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< Back Wittingly Yours You can be anything (Yes! It's True) Wittingly Yours is a sweet and inspiring illustrated picture book, perfect for young readers and dreamers. The book encourages readers to explore different activities and careers, emphasizing the importance of following your heart and doing the things that you enjoy and make you happy. Written in lyrical rhyme, this is an uplifting and motivational picture book, exploring themes of ambition, determination, and self-belief. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations, which are charming, colorful, and engaging for young readers, and complement the text beautifully. Each career or aspiration, from being a pilot, astronaut, doctor, artist or baker, is accompanied with charming illustrations that will spark young readers imagination and curiosity. There are a diverse range of professions highlighted in the book, which will encourage children to dream big and explore various possibilities without judgement or limitation. The book reassures young readers that they are supported and loved no matter what path they might choose. The recurring theme of patience and trusting the process is a valuable lesson for young readers, teaching them resilience and the importance of taking their time to find their way. Overall, this is a delightful rhyming picture book, which will inspire young readers to follow their dreams. It is a perfect resource to help build confidence and self-belief in young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A charming and beautifully illustrated, rhyming picture book, which will inspire young readers to follow their dreams. Purchase here

< Back J. Paul Rieger, Jr. Sunscreen Shower Baltimore Detective Kev Dixit is back, in this sequel to Clonk! Detective Kev Dixit is covering for his Sergeant in the Baltimore City Police Criminal Investigation Division when a report of an alleged double murder comes in. Husband and wife, Christian Robert and Joanne Matthiesen, are found dead in their home. The evidence points to a murder-suicide, but a possible third-party shooter cannot be ruled out. Dixit is assigned to the investigation and soon discovers some oddities about the case. Days before the crime, Mr Matthiesen transferred large amounts of cash from his account to an investment bank in the Grand Caymans, while DNA profiling of the victims turns up some peculiar results. As the investigation continues, Dixit foils an armed robbery at a bank, and is drawn into a car bombing investigation, while a sexual predator is on the loose and is terrorising women across Baltimore. Running parallel to the investigation is the story of Klos, a man who believes Dixit killed his father and will stop at nothing to find the detective and get revenge. M eanwhile, Dixit’s old high school friends and entrepreneurs, Waxley and Switzer, are busy trying to promote their new book while also considering a new business venture. Sunscreen Shower is a sequel to J. Paul Rieger’s book Clonk! which follows the misadventures of a group of friends who met at Ignatius High School. Each man has chosen a different path in life, and a couple have taken the wrong track, but remained close in adulthood. The novel centres largely on Detective Kev Dixit, and the stories of the other characters are interwoven throughout. Rieger seamlessly weaves together a gritty crime investigation, with a dark, delirious comedy. It is a delicate balancing act that Rieger executes with aplomb, ensuring the comedy enhances rather than undermines the gravity of the crimes. Dixit is a likeable character, although somewhat of an unexpected hero. He is a character you will not forget, and his investigations with Baltimore City Police are sure to leave a lasting impression. With multiple, intriguing plotlines and a cast of quirky characters, this is a must read for fans of crime fiction and dark comedy alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A clever, funny and wonderfully strange crime detective novel. Purchase here

< Back Charlene McIver Squishy Sand Three friends invent a new monster wheelchair buggy and enjoy a fun filled day at the beach, from author Charlene McIver Leigh wants to play on the beach with his friends Cosmo and Tara, but the beach is inaccessible for his wheelchair. The friends think of lots of different ways to enable Leigh to enjoy the beach – such as getting the dogs to pull the wheelchair across the sand like a sled, adapting the wheelchair so it glides across the sand. But it’s no use, nothing works! Until Cosmo finds some discarded tyres and they transform the wheelchair into a monster dune-buggy. The friends take it in turns to whiz down the boat ramp in the new wheelchair buggy. They speed across the squishy sand and splash through the waves, enjoying the beach and sun. A fun-filled, perfect day out, where everyone is equal, and everyone is included. This is a sweet story about a group of friends spending time together and having fun at the beach. Despite the inaccessibility of the beach to wheelchairs, it doesn’t hold them back from having fun. The friends find a fun and creative solution to ensure all three can enjoy the sand and shore together. This book highlights some of the challenges faced by wheelchair users, reinforcing the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion. But it is not primarily a book about disability, it’s a book about courage and true friendships. A fun-filled book which captures the essence of friendship, and beautifully illustrated by Caroline Keys. It was a joy to read, and we can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet story about a group of friends spending time together and having fun at the beach. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back FA Khan My Superhero Mom Will Soha win her school writing competition? It is a big day for Soha at school as the teacher announces a new writing competition. Soha is excited to enter the competition and hopes she will win first prize. When her teacher explains that the competition is to write a story about ‘My Superhero Mom’, Soha is stumped. All of her friends’ moms have important jobs, like a doctor or a teacher. Soha thinks her mom doesn’t have a job or do important things. She looks different to the other moms and doesn’t speak very good English either. Soha is sad because she doesn’t think she will win the competition. But, when Soha helps her mom volunteer at the food bank and the soup kitchen, she notices how friendly and kind her mom is towards other people, how people like her mom, and how much she enjoys volunteering. Then, as her mom hands out toys to poorly children at the paediatricians office and organises a bake sale to raise money for the school library, Soha soon realises her mom does many important jobs in their community. She thinks about all the important jobs she does at home too, like creating a nice home and helping to look after the family. As Soha starts to write her story for the competition, she realises her mom is a superhero after all! My Superhero Mom by FA Khan is a wonderful, heartwarming illustrated picture book about a little girl who doesn’t realise just how amazing her mom is. She compares her mom to her friends’ moms and thinks she is not as important. But, as she understands more about what her mom does every day in the community and at home, she learns that she has superhero qualities too. This book shows gratitude and appreciation to all the moms who strive every day to create safe and loving homes for their children. It is a delightful reminder that not all superheroes wear capes, and not all superheroes have a fancy job. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, heartwarming illustrated picture book and a fabulous celebration of moms everywhere. Purchase here

< Back Charly Froh How to Solve the Mystery of Crying Space-robot Novo travels to earth to solve a mystery, by author Charly Froh Space robot, Novo, from the planet Infinita, is back for another exciting adventure. His week starts with shopping at the Martian Market, but on his way home, Novo is caught up in a space storm that destroys his venus-bot flowers, and causes liquid to leak from his laser eyes. Novo tries everything to make the liquid stop, but nothing will stop the drip-drop dripping. His only option is to contact his earthling friends. They will know exactly what to do! So, Novo whistles for his scooter, vrooms towards earth, and is reunited with his earthling friends. The earthlings explain the liquid is tears from crying, and people can cry when they are happy, joyful, angry or frustrated. But, Novo still cannot explain his tears as he feels neither happy, joyful, angry or frustrated. The earthlings listen to Novo’s story, how the space storm destroyed his precious flowers, and how he feared the rain would rust his body, and then suddenly the tears stopped. With a little help from his earthling friends, Novo realised his tears were tears of sadness, and that talking about his sadness helped him feel much better. Novo returned back to Infinita to share his news with all the other space-bots. How to Solve the Mystery of Crying by author Charly Froh is a cute and funny picture book about an adorable little robot who travels to earth to solve the mystery of his leaking eyes. This is a delightful book and Novo is a sweet and adorable character, who will appeal to younger readers. The book deals with a complex topic in a really simple, engaging and age-appropriate way, and will encourage young readers to share and discuss their thoughts and feelings with others. The illustrations by Zuzana Svobodova are bright and engaging, and with lots of interesting and funny details, will keep readers entertained for hours. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful picture book about a sweet and adorable robot character, who goes on a space-tastic adventure to solve the mystery of crying. Purchase here

< Back Patti Britton Chasing Sex: Wanting Love, Finding Myself - a memoir Book blurb... From the ashes of adversity, a fierce and compassionate warrior emerged. This captivating memoir is about a woman who refused to let her circumstances define her destiny. Against the backdrop of a world in turmoil, Patti's story unfolds as a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience, reinvention, and profound impact. Rising from the challenges of overcoming multiple sexual violations and single welfare motherhood, Patti embarked on a journey that would earn her the titles "Grande Dame of Sexology" and "Mother of Sex Coaching." Through her lighting-rod career and unwavering dedication to empowerment, she became a figurehead for women across generations seeking to reclaim their pleasure, power, and purpose. As you witness Patti's metamorphosis, you'll be inspired to embrace your own transformative journey and tap into the boundless resilience that lies within. Join Patti on this unforgettable odyssey of growth, healing, and unstoppable determination. Purchase here

< Back Pastor John Rumble The Psalms and Proverbs: Let's discover together the Treasures of the Psalms and Proverbs Book blurb... As you read the blessed book of Psalms, you’ll witness the hand of God upon King David and how he discovers the riches of the Lord through trials and blessings — and so much more. Purchase here

< Back Jamie Anderson Drive All Day (Because I'm Too Old to Drive All Night) Author Jamie Anderson is on the road again… Jamie Anderson, author, singer-songwriter, and Youtuber, writes about her life on the road as a working musician, travelling to gigs across the country. It’s been several years since Jamie wrote her first memoir, ‘Drive all Night’, and now a little older, no longer has the energy or desire to drive for eight hours during the night. But, her passion for music remains, and she seizes new opportunities to make a living through music with new audiences. Jamie discusses her early childhood, how she was born to perform, and how she later built a successful career as a recording artist, guitar teacher and social media influencer. She shares her real-life experiences as a touring musician, the highs of performing, and the lows of shady producers and greasy spoon cafes. She also shares her love of teaching, and some of the many wonderful and colourful students she has taught over many years. Drive All Day (Because I'm Too Old to Drive All Night) by Jamie Anderson is an intimate, ‘warts and all’ memoir about the reality of life on the road as a touring musician. Jamie is an inspirational woman and a talented artist, and has a wonderful gift for storytelling. Her stories are funny, entertaining, and occasionally outrageous! This is a well written and entertaining memoir, and a fascinating insight into the not so glamorous life as a musician. The book will appeal to Jamie’s many fans, and anyone interested in the real life of a jobbing musician. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A funny, intimate, ‘warts and all’ memoir about the reality of life on the road as a touring musician Purchase here

< Back J Paul Rieger Jr A Most Unlikely Man: A Tale of Resistance Centenarian, Saba, wants to tell his grandson the story of his life. The story of how he arrived as an immigrant in America, from Nazi-occupied Europe. A story so traumatic, he wasn’t able to tell his own son. The story begins in October 1944, when twenty-two Jewish men are taken to Rothau Natzweiler-Struthof, a Nazi concentration camp in Germany. The camp is deserted, but the Reich believes these particular Jews could be put to some future use because of their skills. As the group of prisoners get to know one another, one prisoner named Otto Beck claims he is not a Jew, but a full-blooded German born in Bavaria. According to the laws of the Third Reich, Otto is far worse than a Jew for refusing military service, being an anarchist and a socialist. Otto has a secret plan to liberate the camp, by first helping each Nazi escape, and then allowing the prisoners to leave as free German citizens. Otto’s first target is a teen volunteer soldier, who he convinces to leave the camp, and he goes home to his family. Next, he starts false rumours amongst the soldiers about an evacuation order, the proximity of the American and French liberators, and even illicit affairs with French women. As Otto’s elaborate plan starts to take shape, some of his fellow prisoners believe he is stirring up trouble and putting their lives at risk. Most Unlikely Man: A Tale of Resistance is a novel by J Paul Rieger Jr, set in a Nazi concentration camp, towards the end of World War II. The plot follows a group of Jewish prisoners in a crumbling and deserted concentration camp. One prisoner devises an elaborate psychological farce to convince the paranoid and incompetent captors that their colleagues are traitors and the camp is doomed. He single-handedly orchestrates a situation so absurd, the Nazi officers begin to turn on one another. J Paul Rieger Jr pulls off the unthinkable, a dark, satirical comedy set in a Nazi concentration camp. The result is a bitingly funny, razor-sharp, and subversive tale of the absurdity of fascism and war, and of the resilience of the human spirit. It felt uncomfortable to read at times, but the joke is clearly on the oppressors and not on those who are suffering. J Paul Rieger Jr flips the traditional war story on its head and reminds us that humor is often the best tonic. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : J Paul Rieger Jr pulls no punches in this dark and audacious, satirical comedy about the Holocaust. Purchase here

Autumn 2023: Best Teen Book Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #2: When Darkness Tries to Hide Renee Hayes The Girl Who Broke the World Rande Goodwin The Witchfinders Serpent Terry Overton The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society Marsha Tufft The Sea Turtle Spy Project: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures Book 4

Autumn 2023: Best Children's Book Age 8 to 12 Amanda M Cetas Thrown to the Wind Kat Farrow Bobbin and the Magic Thief D Burton Smith Quoth the Raven Laurie Anne Zaleski Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? Dr Tamara Lazic Strugar The Sunscreaming Summer Jennifer R Sommer Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, "Mother of Hubble" Space Telescope Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer The Magic Peach Tree, A Yoga Storytelling Adventure Stephanie Scott Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope Aaron Derr Baseball Buddies Building a Team Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess Barbara Mishkin TIPs Magical Journey Claudine C Wargel Hattie and Dirks Great Garden Surprise Hans Ness Rolo the Pet Earthling

Edgar Doleman Arlen's Gun: A Novel of Men at War W.A. Pepper You Will Know Vengeance: A Tanto Thriller Bryan Asher The Treasure of Lor-Rev Angie Bailey Believe Romana King House Poor No More: 9 Steps to Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth Dr. Trent W. Smallwood Lethal Decree Jim Malloy Raptor's Revenge Danny Holst The Harlem Story Stephen Alder Deehabta's Song Carter Fielding Murder in the Tea Leaves: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery--Book 2 Deborah S. Greenhut The Hoarder's Wife Mrs. Anthony I Am Woman... : Book One: My Journey, My Tony Paula Welch A River of Fortune Danny Holst Promised Land Stoni Astley Sanctuary's Lights Bryan Asher The Assassin of Malcoze Marieke Lexmond The Magical Tarot Deck A Frank Corso Mystery Divine Travel Agency Carolyn Clarke And Then There's Margaret Liza Gino Imelda's Secret Spring 2022: Best Adult Book