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  • Jennifer Welborn, Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals

    < Back Jennifer Welborn Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals Dr. Rosie finds alternative treatments for her animal friends. Rosie loves to help animals, just like her mom. She asks lots of questions as her mom treats and cares for the animals in her veterinary practice. She watches her mom treat a puppy with a cut on his ear, and then Rosie decides to go out and help real live animals. She uses her new skills to treat a rabbit with a poorly ear, a pig with a swollen tummy, a giraffe with a sore throat, an elephant with a stuffy nose, an ostrich with an injured knee, a crocodile with a painful tooth, an octopus with a bump on his head, a beluga whale with a nasty rash, a polar bear with a fever, and an owl with an allergy. Rosie uses natural remedies, including gel from the aloe plant, honey, salt water, a cold compress, and rest and water. But most importantly, she offers lots of kisses and cuddles! Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals by author Jennifer Welborn is a children’s picture book about a little girl who loves animals and wants to help care for them and make them better. This is a cute, engaging and funny picture book that will appeal to younger readers who love animals and nature. The book explores a range of animal symptoms, diagnoses, and natural treatments, informed by real-life veterinarians and scientists. The book will help children learn about different animals, their symptoms and natural remedy treatments. It will encourage children to show empathy towards animals and could inspire them to get involved in animal health and welfare, for example as a veterinary surgeon, nurse, or volunteer. I particularly like that the book focuses on natural remedies and could help to support further discussions about alternative treatments, for both humans and animals. I enjoyed the colourful illustrations by Rozillia MH and the diversity of the characters represented. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A cute, engaging and funny picture book for younger readers who love animals and nature. Purchase here

  • Julie Stephens, Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale

    < Back Julie Stephens Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale A wonderful tale of friendship, by author Julie Stephens This is a story about two dogs, named Winter and Spring. The two best friends were inseparable, wherever Winter went, Spring would follow. Winter and Spring loved to play and explore together, until the day Winter sadly passed away, leaving Spring sad, alone and confused. Then one day, a new puppy named Joy arrived in the household. Joy wants lots of attention, but Spring is not interested in the energetic newcomer. She misses her dear friend, Winter. Joy plays and sleeps alone, and waits patiently until Spring is ready to be her friend. Eventually Spring takes notice, and the pair become good friends. Spring teaches the young pup how to climb down the steps, how to cross the river, and how to fetch a stick. Now, Spring and Joy are inseparable, but Winter will never be forgotten. Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale by author Julie Stephens is a wonderful picture book for young children, about the friendship and love that exists between dogs. Spring is despondent when her play mate and best friend Winter passes away. She is no longer interested in having fun or making new friends, but all that changes when she meets a lively little pup, named Joy. Joy helps Spring overcome her grief and shows her that there is still lots to live for. This is a poignant story about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. The story deals with complex issues, such as depression and grief, in a way that younger children will understand and can relate to. The book will appeal to readers who love dogs, and may help those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The book features beautiful photographs of three wonderful dogs, Winter, Spring and Joy. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant picture book for younger readers about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. Purchase here

  • Charlene McIver, Medieval Mashup

    < Back Charlene McIver Medieval Mashup Three friends, Leigh, Cosmo, and Tara are planning their medieval costumes for the school fair. Cosmo wants to dress up as Robin Hood, and Tara is planning to dress up as Maid Marion. Leigh wants to dress up as knight in shining armour, but is worried it will be too heavy in his wheelchair and he might look silly. The friends joke and make silly suggestions for his costume, using a cardboard box, a plastic barrel, and pieces of wood. Fed up with all the jokes, Leigh confides in his friends that every day he looks different and all he wants is to look brave and strong. Tara and Cosmo reassure him, but question why he can’t be brave and strong, and also funny. So, Leigh decides to do something a little bit different, and to mash-up costume ideas to show his full personality. The friends join in the fun and three new medieval mash-up costumes are created. This book is the second instalment in the ‘Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures’ series, and it follows on from the first nice book nicely. Although, one doesn’t have to read the first book to enjoy the second. In the second book we see further development of the characters and their relationships. We learn a little bit more about Leigh’s personality, his worries, and anxieties. We also see the kindness and compassion of Cosmo and Tara, and whilst they like to joke and have fun, they are also very aware and sensitive to Leigh’s feelings. Another fun-filled instalment from McIver, with an important message of friendship and inclusion. With beautiful pastel illustrations by Caroline Keys, reminiscent of a time-gone-by. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A charming book about a young boy who just wants to fit in. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

  • Kate Giles, Camp Cattitude

    < Back Kate Giles Camp Cattitude Crazy camp capers and cats with a cranky cattitude, by author Kate Giles Camp Cattitude is the world’s top kitten camp, run by the formidable Meowmoiselle. Meowmoiselle trained all the top kittens, including the world’s Expert Sofa Shredder, the Olympic Napping Champion and the Fussiest Eater Alive, and was in high demand from all the cat moms. Camp Cattitude was bursting at the seams, much to the dismay of the neighbouring Rottweilers, when a little kitty named Snug, turned up at the door. Meowmoiselle was smitten by the kitten, and could not refuse to take him in. But Snug was no ordinary little kitten. He was well behaved. He did not follow the camp rules. He had no cattitude! One day, when Meowmoiselle was out shopping, the other kittens escape and wreak havoc in the neighbour’s garden. Little Snug is caught and faces the wrath of a raging Rottweiler. But rather than face-off with the Rottweiler, Snug tries a different approach. He works with the other kittens to repair the damage to the garden, and restores friendships with the warring neighbours. Snug teaches the other kittens an important lesson in kitty cattitude! Camp Cattitude by author Kate Giles is a sweet and funny picture book about a crazy camp, for cute cats with a cranky cattitude. The book is a funny and enjoyable read and has a subtle message about kindness and the importance of not following the crowd. With lots of word play and cat puns, children will laugh out loud at the mischievousness little kittens, and their crazy antics. The illustrations by Ben Chandler and Enile Reiner are simply delightful. With fabulous facial expressions and body language, and intricate details like the dog drinking a cup of tea and the comedy signs around the camp, the illustrations will amuse young readers and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and funny picture book, with delightful illustrations. It was a joy to read. Purchase here

  • Jessica Wendi Abel, The Little Blue Rocket Ship

    < Back Jessica Wendi Abel The Little Blue Rocket Ship The Little Blue Rocket Ship: A Story About Postpartum Depression is a children’s picture book about a young boy whose mom suffers postpartum depression following the birth of his baby brother. The boy wants to play with his mom, just like he used to, but suddenly she no longer wants to play. The boy launches a blue rocket ship from his window with a note to bring his old mom back, and waits every day for the ship to return. After a long time, and following lots of rest and support, his mom finally returns the blue rocket ship. The boy knows things will never be the same, but looks forward to building another rocket ship with his mom. This is a heart-warming book about postpartum depression, lovingly and sensitively told from the perspective of a child. He doesn’t understand why his mum doesn’t want to play anymore, or why she stays in her room. He experiences a range of emotions, from anger through to sadness. The book provides a great resource to start conversations about postpartum depression with younger children. It will help children to understand that postpartum depression affects many women, but with lots of rest and support, they will get better with time. It will provide comfort and reassurance for those experiencing postpartum depression, and those impacted by the illness. The book contains much needed additional resources for those who might need further information or support. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A heart-warming book about postpartum depression, lovingly and sensitively told from the perspective of a child. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

  • Becca Johnsey, When We Are Apart

    < Back Becca Johnsey When We Are Apart Author Becca Johnsey explores separation anxiety in a sweet picture book This is a picture book about a little boy who loves spending time with his father. Father and son have lots of fun, playing games and reading books together. But when his father is away at work during the day, the little boy feels sad. He misses his father terribly, and hopes he will come home soon. The little boy’s mom comforts him, and explains she misses him and feels sad too. The little boy tries a number of things to pass the time and relieve the sadness. Breathing and relaxation techniques, keeping busy, and looking at the watch his father bought him. He also rings his father at work, which reassures him he will be home soon. When We Are Apart by author Becca Johnsey is a sweet, rhyming, picture book about a little boy who misses his father when he is away at work. The author was inspired to write this book following her own experiences when her young son missed his father, when he returned to work following the pandemic. The book will help young children name and understand their feelings, and deal with their emotions. It will provide comfort and reassurance that they are loved even when a parent might be absent, and that the parent will come home. With a list of activities to support families at the end of this book, the book will help families manage emotions when a parent or loved one leaves home. It will provide support and comfort to those who might be experiencing separation anxiety. Beautiful digital illustrations by Mariza, created in a traditional style. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, rhyming, picture book that will help young children deal with their emotions when a parent might be away from home. Purchase here

  • Katherine Lockwood, Why Me Mama A Childrens Book About The Disability Experience

    < Back Katherine Lockwood Why Me Mama A Childrens Book About The Disability Experience A little owl has a big worry. It’s Rose’s birthday and she is planning a party, but she is not looking forward to the celebrations. She is afraid her friends will not want to come to the party because she is different. Her mom explains that she felt different from her friends too, but people couldn’t see her difference. Some differences can be seen, but others cannot. So, Rose decides she wants to invite everyone, and as she hands out her invitations, she learns that many of her friends have differences too. Some of the differences are visible, but some of them are not visible. As Rose prepares for her birthday party, she learns that sometimes her friends have to find new ways of doing things, but it does not stop them from joining in and taking part. Rose also learns that some of her friends cannot attend her party because it is just too difficult for them, but she makes sure they still feel involved by sharing her birthday cake with them. The day of the party arrives, and Rose is looking forward to the celebrations. Rose understands that many of her friends have differences, and their differences make them who they are. She soon realises they are all wonderful and unique, and so is she. Why Me, Mama? A Childrens Book About The Disability Experience by author Katherine Lockwood is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book, about Rose who is worried about being different but learns to accept and love her differences. This is a powerful and inspiring story about a little girl, told through the eyes of an adorable owl. Featuring a variety of charming woodland creatures with human characteristics, young children will be able to connect with their emotions and experiences. The book will help young children learn the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion, of accepting people the way they are, and of celebrating their individual differences. An excellent choice for parents and educators to explore themes of self-acceptance and friendship with young readers. The enchanting illustrations by Evgeniya Erokhina, complement the story perfectly, capturing the owl’s changing emotions and the delightful woodland setting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and illustrated picture book, which explores themes of self-acceptance and friendship. Purchase here

  • Sarah Sparks, The Angriest Monster on Mill Street

    < Back Sarah Sparks The Angriest Monster on Mill Street A tiny monster has the biggest roar on Mill Street. Albie is the angriest monster on Mill Street. He is a little monster, but when he is angry, he is very angry! He shouts and screams, and hits and kicks when he doesn’t get his own way. But one day, Albie gets so angry he loses his temper and lets out a big roar. As the anger bubbles inside him, little Albie grows into the biggest monster you have ever seen. He stomps on the ground and causes a giant earthquake. He huffs and he puffs and stirs up a tornado. Albie knows he has lost control and starts to think what he can do to help himself. He smells the fresh flowers, and he feels the cool breeze. He sees a rainbow in the sky, and watches the rain bounce off the ground. He feels much calmer. Albie’s temper subsides, and he goes back to being a pint-sized little monster. But he has left a lot of mess in Mill Street and is determined to put things right. He meets some new friends who help him talk through his thoughts and feelings. Some days, Albie is still a grumpy monster, but now he knows how to cope. The Angriest Monster on Mill Street by author Sarah Sparks is part of the Monster on Mill Street series. Like other books in this series, Albie has thoughts and feelings he doesn’t know how to control. He experiences bouts of anger and doesn’t know how to keep his emotions in check, to the extent that his temper blows up out of all proportion. But with spending time in nature and speaking to his friends, Albie learns how to cope, little by little. This book is a great resource for parents or carers to open up discussions with younger children about their thoughts and feelings. It will help younger children recognise their own behaviours and help them to develop techniques to manage their emotions. Importantly, it will remind them that they are not alone, and other people will help and support them. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A great resource for parents or carers, with coping mechanisms for children to help manage their emotions. Purchase here

  • Adult

    Book Reviews: Adult Filter by Award Bronze Finalist Finalist Gold Silver Lisa Towles Terror Bay Jennifer Ivy Walker The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight Lisa Towles Salt Island George R. Hopkins When Secrets Come to Light: A novel of love and tangled friendships Leon Conrad Story and Structure: A complete guide Stoni Astley Sanctuary's Lights J Paul Rieger Jr The Big Comb Over Bill Canady The 80/20 CEO Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days Gail Scoates Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart A Frank Corso Mystery Divine Travel Agency Jennifer Ivy Walker The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven Angela White Stopping Time: Life After War Carol Amorosi Death on the Line Mitzi Perdue Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul Juliet Rose Prick of the Needle Sabrina Simon Violet Dr Pietro Emanuele Garbelli The Doctor's Voice - Empowering Solutions to Physicians' Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies Marieke Lexmond The Magical Tarot Deck Viola B. Mecke, Ph.D., ABPP Aging Wisely: Life from Fifty to Seventy-Five Years M. E. Taylor Brothers Lachlan Pirie The Resolution Lukman Clark The Alexandria Scrolls Marianne Hartley ALIGN & SHINE Isra Sravenheart Her Dark Love Romana King House Poor No More: 9 Steps to Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth Robin Jeffrey .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery Mrs. Anthony I Am Woman... : Book One: My Journey, My Tony G.S. Carline Blood Dragon Rising Marieke Lexmond The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles #4 Jonnie Ramsey Brown You Promised To Do No Harm: A True Story of Love, Loss, and the Horror of Healthcare Disparity for One African American Family Gail Grant Park We Are Shadows An Irish Ghost Story Juliet Rose Trigger Point Jerry Gundersheimer Reach: A Nexus of Life and Love Alex Poppe Duende J. F. Cronin It Could Happen Here - A Roadmap to Disaster Reese Trapped Cynthia Hughes Live...But LIVE! Madeline Pasimio Contrary to Conception: Stories and Lessons about Successful Birth Control and Contraceptive Methods Juliet Rose Do Over Matthew Binder Pure Cosmos Club Genevieve Jenner Chocolate Cake for Imaginary Lives B.V. Glants Half Notes from Berlin Liza Gino Imelda's Secret Roni Robbins Hands of Gold Kyli Santiago Healing Yesterday's Tears: An Inspiring Poetry Book about Overcoming Emotion and Discovering Love of Self Elizabeth H. Cottrell HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and INspire Peter Eliott A Dream of Shadows David Cairns The Case of the Emigrant Niece Angie Bailey Believe Katie Jay Murder most Vegan Jamie Anderson Drive All Day (Because I'm Too Old to Drive All Night) KJ The Forever and The Now DF Kennedy Nothing But The Truth Alex Poppe Jinwar and Other Stories Regan Walker Bound by Honor Mark Roeder What We Do Next Really Matters Edgar Doleman Arlen's Gun: A Novel of Men at War Jennifer Ivy Walker Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle Kerk Murray Since the Day We Danced Michael Bickel 250,000 NOs Karen K. Brees Crosswind Juliet Rose Carrying the Dead Tucker Madison Green Glass Jackie Ewing Life Lessons from a Late Bloomer - Vignettes of a Small-Town Girl Tony Jeton Selimi A Path to Excellence Pat Wahler The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel of Rose O'Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll Aimee Hill All The Gray In Between Tobin Marks Ark of the Apocalypse Angel A Holy Parrot Margaret Tran The ACTIONS Geoff Spellberg Escape From Hawaii Paul Sanders Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died: A Grateful Dead Thriller Felicia Taylor E. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale Glendall C Jackson III Naked Came the Detective Karla Huebner In Search of the Magic Theater Raejean Kanter Who Held the Door Open?: Mentoring Through Life's Challenges Gifford MacShane Rainbow Man Stephanie Woodward The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design Wendy Hewlett Witches & Whisky Leslie Kain Secrets In The Mirror Andy Lipman The CF Warrior Project, Volume 2: Celebrating Our Cystic Fibrosis Community Juliet Rose We Don’t Matte Dr Nizar M Benazzouz The innovative Animal Geoff Sease When We Push Through Sound W.A. Pepper You Will Know Vengeance: A Tanto Thriller DF Kennedy The Whole Truth Bryan Asher The Treasure of Lor-Rev David Zelman PhD What's Next? Get Clear & Get Going Ralph L. Bayrer Liberty, Science and Wealth: The Evolution to Modern Society Jamie Andrea Garzot Unconventional A Memoir of Entrepreneurism Politics and Pot K.c. LaSaga Dragum Julie Cadman UnMasked David W. Berner The Islander Joanne Griffin and Declan Foster Humology: How to put humans back at the heart of technology Anne Angelo Sprig of White Heather and a Scottish Lass Carter Fielding Murder in the Marshes Rozsa Gaston Margaret of Austria Melissa Jacobus The Accomplice Jennifer Ivy Walker The Lady of the Mirrored Lake Cristiana Pinciroli Sport : a Stage for Life - How to Connect with the Touchstones of Elite Performance and Personal Fulfillment Robin Jeffrey R.A.T.: A Cadence Turing Mystery Lem Moye Catching Cold Vol 2 - Redemption Peter Mazurek Modern Catholic Concerns Anthony J Mohr Every Other Weekend Coming of Age With Two Different Dads Ben Merrick Where the Valley Meets the Sky Alison McBain The New Empire Paula Dail Fearless Rick Soshensky The Music Therapy Studio: Empowering the Soul's Truth Danny Holst The Harlem Story Jon Howe Shanghaied Angela Williams Loving Me: After Abuse Don Ake Deep Heavy Stuff - Thoughts and essays for enriching your life Hannah Sward STRIP: A MEMOIR Kathleeen Janz Anderson September Wind Book II Glenda Brown The Story of Raine C.J. Hudson Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street Kelly Cheek Gazing Into the Abyss Lisa Towles The Ridders Dr Haseena Chokkiyil The Kintsugi Moms: Transformative Insights from a Healers Diary Stephen Alder Deehabta's Song Mary L Schmidt Her Alibi Joshua Hershey Linden Falls Sherman E Ross Code Name: Juggernaut Juliet Rose Through the Surface Shonna Waters The Coaching Shift: How A Coaching Mindset and Skills Can Change You, Your Interactions, and the World Around You Ronan James Cassidy Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind Paula Welch Cloud Piercer Deborah S. Greenhut The Hoarder's Wife Richard Lui Enough About Me: The Unexpected Power of Selflessness Jeremy Bazley My China - Living Inside the Dragon Julia Brewer Daily ;The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret Frederick Douglass Reynolds Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement DF Kennedy The Truth Jeremiah Gilbert On to Plan C A Return to Travel Adam Saint The Transfer Problem J J Alo The Street Between the Pines Holly Brough The Name I Choose J Paul Rieger Jr Clonk! Alison Jean Lester The Sound of It Carolyn Clarke And Then There's Margaret Brian R Estvander Stilled: The Story of Inklebrawt Winklehank Jim Malloy Raptor's Revenge Ed Norwood Be a Giant Killer: Overcoming Your Everyday Goliaths Marlayne Jan Giron Second Chance Inn Bryan Asher The Assassin of Malcoze Christopher H. Volk The Value Equation: A Business Guide to Wealth Creation for Entrepreneurs, Leaders and Investors Paula Welch A River of Fortune John Bartell The Pilgrim's Progress Desert Experience Danny Holst Promised Land Jim Lichtman Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle between the Secret Service and Ken Starr S. C. Eston Deficiency Carter Fielding Murder in the Tea Leaves: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery--Book 2 Dr. Trent W. Smallwood Lethal Decree S. Graham Vacant Ashley Porsche Bugge The Ocean is Calling Hayley Lyle Barefoot King: The Indian Dalit Who Defied Caste to Bless Others Filter by Category Fiction Non fiction Filter by Genre Alternative history Biographical fiction Biography Black & African American Business Childhood trauma Christian fiction Fantasy fiction Historical fiction Literary fiction Medieval historical romance Memoir Music Mystery and crime Poetry Romance Science fiction Self-help Social sciences Thriller and suspense War fiction Women's literature Writing reference

  • Bill Canady, The 80/20 CEO Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days

    < Back Bill Canady The 80/20 CEO Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days A business playbook by author and global business executive Bill Canady. The 80/20 CEO: Take Command of Your Business in 100 Days is a business playbook by author and businessman Bill Canady. Canady created an operating system for business – the Profitable Growth Operating System – designed to turn a business around in one hundred days, using the 80/20 principle. The 80/20 principle (also known as the Pareto Principle) is a rule in business that maintains that just 20 percent of what you do or spend generates 80 percent of your revenue. Divided into three parts, the first part describes the Profitable Growth Operating System, the second part focuses on the first one hundred days in a leadership role, and the third part discusses the long-term strategy required for sustained success. Canady’s story is remarkable. He describes his upbringing, growing up ‘dirt poor’ on a farm in southeastern North Carolina, and how he rose to success as a global business executive through hard work and determination. Canady’s operating system is based on his own personal experience of leading multi-million-dollar companies. Over a thirty-year period, Canady generated significant profitable growth for several companies. He uses his insight, business expertise, and knowledge of other management practices (including strategy, talent management, lean methods, and mergers and acquisitions) to provide a comprehensive roadmap for entrepreneurs and business professionals. Canady provides a wealth of information, and practical tools and tips that readers can implement in their own business. Each chapter is filled with expert advice and examples from the real world of business. Canady’s style is engaging, entertaining and easy to understand, making the book accessible to readers of all levels of business expertise. Overall, an inspirational and practical guide to business success for aspiring or experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders , or anyone interested in business. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A comprehensive and valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business professionals. ​ Purchase here

  • Spring 2023 Teen

    Spring 2023: Best Teen Book Aurora Winter Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App Coriana Hope Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) Brianna and Matthew Penfold The Intrepid Three: Animus Revealed Daniel Foster Torment: Descension Eric Westergard Soul Scepter: Time Marauders S.M. Webb Spirited Alayne Smith A Mystery Solved, A Prediction Fulfilled Maggie Paredes On a Rooftop in Beijing Stacy A. Padula Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person E.K. Larson-Burnett The Bear and the Rose Alexander Sotberg Secrets of the Elementals Ilene Grydsuk Age of Resolve: The E.V. Chronicles E.M. Leander Wren and the Tarnished Tiger

  • Juliet Rose, Through the Surface

    < Back Juliet Rose Through the Surface A haunting love story, by author Juliet Rose Teenager, Iris Brubaker, fights for her life after her abusive father brutally attacks her and leaves her for dead. Iris dies on the operating table, but is brought back to life several times and survives the ordeal. Iris’s father kills her mother, aunt and cousin, and Iris is traumatised and scarred for life, both physically and mentally. Around the same time, another teen, Ledger Elliot, faces unimaginable loss when his father tragically commits suicide by jumping from his fishing boat. Ledger takes on the household responsibilities of his father, and decides to keep the fishing boat in use, to honour his father’s memory. Fifteen years later, Iris and Ledger’s worlds collide when Iris takes residence on a small Island, off the coast of Maine, where Ledger was born and raised. Iris arrives on the island to take over the ownership of the old Crowley Lodge, which she inherited as the only living survivor of the Brubaker family, following the death of her late grandmother. Iris plans to bring the lodge back to its former glory and open a hotel, in her grandmother’s memory. She hires Ledger, now a fisherman and an all-round handy man to help her with some jobs. Ledger feels a presence in the lodge, and experiences strange visions and terrifying nightmares. Ledger starts to develop feelings for Iris, but is scared of taking the relationship forward when he hears about her trauma and near-death experience. As the couple grow closer, Ledger learns more about Iris’s past, the history of the lodge, and the mystery of his father’s death. He discovers evil, demonic forces that have forced the couple together and risk tearing their whole lives apart. Through the Surface is a gripping horror novel, by author Juliet Rose, with an unexpected and supernatural twist. What starts out as a typical love story (boy and girl have troubled pasts, help each other recover, and fall in love), turns into a haunting, terrifying and gripping thriller. This book is weird and wonderful, serious and surreal, engaging and horrifying. Juliet Rose has a natural gift for storytelling and super characterisation, and this novel does not disappoint. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A haunting, terrifying and gripping thriller, with an unexpected and supernatural twist. ​ Purchase here

©2020 Readers' Choice Book Awards

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