, inspired by a true story. The book tells the story of Walter, a young dog who was rescued from a dog pound in Atlanta, Georgia. Told from the unique perspective of Walter, this book will engage and entertain readers of all ages. With valuable messages about the importance of showing care and compassion for all living creatures, this book will help educate readers about responsible dog ownership. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming story with valuable messages about the importance of showing care and compassion for all living creatures Purchase here

< Back Jessi Kroft The Resident Murder The Resident Murder is a gripping debut thriller by author Jessi Kroft. Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, the novel follows Dr. Kylie Saunders, a neurology resident, as she navigates the pressures of her demanding career while unravelling the shocking murder of her co-resident, Chloe King. The story is a compelling blend of suspense, psychological intrigue, and personal drama, making it a page-turner from start to finish. Kroft’s writing is immersive, capturing the chaotic yet fascinating life of medical professionals. The detailed descriptions of hospital settings and medical procedures add authenticity, while the exploration of the characters’ personal lives provides depth and relatability. Kylie’s journey is both professional and personal, as she grapples with the loss of a colleague, the betrayal of a close friend, and her own complicated feelings for Blake Weathers, a neurosurgery resident with a dark past. The novel’s pacing is impeccable, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Kroft skilfully builds suspense, revealing shocking secrets about the characters and their connections to Chloe’s murder. The characters are well-developed, each with their own flaws and complexities. While the novel is primarily a thriller, it also touches on themes of friendship, betrayal, resilience, and the psychological toll of working in medicine. Kroft’s portrayal of the camaraderie among the residents is heart-warming, and the exploration of Kylie’s inner struggles adds emotional weight to the story. Fans of medical thrillers and psychological mysteries will find much to enjoy in this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling and thought-provoking blend of medical drama and murder mystery. Readers will eagerly anticipate the sequel. Purchase here