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< Back Hans Ness Rolo the Pet Earthling Will a pet earthling discover the truth about his species? Zira, a Blorxling from the planet Blorx, wants a pet earthling. She begs her mom for many years, until one day she receives her very own human pet. She names the little earthling Rolo, and he soon settles into his new home. Luckily, Rolo is potty trained, but he does like to sneak into Zira’s bed at nighttime. As Rolo grows taller, hairier, and smellier, he becomes unsettled and very bored. While out walking one day with Zira, they meet a group of animal rights activists in the park. The activists are protesting about the rights of earthlings, chanting ‘Earthlings have rights too.’ Rolo becomes curious and wonders, Where do earthlings come from? And how did they live before they were pets? As he hangs out with his earthling friends in the park, he is spotted by the Animal Control Force and captured for not wearing his harness. Scared and confused, Rolo manages to escape from the bots. He is chased into a wormhole and finds himself in the big city, far away from his family and beloved Zira. Can Rolo find his way home before the Animal Control Force catch him? And will he ever discover the truth about the origins of his species? Rolo the Pet Earthling is a chapter book for middle grade readers by author Hans Ness. The book follows the adventures of a young alien from the planet Blorx and her earthling pet, Rolo. Owner and pet are involved in a fast paced and frantic cat and mouse chase, as they try to find one another before the human-catchers do. This is a fun book, set in a captivating alien world where human/animal roles are reversed. Children will enjoy the story and laugh out loud as the pet earthlings are treated in the same way we treat our pet dogs. This is a brilliant concept, with a compelling alien world and a captivating cast of weird and wonderful characters. The book will delight young readers who enjoy fantasy, science fiction, and funny stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A creative, imaginative, and funny book for middle grade readers, about a young alien and her beloved human pet. Purchase here

< Back KJ The Forever and The Now Will Bron McIntyre ever find her forever and now? By author KJ Bron McIntyre, a fortysomething teacher from Melbourne, is sketching on her favourite bench in her local park, when she notices a beautiful woman. Attracted to the woman, she begins to sketch her picture, when a cyclist crashes into the woman and spills a smoothie down her shirt. Bron helps the woman clean up and starts up a conversation, where she learns the woman’s name is Kate and is going through a divorce. The pair share an instant connection, and following the cycling incident they meet up regularly in the park and become close friends. Bron develops feelings for Kate, and senses something in return, but unsure of Kate’s feelings towards her, she is scared to make the first move. Kate finally confesses her desire for Bron, and the relationship slowly develops into something more intimate. Bron has a close and supportive family, who accept Kate with open arms. Kate’s mother on the other hand is less supportive, and judgemental of her life choices. Feeling pressure from Bron, Kate reluctantly comes out to her mother, which causes tension in the relationship. Kate’s mother struggles to accept her new love, hoping Kate will return to her ex-husband, Neil. As Kate’s mother continues to meddle in their relationship, Bron and Kate feel disconnected, and they turn to a counsellor for help. But as Bron and Kate try to work through their issues, Bron notices Kate acting out of character. When the couple learn more about Kate’s uncharacteristic behaviour, their entire world begins to fall apart. The Forever and The Now, by author KJ, is a beautifully written love story of two women, whose lives become entwined and are changed forever, following a chance encounter at the park. Written in the first-person perspective, KJ’s narrative is real, emotional and authentic, and the intimate scenes between Bron and Kate are beautiful, tender and passionate. KJ beautifully describes the pleasure and power of love, the tender and unconditional love that many people dream about. But this is not a happy ever after story, there is heartbreak, pain and tragedy. Readers might need something to dry their eyes with, in order to finish this book! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written love story of two women, whose lives become entwined and are changed forever, by author KJ. Purchase here

Multiverse Mayhem < Back Aurora M. Winter Multiverse Mayhem Ana Zest and her brother Zachery ‘borrow’ their uncle’s PUP (Parallel Universe Pod) and traverse the multiverse, before crash landing in the realm of Tellusora. Zachary is unwittingly frozen solid in the high-tech world of Avenir, and Ana is pursued by an evil sorcerer named Crimson Censor and her vampire son, Hunter. Ana is captured by Crimson, who severs her tongue and leaves her voiceless and powerless. Ana’s friend saves her just in time, before Crimson is snatched by a hippogriff and carried away. Crimson kidnaps Wizard Snapdragon, and claims the portal key to Spellbound. Without the portal key, Ana has no way to access Avenir, no hope of ever rescuing her brother, and no chance of returning home to Earth. While a surgical wizard mends Ana’s tongue and gives her a new truth-telling silver tongue, she is stalked by Hunter, who tracks her down by hiding under an invisibility hat. Meanwhile, Crimson Censor has a sinister plan to poison Tellusora by dumping toxic-air into the atmosphere. Before she can return back to Earth, Ana must find Crimson Censor, retrieve the portal key, rescue Zackary, and save the multiverse from complete destruction. But she must first seek permission and protection from King Ironheart, discover who is sending her mysterious messages in her journal, and unlock the secrets hidden in her family’s past. Multiverse Mayhem is the third instalment in this fantasy fiction series, by author Aurora M. Winter. The book follows the adventures of Ana and her brother, as they traverse the multiverse, and discover mystical realms, fantastical creatures and dark magic. This book is a fast-paced thrill ride of surprising twists, vivid world building, and a strong female protagonist. Overall, this is a gripping multiverse adventure that blends sci-fi, fantasy fiction, and magic. It is a great choice for readers who enjoy fantasy adventures and character driven stories. I would recommend reading books one and two in the series, first. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, thrilling, and empowering sci-fi adventure, with a strong female lead and a cast of captivating characters. Purchase here

< Back Rebecca Olmstead Dreams and Illusions: A Gabrielle Dorian Mystery A young woman is unwittingly thrust into a complex investigation when her sister is accused of a brutal murder. Gabrielle Dorian co-owns a boutique called Belle Femme in Washington with her best friend, Kate Goldstein. Gabrielle is a psychic and experiences recurring, vivid dreams. She believes her dreams are trying to tell her something and has a bad feeling it is something connected to her husband, James. Gabrielle is worried and Kate encourages her to have an extended lunch with James. She visits him while he is working on a construction site, and everything is fine, except for the annoying presence of his business partner, Trevor. Shortly after lunch, Gabrielle receives a visit from Trevor and the police, informing her that James has tragically died in an accident at the site. On the day of his funeral, Gabrielle receives a frantic call from her estranged younger sister, Tina. Tina has been arrested and asks Gabrielle to travel to Seattle to bail her out. Kate advises Gabrielle to stay at home, rest and grieve for her husband, but Gabrielle feels a responsibility to her sister. Gabrielle feels she let her husband down by ignoring her dreams, and she does not want to let her last living relative down. She travels to Seattle to learn Tina has been charged with writing bad checks and first-degree murder. The victim is Tina’s neighbor, an elderly woman named Winnifred Everette, who was robbed and shot in her apartment. The police have a good case, as Tina’s gun is linked to the crime scene, and they discover that Tina is the sole beneficiary of Winnifred’s eighteen-million fortune. Tina is confident that her sister will be able to prove her innocence due to her psychic abilities. Can Gabrielle solve the case, and save her sister from death row? Dreams and Illusions: A Gabrielle Dorian Mystery by Rebecca Olmstead is an absorbing crime detective novel, and the first instalment in a planned series. The book follows Gabrielle Dorian’s journey as she discovers her psychic abilities and is unwittingly thrust into a complex investigation when her sister is accused of a brutal murder. The book is more than a crime detective novel, as it deals with family relationships, faith, love and loss. Gabrielle Dorian is a strong, charming and relatable protagonist. Her journey is both personal and investigative, as she battles her own grief, fears and doubts while delving into the murky circumstances surrounding the crime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A super addition to the crime detective genre, with a captivating protagonist and a fresh psychic twist. Purchase here

Montgomery Lake High #3: The Aftermath < Back Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #3: The Aftermath At age fifteen, Jason Davids appears to have nearly any worldly thing that promises enjoyment at his disposal. Despite this, there is a persistent emptiness inside his heart. After failing to fill the void with achievements, relationships, and illicit substances, Jason finds himself intrigued by Jessie Robins: the daughter of a local pastor. How is it possible that she stands for everything his lifestyle opposes yet possesses the one thing he has been searching for all along? Purchase here

< Back C.J. Hudson Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street A young boy finds love with the girl next door, by author CJ Hudson Twelve-year-old CJ lives in constant fear of his drunken, abusive father. Life at school is no better, as he is frequently tormented and bullied by other children. When CJ gets into a scrape at school, his father is enraged and beats him with his belt. But when CJ’s mother tries to intervene to protect her son, he beats her close to death, and she ends up in hospital. His father leaves the family home, and his mother later marries another equally unpleasant man, Dick. The family move to a new house on Fairhaven Street, where CJ meets his new neighbor, Danielle. Danielle’s home becomes a sanctuary for CJ, where he can escape his miserable life at home. CJ and Danielle become inseparable, but their parents dismiss their relationship as ‘puppy love.’ As the love between CJ and Danielle grows, CJs mother announces she is seeking full custody of CJ, and the family are moving from Florida to Michigan. CJ is distraught when he has to leave Fairhaven Street, and he promises to wait for Danielle and return back to Florida when he can. CJ soon settles into school in Michigan, and meets new friends, but misses Danielle and dreams of the day when they can be reunited. Eight years later, following his graduation, CJ returns to Florida to try and track down Danielle. Will CJ find Danielle? Will Danielle remember her childhood sweetheart? And will the couple rekindle their relationship? Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street is a beautifully written, heart-breaking, and poignant memoir by author CJ Hudson. Written for his sons, CJ Hudson tells the story of his troubled life, the abuse he suffered as a child from his father and school bullies, and the depression he experienced throughout his life. But this is also a story about love and hope, how the love he found from the girl next door, and other significant people in his life, including his grandma and his karate teacher, helped him move forward and break the cycle of violence and abuse. There is an unexpected twist towards the end of the book, which brings a whole new and slightly disturbing perspective to the story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written, heart-breaking, and poignant memoir about love and hope. Purchase here

< Back Jessica Pleuss Sharing My Family Sharing My Family is a heartfelt bilingual children’s book by Jessica Pleuss that introduces the concept of foster care to young children. Told through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy named Zee, the book follows his family’s story as they welcome two new foster children, Jackson and Emma, to their home. Their arrival brings significant changes to Zee’s life as the children disrupt his routine with unfamiliar habits and behaviors. Zee initially feels frustrated and perceives the situation as unfair, but his mother helps him to understand the situation from the foster children’s perspective. She explains the difficulties they have faced, from being separated from their family, adjusting to new rules, and leaving most of their personal belongings behind. This moment of empathy helps Zee see the behavior in a new light, leading to a deeper understanding of the challenges foster children endure. Written in both English and Spanish, the story is accessible to a diverse audience and provides a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and rewards of becoming a foster family. The book is beautifully illustrated, with vibrant and relatable images that complement the story. The inclusion of practical tips for parents and caregivers at the end of the book is a valuable addition. These tips provide guidance on discussing foster care with children, teaching empathy, and reassuring biological children about their place in the family. Jessica Pleuss draws on her expertise as a child psychologist and her personal experience as a foster parent to create a story that is both authentic and educational. The book is a compassionate and engaging introduction to foster care, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and family. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An excellent resource for families, educators, and anyone considering or navigating foster care. Purchase here

The Siren Sea < Back Cidney Swanson The Siren Sea Book blurb... Four teens. One perilous journey. Everything to lose. When Katrina's brother is imprisoned for smuggling siren bones, she leaves behind her quiet life to save him, only to be swept into a web of dangerous magic, a ruthless duke's ambitions, and an ancient power she doesn't yet understand. A haunted woodsman. A secretive tsarina. A thief with his own secrets. Together, they must survive treachery, sirens, and sea crossings before time runs out. Purchase here

< Back G.S. Carline Blood Dragon Rising An enthralling first instalment in the Dragon Shadows series, by author G.S. Carline On the fictional Caribbean Island of Los Peces Pequeña, the French aristocracy are attempting to secure their future as rulers of the island by arranging a marriage between Lisette, the twenty-year-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess de Lille, and Eric, the son of the Count and Countess of d’Auguste. It’s Lisette’s birthday and her betrothal to Eric will be announced later that evening. Lisette isn’t too happy about marrying Eric, but she accepts the arrangement and her role as a future wife and mother within the French nobility. During the engagement, Eric suddenly announces he cannot marry Lisette, as it would jeopardize the islands relationship with Spain, and future trade opportunities. Lisette is drugged and kidnapped, and awakes a day later on board the L’Implacable, a notorious pirate ship, led by Captain Rocco. Lisette learns that Eric and his new lover Lady Mercedes de Medina have sold her to pirates to make way for their own wedding. By uniting the d’Auguste and de Medina families they hope to secure Spanish control of the island. Their plan is to displace Lisette, kill off the remaining members of the de Lille family, and inherit the families’ wealth. Rocco confines Lisette to his cabin before delivering her to a wealthy Spanish gentleman. Lisette manages to escape, and flees back to the ship where she finds a Blood Dragon feather and develops a close connection with her Captain. She soon settles into pirate life, and learns key seafaring and combat skills, but is determined to seek revenge on those who betrayed her. Lisette learns that Captain Rocco is afflicted by an ancient curse, and turns into a Blood Dragon after dark, seeking vengeance on all those who have wronged him. But when Lisette is accidently stabbed by one of his feathers, she too becomes cursed by the ancient magic. The couple discover that their lives are inextricably bound by the ancient curse, but will their desire for vengeance destroy them or unite them? Blood Dragon Rising is a fantasy fiction novel by author G.S. Carline, about a young woman’s fight for survival, following the ultimate betrayal of her fiancé. As a gentle noblewoman, protected from the outside world, she doesn’t stand much chance, but she develops into a strong, confident and determined woman, and a pirate you wouldn’t want to cross paths with! With a strong female protagonist, a captivating plot with an unexpected twist, and a fabulous cliff hanger that will leave readers wanting more, this book is a super, swashbuckling, fantasy adventure set on the high seas. I was fully immersed and engaged in this book, and I look forward to reading the next instalment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A super, swashbuckling, fantasy adventure set on the high seas. Purchase here

< Back Ruthie Godfrey Wagon of Worries Book blurb... We find what we are looking for... What started as a fun new collection for Mable quickly grows out-of-hand and overwhelming. She soon discovers that she can find worries everywhere she looks. So what will Mable do with all of these worries she's collected? Perhaps she can let someone else take care of them for her. A beautifully illustrated children's book touching on themes of worry and anxiety, identity, and faith. This sweet picture book is a perfect addition to your collection and makes a wonderful gift, too. Also check out other fan-favorites from award-winning author, Ruthie Godfrey. Great for bedtime reading, anytime reading, lessons in the classroom, homeschool lessons, school library collections and more! Purchase here

< Back L.T. Caton Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus A group of friends find a time-travelling treehouse, by author L.T. Caton Five friends, Ashley, Emma, Keith, Aaron, and Harry are playing hide and seek in the woods, when they find a mysterious ladder against a tree. They climb the ladder and discover a small tree house. The friends enter the tree house, and realize it’s much larger than it appears on the outside. As they explore the tree house, it suddenly shakes violently, and the five friends are transported to a strange place. They find a family on the run, hiding out in the treehouse. But no sooner have they realised they have transported back in time; they are suddenly thrown forward to the present. Shocked and amazed at their new discovery, they learn more about the powers of the treehouse. The friends start the ‘Tree House Club’ and plan their next time travel adventure. They ask the treehouse to transport them back to Guanahani in 1492, just before Christopher Columbus’s ships arrived in the Caribbean Island and started a colony. They find themselves on the beach in the middle of the Taino tribe, where they are welcomed and treated like important visitors. The powers of the treehouse make them look like tribespeople, and they can speak and understand their language. As the friends become more acquainted with the tribe, they are excited to see the arrival of Columbus’s ships on the horizon. Columbus and his crew arrive on the island, and the friends get caught up in an altercation between the natives and explorers. They are suddenly transported back to safety, but decide to travel back to 1494, two years after the event. When they return to Guanahani, they discover the devastating impact of Columbus’s arrival. Find Me in Time: Meeting Columbus by author L.T. Caton is a super time-travelling adventure for middle grade readers. A group of friends are transported back to 1942 when Christopher Columbus first discovered Guanahani, but the friends soon discover he is not quite the hero they expected him to be. This book is fun and entertaining, but it is also insightful and educational as it tries to present a more accurate picture of a significant event in human history. It will challenge readers perspectives, and help them to understand the importance of ‘truth’ in history. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A super time-travelling adventure, that will challenge readers perspectives. Purchase here

< Back Paula Welch The Jewel Thief Book blurb... Jubilee Jones returned to her home town of Bowral to face an uncertain future. She felt adrift and alone. Time ticked by slowly in Bowral, alone with her thoughts. On her mother's advice she decided to do some gardening. One day, while digging up some dead rose bushes in her back garden, Jubilee inadvertently dug up an old biscuit tin. Expecting to find animal bones inside, she instead found eighteen pieces of ornately exquisite jewellery. Emeralds, rubies, diamonds and pearls sparkling up at her from within the tin. Jubilee knew she could not keep them, but her curiosity prevented her from handing them to the police straight away. Compelled to know when they were buried and by whom, Jubilee asks her cousin Meg for help and together they begin to unravel the mystery of the biscuit tin. Surprisingly, their research leads them to their mysterious great-grandfather. Jubilee and Meg' head to England, where they hire a campervan and set off across England in an attempt to uncover the past. During their travels around England, Jubilee and Meg trace the descendants of the five families robbed in 1939 and learn how their lives had been irrevocably changed by the robberies committed by their great-grandfather so long ago. But sometimes the past is best left buried. Was their great-grandfather also a murdered? As the story of the stolen jewellery spreads around Hatton Garden old sins are brought back to life as more than one criminal is unearthed. By the time Jubilee's journey draws to an end, she finally finds her place in this world, along with love and happiness. Purchase here