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< 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 Andrea Antico The Books That You'll Read with Leo the Lion, Your Library Guide Leo the Lion is a library guide, who will help young readers discover the wonder of stories and books. Leo takes readers on a tour of the library, and introduces readers to a wide range of books, children’s authors and their famous characters. Leo explains different types of books (including e-readers), how to borrow a book, and how to avoid a fine! He also helps children explore mobile library services (book bikes, bookmobiles). But there is much more to do in a library than borrowing books, children can also use laptops, find resources, use the space to do homework, and take part in activities, such as story time. The Books That You'll Read with Leo the Lion (Your Library Guide) is a cheerful and engaging picture book, written in rhyme, by Andrea Antico. This delightful book introduces young readers to Leo the Lion, a wise and gentle lion who serves as an informative library guide. If you ever wondered what happens inside a library, or just need a friendly face to show you around, look no further than Leo the Lion. The storytelling is engaging and informative, with illustrations that are bright and colourful. Leo is a loveable character who makes the library feel welcoming and exciting, especially for children who might be visiting the library for the first time. Perfect for pre-school readers, or prior to a first library visit, this book will help young readers develop a life-long love of reading. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and friendly resource for young children, to help them navigate the wonder of libraries and discover the joy of books. Purchase here

< Back Stacy Natzel Simply Still Simply Still: Finding Peace in the Storm by author Stacy Natzel is a deeply introspective and heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, healing, and the pursuit of inner peace amidst life's challenges. The book is structured into thematic chapters, each addressing a different aspect of personal growth, emotional resilience, and spiritual alignment. Natzel's writing is poetic and reflective, inviting readers to pause and immerse themselves in the quiet spaces within. The book begins with an introduction that sets the tone for the journey ahead, emphasizing the importance of surrender and self-worth. Natzel shares her personal experiences and struggles, offering a vulnerable and authentic perspective that resonates with readers seeking solace and understanding. Throughout the book, Natzel delves into themes of forgiveness, letting go, and the dangers of seeking external validation. She critiques societal norms, such as the pervasive influence of social media and cancel culture, which often prioritize appearances and division over authenticity and connection. Her insights encourage readers to embrace their true selves, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and love. Natzel's personal experiences, including her family relationships, childhood trauma, and her journey toward sobriety, add depth to her message. She shares her struggles with vulnerability, rejection, and self-doubt, and how she overcame them through faith, forgiveness, and self-compassion. Simply Still is not just a book, but a guide to living a more intentional and peaceful life. Natzel's words are comforting for the soul, reminding readers that peace is always within reach. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautifully written and deeply moving book that offers valuable insights for anyone navigating life's storms. Purchase here

< Back Christine Copeland Have You Seen the Ghost of John Author and artist Christine Copeland brings an old folk song to life through beautiful watercolour illustrations Have You Seen the Ghost of John? by author Christine Copeland, is based on a folk song of the same name. The sheet music is included at the start of the book, and the author encourages readers to sing along. The book tells the story of newlyweds Abigail and Peter Williams who visit Peters family in their New England village, but they sense a presence, which, unbeknownst to them, is the ghost of their ancestor John Williams. Readers are encouraged to find John Williams in the beautiful watercolour illustrations. This is an interactive picture book, where readers are encouraged to get involved by singing along and finding John Williams in the illustrations. Young readers will love to get involved, and sing along with their parents or carers. The illustrations by Copeland are stunning and a piece of art in their own right. They capture the era and the New England scenery perfectly, and include a touch of humour. Star rating: 5 Stars. Purchase here

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

< Back Josh Jensen No Easy Way Back Book blurb. .. For fans of character driven thrillers, like Orphan x, and modern westerns, Like Wind River, Graham Hayes has never fit in - not in the life he left behind, and not in the one he's trying to build. After years with the Regimental Reconnaissance Company ”an elite special operations unit” he walked away. Not because he was broken. Because he was done. But when his estranged brother, Colt, is accused of murder and disappears into the Utah wilderness, Graham is pulled back to a place that feels more like a monument to his failures than a home. The evidence against Colt is airtight. The man behind it ”Greg Langston” is powerful, protected, and untouchable. Finding Colt is just the beginning. As Graham starts pulling threads, he uncovers a web of corruption that runs deep and puts everyone he still cares about in the crosshairs. He's fought wars in the deadliest places on earth. But this time, the battlefield is home and the fight is personal. There's no easy way back. But there's a hell of a way out. Purchase here

< Back Steven Thedford The First Fruits Festival of Kwanzaa (A Zulu Celebration) Shaka Thomas from Charlotte, North Carolina, is preparing to honor his ancestors by singing the ngoma at the Kwanzaa first fruits harvest festival in South Africa. The festival (also known as the Calabash Festival or Umkhosi Woselwa) is a celebration among Zulus. Shaka’s grandmother was the first daughter of the Zulu king, who moved to America after marrying a man from the United States. She promised to return to South Africa every year with her family to attend festival. But Shaka is still recovering from his last bout of sickle cell anaemia and is unsure whether he will be strong enough to sing. The book highlights the significance of family, community, and cultural heritage, and offers readers a fascinating insight into the vibrant traditions of the Zulu people and the African American holiday of Kwanzaa. Through Shaka’s journey, readers learn about different cultural practices, such as the Reed Dance, the royal tasting ceremony, and the energetic Indlamu dance, and of the importance of honoring ancestors, preserving traditions, and overcoming personal challenges. The glossary at the end provides helpful definitions of key terms, enhancing the reader’s understanding of Zulu culture and language. The First Fruits Festival of Kwanzaa by Steven C. Thedford is an engaging and educational story that celebrates African heritage and the universal values of family, courage, and cultural pride. It serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to learn more about the traditions of Kwanzaa and the Zulu people, while inspiring them to embrace their own cultural traditions. The illustrations by Khosi Pholosa beautifully complement the story, bringing the story to life with vivid depictions of family gatherings, traditional attire, and ceremonial events. The book also touches on themes of resilience, as Shaka overcomes his fears and physical limitations to perform at the festival, supported by his family and cousin Lincoln. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An engaging and educational story celebrating Zulu culture and African heritage. Purchase here

< Back DF Kennedy The Whole Truth Dahlia Frost returns in this gripping second instalment, by author DF Kennedy. The Whole Truth is the second book in a series from author DF Kennedy, which follows on where the first book, The Truth, ended. Following her kidnapping in Scotland, pregnant Dahlia returns home to rebuild her life with her fiancé, Roland. Dahlia suspects her stepfather Bob was involved in her kidnapping, and confronts him at his home, threatening to kill him. With Roland away at a movie premier, Dahlia calls her ex-husband, Daniel, for support. There is an altercation at the river, when they find Bob in a boat with her mother, Sylvia. Bob is reported missing when his boat washes up on the bank, empty. Sylvia is rushed to hospital with a suspected brain bleed, brought on by ongoing health issues, the stress of Bob’s disappearance and recent revelations in Dahlia’s autobiographical novel. Meanwhile, as Dahlia tries to settle into her new home with Roland, she finds a letter in her mother’s possessions with the real identity of her birth father. When Bob’s dead body is found in the river with a bullet wound, the scene bears an uncanny resemblance to the death of Dahlia’s father, many years ago. While Roland is away, Daniel visits Dahlia in the hope of a reconciliation. When Dahlia turns down his advances, Daniel threatens to tell the police that she killed Bob, unless she leaves Roland and tells him the baby is not his. Dahlia plays along and attempts to leave Roland, but when Roland’s life is put in danger, she finally reveals the truth. Daniel informs the police and Dahlia is arrested and taken in for questioning. The murder weapon is found with Dahlias fingerprints. The police interrogate Dahlia and review her autobiography, finding a compelling motive for his murder. The Whole Truth by DF Kennedy is a gripping psychological thriller, loosely based on the authors own experiences. The second book in the series, this novel explores further the relationships between the main characters, and their backstories. This is a captivating novel, with a complex, intricate and well-crafted plot, and well-developed, authentic characters. The book had me gripped from start to finish. There are a number of clues and key pieces of evidence featured throughout the book, but I still have no idea where this book will end! I cannot wait for the next instalment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping psychological thriller, with a complex, intricate and well-crafted plot, and well-developed, authentic characters. Purchase here

Paula Welch presents The Interlopers, intrepid alien explorers in a desperate search for a new home. < Back Paula Welch The Interlopers Seven-year-old Charlie Featherstone lived on a farm in New South Wales, Australia. He loved nothing more than to look up at the sky at night, and dreamed of becoming an astronomer or an astronaut one day. On one starry night, Charlie witnesses a dazzling meteor shower that would change his life forever. Fast forward twenty-five years, Dr Charlie Featherstone is now working at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex when he discovers some strange activity radiating from the moon and a not too far away planet. Meanwhile, hidden beside one of Jupiter’s moons, is the Zephyrus, a spaceship that has travelled from a far distant galaxy to flee war on their home planet of Lamatra. Captain of the Zephyrus, Lathaniel, has been searching for a habitable planet, and hopes the beautiful blue planet Earth will provide much needed shelter and safety. Lathaniel reaches out to Charlie and his team at the CDSCC in the hope they can persuade the authorities to let the Lamatrians settle in Australia. After long negotiations, the aliens are given permission to stay, and they soon adapt to life on Earth. But not everyone is happy with the new arrivals, and when innocent aliens are brutally attacked by humans, the Lamatrians have an important decision to make. Should they stay on Earth or leave and seek out another planet? The Interlopers is an outstanding science fiction novel for pre-teen readers. The book has a perfect balance of insight and factual information, and creativity and imagination, to make this both an entertaining and believable story. It might even persuade the most passionate sceptics to question the existence of extra-terrestrial life! The book is packed full of interesting facts about science and technology, the planetary systems, and space travel. The narration by Emma provides further context and information, for those readers that might be less familiar with these subjects. The book is beautifully written by Paula Welch. The characters are likable and well developed, particularly the two main characters, Charlie, and Lathaniel. The story follows their individual journeys, over time and across space, and readers will connect with their experiences of love and loss, their dreams and insecurities, and their successes and failures. We hope to hear more about Charlie and Lathaniel, and their human-alien relationships, in the future. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An outstanding and believable science fiction story, beautifully written by Welch‘. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Melissa Rousu Grandpa Loved Wild Things Grandpa Bill loves wild things, and loves to take his grandchildren outside to enjoy nature. He takes them into the snowy forest to find a snowy owl, and teaches them about owl habitats. Grandpa Bill also takes care of injured wild animals in his home. He looks after an injured eagle, and a racoon who has been abandoned by his mother. Grandpa Bill teaches his grandchildren about each animal, and how to take care of them. Another day, Grandpa Bill takes his grandchildren to a lake to look at the ducks. As the grandchildren get older, they spend less time with Grandpa Bill, until one day he joins the wild things he loved so much. His grandchildren remember what he taught them, and they teach their own children all about the wild things their grandpa loved. Grandpa Loved Wild Things by Melissa Rousu is a charming, illustrated picture book that explores the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, and the importance of passing down knowledge and stories through generations. Grandpa Bill patiently teaches his grandchildren about nature, and in time those children pass on the same learnings to their own children. The book has a gentle environmental message, encouraging young readers to explore the world around them, and to take care of nature. A perfect book to inspire children to get involved in outdoor activities and nature. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary: A charming, illustrated picture book with a gentle environmental message. Purchase here

< Back Lukman Clark The Alexandria Scrolls Brandon Blakes’s exploration into past life regression hypnosis takes him on a journey to ancient Egypt, by author Lukman Clark Brandon Blake’s parents died unexpectedly when he was a young boy. He grew up with his loving Aunt Grace, who treated him like her own son, but Brandon always felt there was something missing from his life. He had strange visions and memories he couldn’t understand or explain, and attempted hypnotherapy to help shed light on these inexplicable experiences. During a session of past life regression hypnosis in Bel Aire, Los Angeles, with Dr Clara d’Uccelli, Brandon discovers the lost scrolls of Hypatia of Alexandria, hidden in a cave in Libya. On waking from the hypnosis, Brandon decides to travel to Haua Fteah Cave in the Green Mountain region of Libya to retrieve the scrolls and find proof of his past life. Clara feels a deep connection to Brandon’s vision, and supports him on his journey to retrieve the scrolls. Brandon arrives in Libya, and apart from a brief encounter with a group of fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq, he retrieves the scrolls with relative ease. He flies to Malta, and spends the following months translating the scrolls under the close supervision of the doctor. As Brandon and Clara’s relationship grows intimate, the scrolls are stolen by Brandon’s girlfriend, Julia, who tries to sell them to the highest bidder. Clara reveals that she knew his mother from the time she worked as a trainee therapist, and his mother had experienced past life memories shortly after Brandon’s conception. Returning home, Brandon seeks answers from his Aunt Grace and his mothers’ therapist, Dr. Charlotte Bourne. Dr. Bourne shows Brandon a letter written to him by his mother, and left in her care. The letter explains that his parents were part of a secret and special community of extraordinary individuals and encloses a key to a safe deposit box to help him start his journey to joining the community. As Brandon goes on an epic journey in search of the stolen scrolls, he commits to learning more about regression therapy in the hope that he will learn more about his parents’ life and find closure on their untimely deaths. The Alexandria Scrolls (Book Two - The Transfiguration of Brandon Blake) by Lukman Clark is an intriguing and imaginative fiction novel. This is a fast-paced, action-packed novel set across time periods and continents, with well-developed characters, and an enthralling plot. With elements of fantasy, this book will appeal to readers of both historic fiction and fantasy fiction. The Transfiguration of Brandon Blake is the second book in a series, and can be read independently without reading the first book, In her Own Words, although readers might want to read the first book in the series to understand more about the story of Hypatia of Alexandria. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, action-packed novel, with well-developed characters, and an enthralling plot. Purchase here

< Back Deanna Hart A Firefly Named Felix Felix is a little firefly, who is just like all the other fireflies, but he has a secret. All of his friends can light up their bioluminescence, but no matter how hard Felix tries, he cannot light up. One day, while playing with his brothers and sisters, they notice he cannot light up and laugh at him. Felix is sad and wonders what is wrong with him. When his friends at school tease him because he cannot play lightning tag, Felix thinks he is a dud and hides in the closet. Felix’s teacher gives him a hug and explains that not all fireflies can light up. She helps Felix and the other fireflies recognise that everyone has their own special and unique abilities. The next time Felix is asked to play lightning tag, he finds an alternative way to join in the fun. A Firefly Named Felix is a touching picture book by author Deanna Hart about a young firefly who cannot light up like all of the other fireflies. As Felix watches all of his friends light up in the dark, he feels left out and wonders if he’ll ever be able to join in the fun. Young readers will empathise with Felix’s feelings of self-doubt and exclusion. The story reminds young readers to believe in themselves, to celebrate their uniqueness, to show kindness to others, and to be an upstander to bullying. With additional information for both children and parents, the book is an excellent teaching resource to support conversations about bullying. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gentle yet powerful lesson in kindness, diversity and inclusion, and self-acceptance. Purchase here