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< Back Julie Young Be Careful What You Wish For A tiny black pollywog named Finn wishes he were a boy. His brothers and sisters laugh at him. When Finn spots a fishing hook bobbing in the water, he sees this as an opportunity to join the human world. He is reeled in by a little boy named Colten, who has plans to fry the little pollywog. Colten’s Papa suggests he takes the pollywog home to see if it grows into a frog. Colten puts the pollywog into a goldfish bowl, and watches it grow and change. But as Finn begins to look more frog-like, he becomes sad. He isn’t sad because he doesn’t look like a boy, he is sad because he misses his family. Colten notices the pollywog is sad and he returns him back to the pond. Colten misses the pollywog, but Finn is happy to be back home where he belongs. Be Careful What You Wish For is a sweet and charming children’s picture book about a little pollywog who has big dreams. Dissatisfied with his life in a pond, he manages to escape but soon discovers that life isn’t any better outside of the pond after all. Instead of becoming a boy, he is trapped in a goldfish bowl, lonely and confused, slowly turning into a frog. The book explores themes of identity, family and self-acceptance through the eyes of a tiny pond creature. Julie Young’s storytelling is gentle and warm, and the expressive illustrations guide young readers through the little pollywogs emotional journey of self-discovery. The book is filled with humor and heart, and the message is quietly powerful. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A captivating picture book about an adventurous pollywog with big dreams. Purchase here

< Back Paula Welch Cloud Piercer A fight for survival on a treacherous mountain, by author Paula Welch When a small explosive device is found on a private jet from Sydney to Christchurch, the passengers, Henry and Gertrude, are diverted to a commercial airline, carrying 500 passengers. Joining them onboard the Airbus is a police officer named Victoria, dispatched by the Australian Federal Police to travel to Christchurch to interview one of the suspects believed to be responsible for planting the bomb. Also on the flight is Wolf, a hit man sent to finish the job he started on the private jet and kill Henry and Gertrude before they reach their destination. Just before the flight is due to land in Christchurch, news arrives of an earthquake nearby and the crew are advised to divert the flight to Auckland. Captain Benjamin turns the plane around but inadvertently flies straight through invisible gas vapours, choking the engines and causing them to shut down. The plane descends through the peaks of Mt Walter, Mt Green, and Mt Darwin and crash lands on a snowy mountain top. Many passengers are dead and seriously injured, but rescue attempts are impeded by ongoing seismic activity, and precarious conditions. As the survivors await the arrival of the mountain rescue teams, Captain Benjamin tries to maintain calm and order on the plane. The crew and passengers work together to move the dead and treat the wounded, but one passenger has other ideas. Wolf sees an opportunity to finish his job, and sets out to eliminate his targets. Cloud Piercer is a fast paced, drama and disaster fiction novel by author Paula Welch. The book brings together an aeroplane disaster, a mountain rescue, and earthquakes, avalanches, and volcanic activity; with several subplots, including a murder mystery; and a romance. Yet, this is a gripping disaster novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is a fair bit of death and tragedy, but there are also wonderful uplifting and comedy moments. The characters - each with a unique backstory – are plentiful, diverse, and well developed. The character Pauline, an eccentric, fictional character (and a parody of the author), is a really nice addition. Overall a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, gripping, drama and disaster novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Purchase here

< Back Lisa Towles Terror Bay Detective Kurt Farin investigates a case with a mysterious twist. Detective Kurt Farin wakes up in a Californian hospital with no recollection of how he got there. While drifting in and out of consciousness, he has a recurring vision of a woman deep in the ocean, trapped under the wreckage of a two-hundred-year-old ship. The woman’s name is Genevieve Lucas, and Kurt is determined to find out who she is. Kurt learns that he has sustained a traumatic brain injury, after been shot-at while investigating the murder of a young woman named Leticia Ames. The suspect is a dangerous assassin named Jimmy Breslin, who is believed to have killed Leticia as a warning to her boyfriend, who witnessed Jimmy at a crime scene in a federal case. Kurt is forced to take a leave of absence from work due to his brain injury and begins his search for the mysterious Genevieve. He finds a woman with the same name, who is a Marine Biologist and professional diver located in Bainbridge Island, Seattle. Kurt decides to pay Genevieve a visit and persuades his partner, Vaughn, to accompany him. Kurt arrives in Bainbridge Island, and meets Genevieve’s daughter, Anabel. Anabel explains that Genevieve died tragically in a diving accident and Kurt is convinced she is the woman in his vision. As Kurt learns more about the life and death of Genevieve, Anabel is attacked by a man they believe to be Jimmy. Kurt discovers a peculiar connection between Genevieve, her daughter Anabel, and the hitman, and decides to travel to the site of the shipwreck where Genevieve died. Every strange encounter on his journey brings him closer to solving the case and unravelling the mystery of the woman in his visions. Terror Bay is a gripping, edge of the seat, psychological thriller by author Lisa Towles. Detective Kurt Farin’s life changes as he begins to experience vivid visions of a mysterious woman, following a bump to the head. Driven by an inexplicable force, Kurt sets out on a mission to uncover the truth behind his apparitions. As he goes on a journey across the country, he discovers a strange connection between his visions and the case he was investigating prior to his injury. Towles seamlessly blends crime fiction, psychological thriller, and a touch of supernatural intrigue. With plenty of action, plot twists and spine-tingling suspense, this novel will appeal to readers of both crime fiction and psychological thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, edge of the seat, psychological thriller, packed full of intrigue, mystery, and suspense. Purchase here

< Back Don Ake Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life A memoir and life-help book by author and blogger, Don Ake. Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life is a memoir and life-help book by author and blogger, Don Ake. Ake took a departure from his usual humor writing to embark on a book of essays about the serious issues of life. Written during the Covid19 pandemic, Ake reflects on the stress, pain, and fear he experienced during this time, but also how his faith got him through some of the darkest moments of his life. The book is divided into two parts: Part 1: Remembering What’s Important in Life; and Part 2: Dealing With Hardship and Other Life Challenges. Each part contains six essays, where Ake discuses a range of diverse topics, from the joy of giving and the importance of purposeful acts of kindness; the art of making good friends and the importance of accepting people as they are; how to win at the ‘Game of Life’ and the personal traits required for a fuller and richer life. All of Ake’s essays and life-lessons are centered around family, friends, and faith. He talks openly and honestly about his personal life, the birth of his daughter, losing his job, and the deaths of loved ones. He discusses the trauma of the pandemic, and how we must all let go of the sorrows and struggles of the past to fully embrace the future. Sharing learnings from his own personal experiences, Ake offers practical advice to readers who might be going through similar struggles. Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life by author Don Ake is a powerful, poignant, and thought-provoking collection of essays. Ake shares his experiences and wisdom to help guide and support others through the challenges that life inevitably brings. The book offers light and hope to anyone experiencing or recovering from trauma. While the book does deal with some ‘deep heavy’ issues, Ake writes with sensitivity, honesty and also much humor. The essays can be read in any order, and the book can be picked up by readers at any time they need a little extra guidance or motivation. I expect readers will revisit the essays time and time again, through the ebbs and flows of life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful, poignant, and thought-provoking collection of essays, and a valuable resource for anyone seeking to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Purchase here

< Back Robin Jeffrey .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery Chance Hale is enamoured by a mysterious woman from a different planet. Chance Hale is an Arrhidaean living in the wealthy suburb or Zahia. Chance is heir to the multi-billion-dollar company, Halcyon Enterprises, headed up by his father, Felix Hale. Travelling home after a one-night stand he can hardly remember, Chance notices a woman with a phoenix tattoo on her back. He introduces himself to the woman, and learns her name is Cadence Turing, from the plant Paraesepe. New to the city, and with no where else to stay, Chance invites the stranger to stay at his house, the imposing Hale Manor. Felix is planning a party that night and has an important announcement to make. He is not happy his son has brought a stranger into the house. As Cadence learns more about the strange, new world, the party gets underway. To everyone’s surprise, Felix announces his engagement t o Desdemona Eydis, and gives her an expensive necklace. Chance is livid that his father is marrying a woman younger than him, and who he has known for just three months. When Chance confronts his father, Felix threatens to cut him off from his inheritance. The next day, Desdemona’s necklace is missing, and the following day Felix is found beaten to death in his room. As Chance becomes the prime suspect for his father’s murder, Cadence reveals her true identity, putting her own life in danger. Will Chance prove his innocence? Will Cadence’s true identity be discovered by the authorities? And can they solve the mystery of Felix’s death? .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery is a thrilling science fiction novel by author Robin Jeffrey , and the first book in the Cadence Turing mystery series. The book follows two people from two different worlds, who are unexpectedly brought together and realise they have more in common than they think. This is a classic mystery novel, set in a captivating futuristic world. With intriguing characters, and a gripping mystery plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy futuristic fantasy fiction and crime mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A classic whodunnit, with a unique, futuristic twist. Purchase here

Lucky Enough < Back Katie Wesorick Lucky Enough Book blurb... The book follows Becky ("Becks"), a young girl navigating the challenges of high school, friendships, and self-confidence. She struggles with feeling invisible, dealing with social pressures, and developing feelings for her longtime crush, Nate. Alongside her best friend Trina, she aspires to make the competitive dance team while overcoming personal insecurities. A special four-leaf clover necklace given to her by her grandfather seems to bring her unexpected luck, setting her on a path of self-discovery, resilience, and newfound confidence. Purchase here

< Back Scott G.A. Metcalf Letters from the Sand Book blurb... 'Letters from the Sand' is a heartfelt memoir that provides a clear and honest look into the life of a soldier serving in Iraq. Scott G. A. Metcalf shares his experiences with sincerity and reflection, capturing the daily realities of deployment, the strong bonds formed among soldiers, and how war leaves a lasting mark on the human spirit. Through detailed descriptions and personal insights, Metcalf highlights the key moments that define service in a combat zone: the initial shock of arriving, the routines that bring order, the tension during patrols, and the quiet moments of laughter that boost morale. He introduces readers to comrades who become like family and to civilians whose lives become intertwined with theirs, showing the shared humanity even in times of conflict. As the story unfolds, Metcalf examines resilience, faith, and the search for meaning amid uncertainty. His reflections on returning home reveal the emotional challenges of reintegration and the strong bond between those who have served. 'Letters from the Sand' stands as both a tribute and a record of courage, endurance, and the strength found in companionship. It invites readers to look beyond headlines and statistics to truly understand the experiences of those who carry the weight of service long after the battle is over. Purchase here

< Back Lisa Towles Switch Private investigator, Marissa ‘ Mari’ Ellwyn, is recovering at home following a near fatal hit and run car accident. Mari believes it was no accident, but an attempted hit on her life to stop her from investigating a string of bank robberies. As her business partner, Derek Abernathy, attempts to find the prime suspect, James Traeger, Mari is woken in the middle of the night by an intruder. The intruder is a Chief Forensic Pathologist named Dr Linus Hagen, who discloses suspicious activity at the local morgue. A John Doe was brought into the morgue and then mysteriously disappeared after the autopsy, along with the County Medical Examiner, Dr. Camille Bota. Mari and Derek take on the case and examine the autopsy reports and photographs of the John Doe. They discover peculiar marks on the body and suspect foul play. They soon identify the John Doe as a local man named Val Sharma, the Marketing Director of a technology company called AEI. As Mari and Derek look further into the company, they find AEI’s parent company (Praxis) is building a quantum computer called ‘Switch’. This new tech could destabilize the crypto market and threaten the U.S. economy. As Mari delves deeper into the case, another AEI executive goes missing. Mari discovers a disturbing connection between Praxis, a notorious crime boss, and her own estranged father. Switch is a gripping, fast-paced, techno-crime thriller by author Lisa Towles, and the third instalment in the E&A Investigations Series. The novel follows private investigator Marissa Ellwyn as she navigates a complex web of corporate corruption and espionage, murder, and personal betrayal. The story intertwines Mari's investigation with her personal struggles, including her relationship with her estranged father and her traumatic past. Told through the first-person perspective, Towles’ masterfully weaves a complex techno-crime thriller with a powerful, personal narrative. Overall, Switch is a clever, complex, and captivating thriller, with an intriguing and multi-layered storyline. A stellar third instalment of this gripping series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A suspenseful and absorbing techno-crime thriller, filled with mysteries and twists. Purchase here

< Back Ariel and Brandon Blackwell The Beat In My Head Brandon finds belonging through beats, by authors Ariel and Brandon Blackwell Brandon loves to hum and tap along to sounds and beats in his head. Wherever he is, whatever he is doing, he can make music out of sound. But when he starts to hum and tap along to the sounds in the classroom, his teacher thinks he is not listening and is distracting the other students. The teacher calls his mom, and his mom worries something might be wrong, as Brandon doesn’t have many friends or talk very much. But Brandon is happy, music makes him feel happy and safe. Brandon’s mom takes him to see a therapist and the therapist thinks he is just a little shy. The therapist encourages Brandon to try sports and get involved in new activities. So, Brandon tries a number of different sports, soccer, karate and golf, but he isn’t a natural athlete and discovers sport isn’t for him. Everything Brandon hears, the thwack of the ball and the smack of a kick, distracts him from the game and creates music in his head. Brandon’s mom doesn’t know what else to do to help, but takes him to a music concert, to let loose and have some fun. While dancing and singing along to the music, Brandon notices a guy with headphones, focused on a console and bobbing along to the music. He learns the guy is a sound engineer, who blends and balances music to make it sound good. Later, Brandon meets the sound engineer, Mr Davis, at his church and becomes fascinated by his work. Mr Davis teaches Brandon how to work the audio console, and Brandon discovers a passion for audio engineering. The Beat in My Head by authors Ariel and Brandon Blackwell is an inspiring picture book about a young boy who struggles to find his place in the world. He is only happy when he is listening to music, and making beats in his head, but his behaviour is seen by others as unusual. Through audio engineering, Brandon is able to express himself through music, and he finally finds a sense of purpose and belonging. The book is based on the true story of how the author, Brandon Blackwell, found his vocation and became a successful audio engineer. It will inspire other young readers to be creative, and to express themselves in any way that makes them feel happy. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful and inspiring picture book, about a young boy who finds a sense of purpose and belonging through music. Purchase here

Blood and Silver < Back Vali Benson Blood and Silver A gripping story about a young girls fight for survival during the silver rush, from author Vali Benson In 1880, twelve-year-old Carissa Beaumont travels from San Francisco to Tombstone, Arizona, with her mom Lisette, her mom’s employer Lucille, and two other women. They arrive at their new home, Rose Red’s Home for Wayward Ladies, a run-down brothel where Lisette and the women are expected to earn their keep. Soon after their arrival, Red Rose is found brutally murdered, and Lucille takes over operations at the brothel. Lisette becomes sick and Carissa discovers that Lucille has been drugging her mother with Laudanum. Carissa calls the doctor, who introduces her to Miss China Mary, the local drug dealer who controls most of Tombstone. Together they hatch a plan to slowly reduce her mother’s drug supply and wean her off Laudanum. Miss China Mary grows fond of Carissa, and finds her a job tending to women’s hair and cosmetics at the Grand Hotel. But just as Carissa is enjoying her new independence, she makes a remarkable discovery in the hotel basement that will change her life forever. Blood and Silver by Vali Benson is a tense, gripping, historical drama, about the life of a young girl during the 19th century silver rush. Carissa is determined not to follow in her mother’s footsteps and seeks our new friendships and new opportunities. Carissa is a well-developed and relatable character, who shows courage and determination to move on in life, when all hope is lost. Based on real life events, places and characters, the book is an entertaining and educational read about a fascinating time in American history. With plenty of drama and suspense, this book was hard to put down. Well written, with vivid descriptions of a small but rapidly growing town in Arizona, the book will appeal to readers of women’s fiction, historical fiction, and westerns. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An entertaining and educational read about a fascinating time in American history. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever < Back Kerk Murray Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever A funny, emotional, and heart-breaking book about Kerk Murray’s life with his amazing dogs Pawprints On Our Hearts is a memoir by Kerk Murray about his life with his beloved pets, and how they supported him through some of the most challenging times of his life. He writes about his first encounter with a dog, when he was chased by a terrifying Doberman Pinscher, at the age of thirteen. Shortly after, his mom brought home an old, miniature Pinscher, Chelsea, rescued from an abusive situation. At first, Kerk was a little unsure and cautious, but he soon learned to love the ageing dog. Chelsea became an integral part of the family and Kerk recalls fond memories of playing with her, walking her, and how she provided comfort when he experienced bullying at school. Chelsea was later joined by an excited border collie and Labrador mix puppy, Lexi, and the two dogs became inseparable. Kerk describes how Lexi brought him immense joy during his young adult life and how she was by his side through major life events, even saving him from a suicide attempt. The latest editions to Kerk’s family are a Yorkie-poo, Maximus, and a Morkie, Spartacus. Kerk also describes how he set up an animal rescue organisation, the Lexis’s Legacy Foundation, following a chance encounter with an abandoned dog, Gunner. This is a well written and moving memoir, which captures the love between a man and his canine best friends. It is a warm, funny, emotional, and heart-breaking book, and a must read for animal lovers everywhere. Kerk describes a deep and profound connection with each of his wonderful dogs, and how they supported him throughout his life, providing companionship and comfort through the darkest times. This book is a beautiful and loving tribute to Kerk’s canine friends, past and present. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A well written and moving memoir of the love between a man and his canine best friends, A must read for animal lovers everywhere. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back B.D. Murphy The Last Dwarf Book blurb... Times are hard for Hallr, the last dwarf. Hunted constantly by witches, his best chance for a meal is fighting and scavenging the grim spoils of human wars. Alone, he desires a place without being attacked by witches. Meanwhile, a small band of seekers risks everything for the chance to find the dwarven city of Molgan. There is Milfred, a blacksmith desperate for the secrets of dwarven steel, his apprentice Agnarr, the witch healer Sheyla, who hides a dark past, and Kaleb, a giant-sized kid with a knack for puzzles. Their combined quest leads them to the very gates of Molgan. But the legends only tell a small part of the story. The ancient city holds the dragon-guarded treasure they believed had already been looted. Still, it also has a terrifying history: it was abandoned after a brutal attempt by witches to seize control. The danger that exiled the dwarves is not gone; it’s merely dormant. They came to find a city and its secrets. Now, they must decide if they are prepared to protect it before history repeats itself and all the answers are lost forever. A dragon doesn’t buy anything, so why is gold a treasure? How does a city inside a mountain feed its people without a single farm? And what dark truth drove the dwarves from their legendary home? Purchase here