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A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled < Back Alayne Smith A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled Ellen Jones helps her aunt solve a family mystery, by author Alayne Smith It’s 1962, and Ellen Jones is considering her future, before she returns back to her studies in broadcast journalism at Columbus University, Miami. What journalism career will she pursue? Should she get together with JoJo, following her split from Luke? But first, her Aunt Essie recruits Ellen to help her solve a mystery. She has found a carving in an antique mint julep cabinet, with the date of her great grandmothers wedding, Mary Ellen Davis marries Thaddeus Baird, May 1866 . But family records also show that Mary Ellen married another man, Thomas Brown Mitchell, in December of the same year. Aunt Essie is curious and determined to solve the mystery. Who was Thaddeus Baird and what happened to him? And why did her great grandmother marry twice in such a short space of time? Ellen agrees to help her aunt and discovers that Mary Ellen wrote for a local newspaper, the Marshall-Times Standard. She also discovered that she volunteered at the Jericho School, where she met Thomas Brown Mitchell, a soldier who set up the school in a converted kitchen behind the old Garvey plantation house. They find a journal belonging to Mary Ellen, with declarations of her love for Thaddeus Baird. As Ellen and Aunt Essie delve further into Mary Ellen’s past, they soon discover that their ancestor was embroiled in a scandal that nearly destroyed her reputation. Then, when a dead body is found in a tunnel beneath the old Garvey plantation house, Ellen and Aunt Essie believe there is a connection to Mary Ellen. A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled is a superb mystery novel for young adult readers, by author Alayne Smith. Spanning two time periods (1962 and 1866), the book follows two young women as they come of age in different eras. The book provides a fascinating insight into the lives of women during the 1800’s and 1960’s. While their lives are very different, they experience similar challenges and dilemmas. The book moves at a gentle pace, but is packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Well written, with a fascinating plot, this book will appeal to those who enjoy mystery, suspense and historical fiction. The book is the third instalment of the Ellen Jones series. I had not read the first two books in the series, and I could easily follow the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I hope to go back to the other books, to learn more about Ellen Jones’ back-story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Well written, with a fascinating plot that spans two time periods, this is a superb novel packed full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Purchase here

< Back Jeffrey Hope Real Spies Don't Use Rowboats It is 1976 and the first day of summer in Cricket Cove, a small town on the coast of Maine. The Hassenfuss brothers are planning a summer of spy-filled adventure in their homemade rowboat. Fifth-grader John and fourth-grader Sam are spies in training and members of their own James Bond Society. When their dad buys an outboard motor, the brothers plan to use it on their boat, to explore the bay and hone their spy skills. But when their mom announces a work conference in New York, the boys are taken on an unexpected road trip to the big city. Family friends, the Johnsons, stay in their house while their own house is being renovated. The Hassenfuss family explore the sights of New York, and the brothers meet a real-life detective who gives them a special investigative training manual. But, when the boys return home to Cricket Cove, with a plan to try out their new spy skills, they soon discover that the Johnson family have broken a cardinal rule that could ruin the rest of their summer. Real Spies Don't Use Rowboats is a chapter book for newly independent readers, by author Jeffrey Hope. Set in 1976, the book follows the Hassenfuss brothers as they embark on a summer break filled with discovery, adventure and brotherly bonds. The brothers spend their days on their trusty rowboat, pretending to be spies on secret missions. Hope captures the essence of the 1970s, and the innocence and curiosity of childhood, beautifully. Full of brotherly love and lots of banter, this is a timeless story that will transport readers back to a simpler time, defined by outdoor adventures, imaginative play, and community spirit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gentle, funny and nostalgic tale, beautifully capturing the joy of summer during childhood. 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 Andy Lipman The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community A deeply moving collection of stories about cystic fibrosis (CF), from author Andy Lipman Author Andy Lipman writes the second volume of The CF Warrior Project: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community. The first chapter presents the profiles of many trailblazers who saved lives through a lifetime of dedication to CF, including Doris Tulcin who created the CF Foundation. Chapter two shares the stories of those living with CF, such as six year old Liam Wilson, already an advocate for CF awareness and fundraiser. In the third chapter, we hear from several people who were diagnosed later in life, including Terry Wright an African American man who was not diagnosed until aged fifty-four, after years of pain and suffering, due to biases and stereotypes in diagnosis. Chapter four tells the stories of moms who have raised children with CF, including Margarete Cassalina and Laura Bonnell, both mothers of two CF warriors. Chapter five explores the impact of CF on the entire family, and presents stories from the parents, children, siblings and spouses of those living with CF. In Chapter six, we hear from those who have survived double-lung transplants, and in chapter seven, we hear from those who run to stay healthy and active, inspire others, and raise money for CF. Chapters eight and nine present the stories of famous people who are advocates for CF, and TV celebrities living with CF. Chapter ten discusses the benefits of exercise for CF, through various sports such as softball, tandem-surfing, bodybuilding, yoga, swimming, climbing, adventure sports, and martial arts. The eleventh chapter explores the unique ways people have made a difference, through fundraising, advocacy, research, science and politics. The final chapter is a beautiful and loving tribute to the author’s mother, and CF advocate, Eva Lipman. The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community , is a collection of thoughtful and inspiring stories by author Andy Lipman. This book is the second installment in the CF Warrior Project, and explores the impact of CF on those living with disease, their loved ones and their physicians, and many others who have dedicated their lives to raising awareness of CF. Told through a series of personal stories, this is a deeply moving and insightful collection, from a wide and diverse range of people impacted by CF. Each story is unique. Each story is powerful. Each story is inspirational. Each story will give hope to anyone living with, or impacted, by CF. This is a beautifully curated and written collection, and the author has done an excellent job at bringing the stories to life. Thank you to Andy Lipman for collating these stories, and to all the individual contributors who shared their personal stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A collection of thoughtful and inspiring personal stories about cystic fibrosis, and the impact on those living with the disease, their loved ones and their physicians. Purchase here

< Back Peter Eliott A Dream of Shadows A notorious criminal joins a bunch of misfits, to take down a powerful villain. Vazeer the Lash is a notorious criminal, born and raised in the nefarious underworld capital of Hell’s Labyrinth. Having spent most of his life in the seedy underworld, he is keen to retire from a life of crime. When Vazeer’s contract broker offers him big money to join the Shadow Bidders, he sees it as an opportunity to walk away from his life of crime, and he hopes it will be his final contract. The Shadow Bidders are a group of misfit criminals and include a locksmith, an actress, an assassin, and a Line Man. Their mission is to hunt down and take out the Count Ulan Gueritus (the ‘Raving Blade’), one of Hell’s Labyrinth’s most powerful brokers. The evil Count has a reputation for torturing his victims and has blackmailed the Countess of Odel. His actions have sparked outrage and could result in war in the once peaceful city of Sullward. The Shadow Bidders have just forty-eight hours to hunt down the target and complete the task. Each member of the team must risk their lives to defeat the Count, by harnessing their own distinctive and unique talents. But, with their lives in imminent danger, the team soon discovers that nothing is quite as it seems in this strange case. Will the Shadow Bidders defeat the Count? Will they restore peace to the city of Sullward? Can Vazeer move on from his life of crime? And will this really be his final contract? A Dream of Shadows is a remarkable, fantasy novel by debut author Peter Eliott, about a career criminal desperate to escape his life of crime, who risks it all for one last shot at the big money. With beautiful prose, fantastic world building, and fascinating, well-developed, multi-layered characters, this is an immersive and gripping novel. Peter Eliott is a creative and masterful writer, and a talent to watch out for. This is an exceptional novel at every level, and highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A brilliantly plotted fantasy fiction novel. I couldn't put this compelling debut book down. Purchase here

< Back Kathleen Welton Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo Inspired by a well-known children’s song, Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo, by Kathleen Welton, is a fun and interactive picture book and sing-along experience. The book features a variety of zoo animals as they have fun riding on a fairground carousel. The rhythm is based on the classic, ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ tune. Each spread introduces different zoo animals, or different features of the carousel, as it spins around and around. We see horses galloping and neighing, elephants stomping and swaying, and pandas romping and rolling along to their favourite sing-along tune. Beautifully written, with lots of playful rhyme and alliteration, children will enjoy singing along. The repetitive structure and memorable tune, make it easy for young children to join in. The vibrant illustrations capture the fun at the fair perfectly. I particularly enjoyed the expressions of the different animal characters in lots of silly scenarios. Young children will love spotting their favourite creatures and predicting the next verse. Based on a well-known song, young children will enjoy this fresh take on a children’s classic. Perfect for pre-schoolers and early learners, this book will help with language development and spark a love of storytelling. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A super, interactive picture book, with a multitude of zoo animals, a fun fairground ride, and a familiar sing-along-tune. Purchase here

< Back Isra Sravenheart Her Dark Love A young witch faces the ultimate betrayal, by author Isra Sravenheart Seventeen-year-old Isra joins Wingdom's Academy of Ancient Magic, to develop her witchcraft skills. She meets another young witch, Everilda, and the two soon become good friends. As they settle into school, the two young women have fun tormenting Magnus Wingdom, the Head Warlock of the school. One evening, whilst enjoying a walk in the forest, Isra encounters a mysterious young man, named Jonathan. Isra learns that Jonathon is the son of the King, but has lost his entitlement to the throne, in favour of his brother, Prince Valien. Isra and Jonathon develop a close connection, and they meet in secret at every opportunity. U nbeknownst to Isra, Jonathan is already in a relationship with her friend Everilda. When Isra discovers the betrayal, she is heartbroken. Then, when she learns that Jonathan is under a fateful curse and forever bound to Everilda, she is enraged. Little does Isra know, she is part of a dark prophecy that has not yet been realised. According to the prophecy, Isra will turn dark and become ‘ Lady Isra of the Dark’. ‘Light bringer’, Astrid is tracking her every move, concerned her heartbreak might unleash her darkness. But, with no hope to salvage her friendship with Everilda, and no chance of a reconciliation with Jonathan, Isra sets out on revenge. Will Isra turn dark and release her darkness on the world? And can the light bringers, keep her on the light path? Her Dark Love, by Isra Sravenheart, is a dark fantasy fiction novel, and part of the Dark Spell Series. I understand Her Dark Love is a prequel to the other books in the series, and tells the back stories of the main characters. This is a gripping novel, which starts slowly but quickly builds momentum, as the characters and their relationships develop over the course of the story. This is an original concept, with a magical fantasy world, interesting characters, and an intriguing plot. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but I was captivated and would love to read more about Isra, and how her character develops following this prequel. The book will appeal to adults and young adult readers, who enjoy dark fantasy fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping novel, set within a magical fantasy world, with interesting characters, and an intriguing plot. Purchase here

< Back Sara Patricia Kelly 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood Poems A collection of eleven sing-along poems by Sara Patricia Kelly. 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood Poems is a collection of eleven poems for young children, by author Sara Patricia Kelly, featuring four characters: Flossie Bossy, Jammy, Jumperlina and Cat. The delightful ‘What are the Bubbles?’ explores the wonder and magic of bubbles in different forms, Bubbles are moments, shiny and bright; adventures in childhood, a magical flight. ‘Recipe for a Green Pea Monster’, explores the joys (and mess!) of cooking for, and feeding, a little one. My favourite in this collection is the title of the book ‘4 a.m. Raspberry Party’, with its clever use of rhyme, repetition and alliteration, this is a joy to read. ‘My Sister is an Owl’ is a sweet poem, about a girl who is adjusting to the arrival of a new baby sister ‘Coochi coo,’ the grown-ups ooh around the baby bed. I was number one before; now she’s the star, instead. 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood is a beautifully written collection of poetry for younger readers. The poems are silly, fun and a joy to read aloud, each capturing precious moments of childhood. The poems are accompanied with sing-along melodies on the authors website. The author encourages readers to sing-along and record musical versions of the poems, and to share their creativity online. The variety of poems introduces young readers to different poetic forms and styles, which will help to develop language skills and an appreciation for poetry. It is a book that children and their parents or caregivers can enjoy and sing-along together, creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. The delicate, hand painted water colour illustrations by Ella Elviana are simply stunning. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sensational, sweet, sing-along collection of poems, which celebrates the joy and innocence of childhood. A must-have for every child’s library or bookshelf. Purchase here

< Back Ashley Wall The Day I Had a Bulldozer Luke and Bobo’s amazing construction adventure. One day, a bulldozer turns up at Luke’s house, with his name on it. Luke and his dog, Bobo, hop into the bulldozer and drive to his friends, Noah’s house. When he arrives, Noah is driving a dump trunk. With their new machines, Luke and Noah build a gigantic hill of dirt and Bobo plays in the muck pile. When their friend Mikey drives by in a steamroller, he flattens everything in his path. Before Mikey can do anymore damage, the boys cruise to the park in their vehicles and meet their friend Emma, who is driving an excavator. The four friends dig a new path to the ice cream shop. Luke cleared the path, Emma filled the dumper, Noah made a huge pile of rubble, and Mikey (after lots of practice) flattened the road to the ice cream shop. When they have finished, the friends enjoyed a well-deserved ice cream from Mr Popsicle’s shop. After a full day of construction adventures, will Luke make it home in time for dinner? The Day I Had a Bulldozer is a fun, illustrated children’s picture book by author Ashley Wall about a young boy who had a fun-filled day with his friends, building a new road in his new bulldozer. The book will help young children learn more about construction, the types of vehicles used in construction, and the types of jobs involved in the construction industry. Many youngsters love to play with toy construction vehicles, and this book will help them understand what they are used for in the real world. The book will help develop knowledge and vocabulary of the construction industry and might inspire younger children to get involved in construction, science, and engineering. I liked the diverse representation of characters in this book, and the charming, colourful illustrations by Vaughan Duck. Luke is a sweet character, and young children will love to follow his adventures with his friends. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun picture book about Luke and his dog Bobo, and their fun-filled day of construction adventures. Purchase here

< Back Kelly Cheek Gazing Into the Abyss Spirit medium, Suzy Quinn, returns in the fourth book in the SpiritSense series. Suzy Quinn and Fin MacKinley decide to move in together, after three years dating. It’s been a tough few years for Suzy, after losing both her husband, Mark, and daughter, Emma, in a tragic boating accident several years previously. Suzy is a spirit medium and able to connect with the spirit world. She found notoriety in the media and was dubbed a ‘ghost whisperer’ for her ability to talk to ghosts. But despite her unique ability, she has not been able to connect with either her own husband or her daughter. The couple settle into their new living arrangements and Fin proposes to Suzy. As they look forward to spending the rest of their lives together, Suzy is contacted by the mother of an old friend, Joan Rossi. Joan explains that her daughter, Michelle, recently passed away and has been haunting her ever since. Michelle has asked her mother to call Suzy Quin, the ghost whisperer. Suzy agrees to help Joan, and within a few minutes of entering her home, she connects with Michelle’s spirit. Through her spiritual connection with Michelle, Suzy is able to see her flashbacks, and her memories of other dead people. She soon discovers that Michelle dated her husband Mark, long before Suzy had met him. Through Michelle, Suzy is able to feel, converse and experience the man she deeply loved. As Suzy continues to support Joan, in order to experience her dead husband, she questions whether marrying Fin is the right thing to do. Suzy witnesses Michelle’s flashbacks to her troubled life with her mother, her turbulent relationship with Mark, her addictions to alcohol, drugs and sex, and her devastating illness. During the final weeks of Michelle’s life, Suzy learns that her unfinished business is actually with her, and finally discovers the real truth about her death. Gazing Into the Abyss is a supernatural thriller, by author Kelly Cheek and the fourth book in the SpiritSense series. This is a gripping, page-turning thriller, about a woman who has a unique ability to connect with the spirit world. When the mother of an old friend contacts her, she gets to reconnect with the man she once deeply loved. The scenes where she observes her husband in his previous relationship are both heart-breaking and heart-warming. The characters are well developed, and the plot is well-crafted. Full of intrigue, mystery and suspense, this book was hard to put down. I had not read any of the previous books in the series, and could easily follow and enjoy the story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, page-turning supernatural thriller, full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Purchase here

< Back Victoria E Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson The Big Dream Will Brandon’s dream of winning a remote-controlled car race come true? Twelve-year-old Brandon is looking forward to a fun filled summer break with his friends in Riverside. It is the final week of term, but before school ends, Brandon has to complete an English essay about his plans for the summer. As Brandon ponders his essay, the bell rings and school closes for the summer. Brandon retreats to his rooftop pigeon coop with his friends, Josh and Skip. Brandon has twenty pigeons in his coop, and is visited frequently by a friendly crow, he named Ralph. When the boys hear of a new remote-controlled car race being held in the town, they cannot wait to enter. The race is being organised by video game developer, Game2Teck, and the winner will feature in a new video game. But the car kit and race fees are expensive and could cost up to $2,000. Brandon summons Josh and Skip to an emergency meeting, to discuss ways to raise the money. Each boy gets a summer job, and they plan various other fund-raising events, including a car wash and a bake sale. When they notice crow Ralph collecting shiny objects from the floor, they spot a novel opportunity to make even more money for their racing scheme. But, when money and valuable trinkets start disappearing across the town, Brandon and his feathered friend find themselves in a spot of bother. Will the boys make enough money to enter the race? Will Brandon’s goal of winning the race come true? Or is it all just a pipe dream? The Big Dream by Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson is a fun book for middle grade readers about a young boy named Brandon and his school friends. The boys desperately try to raise money over the summer break to enter a remote-controlled car race. They will stop at nothing to achieve their dream even if it means bending the rules, just a little bit. This is an entertaining story and young readers will laugh out loud at the boys fund-raising adventures and the (mis)adventures of Ralph the crow, who is drafted in to help. The book beautifully captures the essence of summer, childhood friendships and the innocence of youth. A delightful read, with a surprising, unexpected twist at the end. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful, fun-filled summer adventure of pigeon hunting and remote- controlled car racing, featuring a very special crow. Purchase here

Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) < Back Coriana Hope Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) A contemporary twist on the traditional fairy tale, by author Coriana Hope Princess Chrisithia (Chris) heir of Agaedith is invited to the birthday party of Princess Coralla in the neighbouring kingdom of SeaCrest. When Chris is attacked by a swarm of bees on the birthday parade float, the horses pulling the float are spooked, and career through the parade, before crashing into the ocean. Princess Coralla is furious and yells at Chris, who responds by punching the birthday girl in the face. Chris flees the scene and is banished from SeaCrest. She meets a strange boy in the forest and learns he is Coralla’s secret brother, Prince Kedrick. Chris and Kedrick become good friends and they meet in the woods one day, where they are attacked by possessed trees and chased by a pack of wolves and their leader, a talking alpha wolf. Chris’s parents, the Queen SnowWhite and King Orrluxe, are embarrassed by their daughter’s unprincessly behaviour and send her to the Interkingdom Collaborative University for Princesses, in the hope that the boarding school will control her behaviour and secure her a prince for a husband. Chris loathes the school and the wretched princesses that reside there. She tries everything she can to get expelled, skipping classes and being rude to the teachers, but all of her attempts fail. As Chris develops an unlikely friendship with a commoner girl named Rachaella, the wolves who chased her through the woods track her down, and threaten to kill her. Meanwhile, princesses are disappearing across the land and Chris discovers a monstrous evil power roaming through Agaedith. Chris must seek the help of her arch-enemy the alpha wolf, and her old friend, Kedrick, to solve the mystery before the evil power destroys the entire kingdom. Reign or Shine by author Coriana Hope is a wonderful adventure and fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, with a contemporary twist on the traditional fairy tale. The book features some familiar fairy tale characters, such as Snow White, but not quite as you might remember them. Chris is a strong and feisty female protagonist, who rebels against her parents and their expectations of good princess behavour. She is a typical teen, with a desire for fun, friendship and adventure, but is abandoned and neglected by her parents, and trapped in a hostile royal castle. Despite her privilege, she experiences many challenges, anxieties and insecurities, that young adult readers will relate to. The book ends on a thrilling cliff-hanger, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful adventure and fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, with a strong and feisty female protagonist, and some familiar fairy tale characters. Purchase here