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< Back Lynsey Martin How to Get an Alligator Out of the Bathtub It is nearly bedtime and brothers Peyton and Bennett race to get into the bathtub. But much to their surprise they find an unexpected guest in the tub – a very green and very scary alligator! They discover that Alistair is not so scary after all, and in fact is quite a sophisticated alligator. Alistair is fed up with the filthy swamp and has decided to make his home in Peyton and Bennett’s clean tub. Peyton and Bennett try to think of ways to get the alligator out of the bathtub, but nothing works. When they learn that Alistair has lost his family and friends, the brothers decide to search for them. They search the dock, the swamp, and the beach, but they are nowhere to be found. Peyton and Bennett give up and head back home, wondering whether they will ever be able to have a bath again. But, when they arrive home, they find another surprise waiting for them on their doorstep. How to Get an Alligator Out of the Bathtub is a fun picture book by author Lynsey Martin. The book follows two brothers who desperately try to get an alligator out of their bathtub, after he takes up residence in their home. However, there is one big problem, he refuses to leave. The illustrations by Colleen Coggins are funny, bright and engaging, and young children will enjoy seeing the alligator in lots of silly scenarios. Young readers will enjoy the fun story and the amusing twists as the brothers find different ways to get the alligator out of the tub. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and imaginative read, perfect for children who love silly stories and a little bit of mischief. https://mamabearbooks.com/ Purchase here

< Back A Frank Corso Mystery Divine Travel Agency A Frank Corso mystery novel, set in magical New Orleans Frank Corso, a middle-aged New Yorker, and Wall Street financial researcher, is on a field trip to the French Quarter of New Orleans, when he is contacted by his ex-girlfriend Maggie. Maggie is worried about her friend, Aureole, a young, Creole girl who disappeared after visiting her bar the previous evening. Maggie is convinced Aureole’s disappearance is related to her unique mystical powers and her role as a clairvoyant. Frank reluctantly agrees to help Maggie look for her friend, in the hope that they might rekindle their relationship. As Frank begins to investigate the girl’s disappearance, he calls on his friends and colleagues to help him solve the mystery. Intrigued, but sceptical of Aureole’s special abilities, Frank starts his investigation by examining all those who attended Aureole’s last séance. He is soon drawn into the mysterious world of the occult and supernatural, and discovers the Divine Travel Agency, which will change his life forever. The Divine Travel Agency is an intriguing, mystery novel set in New Orleans. This is a fast-paced, riveting page turner, filled with mystery and mystique, and numerous twists and turns. With vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds and colours of the New Orleans French quarter, you can really feel the energy of this amazing city. I was completely immersed in the book and for a few hours, I was right in the heart of New Orleans. This is a riveting and well-developed story, with likeable and relatable characters. Frank Corso is a wonderfully charismatic and flawed character. The perfect anti-hero. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fast-paced, intriguing mystery, with a charismatic investigator and a supernatural twist. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar Diary of my Dreams Naji is fast asleep when a loud explosion wakes him from his dream. He settles back to sleep and is woken again, and again, and again. Naji just wants to sleep and dream so he doesn’t have to think about the ongoing war in his country. He dreams his school has been destroyed, and there is nothing left but rubble. But, when he wakes, he remembers his school and wishes he could get it back. He dreams of eating left over food for days and days. When he wakes, he wishes he could go out to eat again. He dreams of helping his dad with the groceries. When he is woken again, he remembers he needs to buy and carry the groceries all by himself. As images of war invade Naji’s thoughts and his dreams, he wonders whether he will ever live in peace again. Diary of my Dreams is an illustrated picture book by Hazem Nassar about a young boy growing up in a country torn apart by war. Naji is desperate to sleep to forget about the war in his country, but loud explosions keep him awake. Soon, sleep is no longer a peaceful, restful event, it is a constant reminder of the horrors of war. Written from the perspective of Naji, this book sensitively explores the impact of war from a child’s point of view. The story captures Naji’s fears and grief, making it a powerful and poignant read for young readers. The child-like illustrations and use of handwritten font, complement the story beautifully. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A touching and thought provoking read about war, and its impact on young people. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTGN64G2 Purchase here

< Back Angela White Nuclear Ashes Book blurb... Adrian will soon discover if the choices he’s made have cost him a son. Even Angela can’t be sure. Neither can any of the others like her. The power of the descendants is growing, and so is Safe Haven's awareness of having magic in their midst. Angela is no longer the only seer in Adrian’s camp of survivors…if she ever was. Now on the way to Arkansas, these battered refugees will face a more dangerous threat than the slavers. Furious at the latest bloodshed between lawless groups of humanity, Mother Nature has declared her own war, repeatedly unleashing her fury against everyone. The apocalypse has never been more lethal as the aftermath continues to take its toll on what remains of the great human herd. Purchase here

< Back Carolyn Clarke And Then There's Margaret Meddlesome mother-in-law Margret moves into the Montgomery home, from debut author Carolyn Clark Mother of two, Allison Montgomery, always had a fractious relationship with her mother-in-law, Margaret. Margaret doted on her dear son, Hank, and no-one could ever live up to her lofty standards and grand expectations, let alone Allison. From the moment they first met, Margaret was dismissive of Allison, condescending and interfering. Even after two children and many years of marriage, Allison dreaded spending time with her cantankerous mother-in-law. But Allison’s life is turned upside down when her kind and loving father-in-law, George, passes away and Margaret is forced to move into the family home for a while. Allison tries her hardest to welcome and support her grieving mother-in-law, but Margaret’s constant criticism and interference drive her close to the edge. As Allisson and Hank’s marriage spirals downhill, the two women must learn to get along and co-exist to avoid the breakup of the marriage and the entire family. And Then There’s Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is a captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. As the women learn to live with one another, following the heartbreak of losing their beloved George, they find a new connection and a new lease of life. The book is a refreshing take on the typical monster-in-law narrative. This is an entertaining, witty, and sharp read, with relatable characters that many readers will connect with. The book was a joy to read, and helped me escape from the dramas of my own life for a few hours! And Then There’s Margaret will appeal to readers of women’s fiction, comedy, and family sagas. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating, comedy-drama exploring the complex and turbulent relationship between a woman and her mother-in-law. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Cat Fan Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact Mika’s magical, mystical adventure in San Francisco, by author Cat Fan Mika and her pet unicorn, Polo, are admiring the pavilion in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, when suddenly a secret message appears. The message explains that a precious artefact is lost, and Mika’s quest is to solve the clue and find it. The first clue is to find a hidden king, but as Mika takes a closer look at the message, she touches an engraving and is magically teleported to another part of the city. Mika and Polo are in the California Academy of Sciences, and find a hidden king, the T-Rex, the king of all dinosaurs. As Mika and Polo uncover new clues, they are teleported across the city, to monuments and famous streets, where they learn all about the history and culture of San Francisco. Will Mika and Polo solve the clues and find the lost artefact? And will they get back to the park before Mika’s parents notice they are missing? Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact is a fun and educational illustrated chapter book, with an adorable protagonist Mika, and a cute sidekick, Polo. This book is a great concept, where the history and culture of a real city is revealed through solving cryptic clues. Children will be engaged and entertained, as they help Mika and Polo solve the clues, and at the same time learn about the city of San Francisco. Wonderful, digital artwork by Caner Soylu, bring the story and characters to life beautifully. We look forward to more adventures of Mika and Polo in other mesmerising cities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and educational book, with an adorable protagonist Mika, and her cute sidekick, Polo Purchase here

< Back Aimee Hill All The Gray In Between Two clients, two deaths, one month apart . Thirty-year-old therapist, Lexi, specialises in cases of child neglect and parental alienation, a form of abuse where one parent is intentionally negative towards the other parent. Lexi had a good childhood, but everything changed when her wealthy stepfather abused her during her teenage years. Lexi’s mother stuck with her husband, and abandoned Lexi when she reported the abuse to the police. Following her stepfathers conviction, Lexi was awarded millions of dollars in compensation, which meant she never had to work again. However, as a result of her own trauma, she was determined to help other children, and qualified as a therapist. Lexi has had an on-off relationship with Beau, a detective for the Key Sebastian Police Department, for many years. Beau was also neglected by his mother and abused as a child. Lexi loves him deeply but is scared of commitment due to their troubled upbringings. When one of Lexi’s clients commits suicide, she wonders whether she could have done more to save her life. One month later, another client also commits suicide in similar circumstances. Lexi becomes suspicious and questions the cause of both deaths. Lexi believes there is foul play and starts to investigate the case with Beau. They find a connection between the deaths and a police officer, her own brother, and the son of one of her clients. Is there a serial killer on the loose? Or is someone targeting Lexi’s clients to get to her? Meanwhile, Lexi thinks she is being followed, and her estranged mother pays her an unexpected visit. Will Lexi and Beau solve the two mysterious deaths? Will Lexi forgive her mother? And can the couple leave their past behind them and move forward with their lives together? All The Gray In Between is a harrowing, psychological thriller / crime mystery by author Aimee Hill. Hill weaves a chilling tale of a therapist whose life takes a dark and twisted turn when two of her clients are found dead in mysterious circumstances. As Lexi, and her on-off partner, Beau investigates the case, old wounds are opened, and their relationship is put to the test. With strong characters, and an original plot with plenty of twists and turns, this is a captivating read that was hard to put down. The twist at the end of the book was totally unexpected and made me reevaluate the whole story. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A harrowing, psychological thriller about a therapist whose life takes a dark and twisted turn when two of her clients are found dead. Purchase here

Gripped Part 3: The Fallout < Back Stacy Padula Gripped Part 3: The Fallout Book blurb... Now being adapted for TV by Emmy Award-winning producer, Mark Blutman! After a near-death experience, Chris Dunkin begins surrounding himself with positive influences and putting his efforts towards living a clean lifestyle. However, the night before school starts, his best friend Jason convinces him to host a party that shows Chris more about himself than he actually wants to know. Meanwhile, Marc Dunkin has received word from a detective that his oldest brother Taylor is a person of interest in a highly confidential case headed by the Boston Police Department. They know Taylor's clean; they know he wants out of the game; and they want to help make that happen. However, their "help" will come at a cost-one that may put Taylor and his entire family in grave danger. Taylor is trying to get his life back in order after an opiate addiction wreaked havoc on his once promising athletic future. Getting clean was a difficult feat, but breaking free from the Bilotti crime ring will present an even greater challenge. Purchase here

< Back G.V. Hext The Vatra Witch Book blurb... A Witch hiding death magic... A Captain who's broken her heart... A Demon who could destroy them both... When Seraphina’s sister is dragged into the underworld, she’s forced to deal with a deadly well of magic that she swore to keep secret. Tasked with an impossible rescue mission, Seraphina must navigate a realm of monsters, bargains, and betrayal. Her council-appointed guard happens to be the warlock who once stole her heart and shattered it without ever knowing. But they aren’t alone. A demon lord with a mysterious bond watches and waits, bargaining for power, protection...and fated temptation. As the path darkens and choices between her past and future grow complicated, Seraphina must decide who she can trust and how much she's willing to sacrifice. Because what Eraphon demands...the souls must follow. Purchase here

< Back Elizabeth H. Cottrell HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and INspire Author Elizabeth H. Cottrell demonstrates how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a guidebook by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell about how to write beautiful, handwritten notes that connect with others on a deeper level. Cottrell explains how handwritten notes have been effective, meaningful tools for connection throughout her life. She shares her experience of writing personal and professional notes, and offers advice and guidance to help readers find and write their own words. The book is divided into six key sections. In Chapter 1, Cottrell explains why she wrote the book, and discusses the history of note writing. In Chapter 2 she describes how note writing can build deeper and more meaningful connections with people. Chapter 3 describes her secret NOTES formula for note writing, and Chapter 4 examine how to apply the formula in different scenarios. In Chapter 5, Cottrell provides examples of notes in less common or difficult situations. Chapter 6 demonstrates how to apply the same principles to business and professional correspondence. The remaining chapters and appendices include a variety of tools and tips, and further resources to help readers on their personal note writing journey. Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire is a beautifully written and insightful book by author Elizabeth H. Cottrell. Cottrell shares her own personal experiences and describes the power of note writing to connect, comfort, encourage, and inspire. The book provides insight, advice, hints and tips, and helpful tools, to help readers craft meaningful and impactful notes for any occasion. With a simple and easy to follow NOTES formula, the book will help develop readers confidence and skills in note writing. The book is a comprehensive and valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their note writing skills, and will appeal to any reader interested in note writing, in either a personal or professional capacity. I hope this beautiful book will inspire a love of this art-form. Cottrell’s expertise in note writing, and her passion for more meaningful communication, shines throughout this book. Cottrell speaks from the heart and this book is very special. Truly heart spoken. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A definitive guide to more meaningful and impactful communication through the art of note writing. Purchase here

< Back Angie Bailey Believe Abigale believes there is more to life than the dull, grey world she inhabits, by author Angie Bailey Thirteen-year-old Abigale Johnson was born into a family of Never-Believers. A family who did not believe in Christmas, or birthdays, or fun, adventure or magic. A family whose life was dull and grey. But Abigale was a little different from the Johnson’s. She had dreams of a better life, and a life a little less grey. So Abigale spent most her time tyring to avoid her family, particularly her brothers who were the meanest of the mean, and teased and taunted Abigale every single day. One day, on a dreaded train trip to visit her despicable and very grey Aunt Violet, Abigale’s life changes for ever. After a knock on the head, Abigale discovers an alternate Fae world of wonder and magic, fae-folk, and Believers. Whizzing along on the Faedora magic train, Abigale meets lots of new friends and discovers Christmas and other wonderful celebrations. At thirteen, Abigale has her first ever birthday party, full of love and laughter. But not everyone on the magical train is happy with Abigale’s arrival, and they plot a sinister spell to extract her from the train during the next pink moon, putting her life in mortal danger. As Abigale’s new friends try to save her from doom, they soon discover Abigale has some important royal connections, and even her despicable Aunt Violet is not quite who she seems. Believe is an imaginative and enchanting novel. Well written by Angie Bailey and full of wonder, mystery and magic, the book has fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers. The book is the first part of a series, and we can’t wait to read the next instalment in Abigale’s magical journey. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enchanting novel, with fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jennifer R Sommer Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, "Mother of Hubble" Space Telescope Nancy Grace Roman’s journey to becoming ‘Mother of Hubble’. As a young girl, Nancy Grace was fascinated by the stars in the night sky and started her own astronomy club to search for constellations. As she moved from place to place for her dad’s job, the stars became her nearest and dearest friends. By junior high, Nancy knew she wanted to become an astronomer, but astronomy was not a typical career for a young woman in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Most colleges at the time did not accept girls, but Nancy found one that did and was accepted onto a science course. She also worked as an assistant at an observatory and earned a degree in astronomy in 1946, and later a PhD. As a scientific researcher, Nancy began to study the stars in the Milky Way and made some new discoveries. In 1959, she was asked to set up the space astronomy program at a new space agency, NASA. Nancy’s significant scientific achievements, her position as Chief of Astronomy for NASA, and her role in the space telescope project, led to her nickname the ‘Mother of the Hubble’. This is a remarkable book for middle grade readers, about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. During a time when few women went to college, and fewer studied astronomy, Nancy went on to become one of the leading scientists of her generation. I had heard of Nancy, but I knew little about her life. This book has inspired me to go and study more about this incredible woman and her achievements. Well-researched by Jennifer R Sommer, and based on many conversations with Nancy herself, this is an insightful and accessible book for readers of all ages. The book will appeal to readers interested in science, and particularly astronomy. The starry illustrations by Gayle Cobb are simply stunning. This is a fascinating read and highly recommended. The book will inspire children and adults alike to look up. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A remarkable book about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. Purchase here