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< Back Cheryl Johnson Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination Victoria, Texas and Beyond Young explorer, Charli, and her adventures in her hometown, Victoria, Texas. Inspired by a famous explorer from the 1800’s named Ida Phieffer; Charlotte (Charli) Beatriz Phieffer writes stories about her travel adventures in her journal. Charli’s dad travels all over the world with his work, and sometimes Charli travels with him. She loves to explore and learn new things about the different places she visits. In this book, Charli explores her hometown, Victoria in Texas, which was founded two hundred years ago and has a fascinating history. In her journal, Charli captures a series of adventures in Victoria and beyond: from camping at Lake Texana, zoo-keeping at Texas Zoo, and the annual, lighted Christmas parade. There are twenty-two adventures in total and each adventure is captured on a double-page spread. Each spread includes Charli’s personal experience of the adventure, lots of fascinating facts and beautiful photography. It includes the location of the adventure, Charli’s favorite and most interesting things, and a special imagination or adventure challenge, where Charli had to learn something new or take part in a new activity. Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination: Victoria, Texas and Beyond, is a wonderful travel adventure book by author Cheryl Johnson. Written as a journal extract, the book combines a story of a fictional character, with a handy travel resource. Charli is a charming, fun, and adventurous character and I particularly liked the whimsical illustrations. Young people will relate to the character and enjoy reading about her adventures. The travel resource provides lots of fascinating facts and insightful information about each place and can be used by readers to help plan their own travel adventure. I didn’t know much about Victoria before I read this book, but I do now! It has inspired me to visit this fascinating and historical town, and I look forward to reading more about Charli’s other adventures too. Overall, an insightful and entertaining book for adventurers and travel enthusiasts of any age. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, insightful and entertaining story, with a charming protagonist and a handy travel guide of Victoria, Texas. Purchase here

< Back John McCarthy The Bluejacket's Manual Book blurb... Few people read about the Philippine Insurrection in American History. At the treaty ending the Spanish American War, the US purchased the Philippine Islands. However, the Filipinos who fought alongside the Americans against the Spanish felt betrayed and declared war against the occupying American troops. From the period of early 1899 through 1908, the US fought a protracted war said to have been more brutal than the fighting in the Philippines during World War II. The Bluejacket's Manual deals with the experience of a young Navy sailor bound by his duty to God, country and the Navy. Torn between the relationships developed in the Philippines; he struggles to save his body and soul during the period from 1898 to 1904. Originally fighting the Spanish then alongside the Army against the Insurrectos in the jungles of the north then facing the deadly Moros from the islands in the south, the sailor works to subdue a hostile people to America's will. The book is written in a manner that reflects the American patriotism and moral activism of those times balanced against Filipino aspirations. Purchase here

< Back Nathalie Martin The Inspired Retirement: Purpose and Passion in Your Next Adventure Book blurb... Retirement Can Be Anything We Want, As Long as We Know What We Want. Most people plan for retirement by checking their portfolios. Yet there is so much more to a happy retirement. This book focuses not on the money but what you'll actually do in retirement, helping readers plan and live a joyful, healthy, meaningful retirement. In a fun and thoughtful way, this book helps you picture, plan and start living a purposeful and inspired next chapter. Through its exploration of your own unique values, skills, and passions, it will infuse joy and direction into your life as you navigate one of life's most complex transitions. It playfully balances planning for a bright future with making the most of the here and now. Two of my back-cover endorsers are #1 New York Times Bestselling authors. Purchase here

The Vending Portal < Back Judy Liu The Vending Portal Two sisters stumble across an old vending machine and find themselves transported to an alternate universe, by debut author Judy Liu Sisters, Mel and Sage, are walking home from school one day when they take a detour through the Old Town, and stumble across an old vending machine in a bus shelter. The vending machine is out of order and the sisters try to grab a snack by shaking and kicking the machine. Suddenly, the floor beneath them disappears and the girls are transported to an unknown park in an alternate universe. When a uniformed officer approaches the girls, a strange boy named Lewis leads them away and saves them from being captured. The girls visit Lewis’s home, where they learn more about the strange world and the strange people that inhabit it. They manage to find another vending machine and a portal back home, but when their mother gives them a peculiar old key that belonged to their grandfather, they believe there is a connection to the alternate world, and decide to go back to explore further. The girls find Lewis and go on a journey to learn more about their grandfather’s connection to the mysterious world, its memory-enhancing technologies, and the dark secrets of the government. The Vending Portal by author Judy Lui is a magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe. Judy Liu presents an interesting perspective on the utopian/dystopian society, seen through the eyes of two young girls. This is a fun, fast-paced novel for teens, and will appeal to those who enjoy sci-fi, adventure and fantasy stories. With a captivating plot, well-rounded and likeable characters, and an intriguing multi-verse world, this book will entertain readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe, this book will entertain readers of all ages. Purchase here

< Back David W. Berner The Islander An ageing writer develops an unlikely friendship with a young hiker. Eighty-year-old writer, Seamus Damp, lives alone with his dog in a small house, on a remote island, ‘The Rock in the sea,’ off the coast of Dingle in Ireland. Following his divorce, Seamus sunk into a deep depression, and moved to the island seeking solitude, leaving behind his only son, Aiden, on the mainland. Berner writes, Seamus had fallen into his own silence, a retreat of spirit, increasingly in need of solitude. He had become an intensely quiet man. No longer present. No longer capable of giving enough to someone else. After several medical emergencies, Aiden, and Seamus’s doctor, encourage him to return to the mainland, but Seamus refuses to leave. Early one morning, Seamus is disturbed by a tap it his door. He meets a young American named Maddie, who asks to shelter in his home during a turbulent storm. Maddie is hiking in Europe to find solace and to escape her own troubles. They share an evening of conversation, and they develop a deep connection through their personal stories of betrayal, death, despair, and hopelessness. Maddie and Seamus become friends and find comfort in each other’s company. As Maddie helps Seamus with a number of medical emergencies, Seamus helps Maddie heal from her past trauma. The Islander is a short novel by author David W. Berner about a man in his later years who finds friendship with a younger woman. This is a poignant and heartfelt novel, beautifully written by Berner with great sensitivity and compassion. The book deals with themes of friendship, love, loss, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. With well drawn, complex and relatable characters, stunning imagery of the wind-swept Irish island, and a beautiful story of two strangers who develop an unlikely bond, this is a compelling read. Highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant and heartfelt story of friendship, love, loss, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Purchase here

< Back James Richard Hansen Skies and Chasms: Poems Book blurb... In Skies and Chasms, poet James Hansen reaches new heights and depths of his veneration of nature and his passionate feelings of being a part of it. Sunsets, sunrises, the moon and stars, forests and meadows, flowers and seasons, all are the creative elements of Hansen’s sense of himself. His sensitivity to language is remarkable, as the words flow soft or robust, mellow or fierce. The very sounds of words are a music to match the vibrations of his soul. The symbolisms of nature echo the development of his spirit, and like a painter he describes nature’s scenes with ever-changing imagery. Every sunset is unique, every cloud is a new phenomenon, and the poet’s self-vibrates in metaphoric resonance with the universe’s infinitude. Of special note is the section of love poems for his wife. He will never believe that she is not an angel. The reader will rejoice at the poet’s grand good fortune for such happiness in life. Purchase here

< Back SAVI The Journey Begins Within A profound and intimate spiritual guide, by author SAVI. In The Journey Begins Within, author and spiritual guide, SAVI, takes the reader on a journey of spiritual enlightenment, as he describes his own personal journey and his relationship with the Holy Spirit. SAVI recalls his first encounter with the Spirit when he was just six-years old, growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He explains, “ fully conscious, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit heal my body, which could be construed as a true miracle.” Dismissed by his parents as a psychosomatic episode, SAVI knew he had been visited by an other-worldly presence. This was the first of many supernatural visitations, which could not be explained by anything else. After graduating from high school in the US, SAVI returned back to Buenos Aires to study engineering when the next inexplicable metaphysical event happened. He also recalls a time in his life when he suffered from a serious back injury. “I sensed a presence leave my body. As this presence departed, my body regained its mobility.” Through his relationship with God, SAVI discovered the journey into unconditional self-love, which in turn, helped him to see his past emotional injuries from a new perspective and heal the emotional wounds. The Journey Begins Within is a transformative and thought-provoking guide to spirituality and self-discovery. SAVI’s story is uplifting and inspiring. By sharing his own spiritual journey, and interweaving his experiences with practical tools and advice, SAVI offers readers a path to spiritual enlightenment. He gently encourages readers to live in the present and find their own true self through a personal connection with the Divine. The book serves as both a beacon of hope, and a practical guide for those seeking healing through spiritual means. A must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of spirituality and find their own connection to God. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An uplifting and deeply moving exploration of spirituality and personal transformation. Purchase here

< Back Joseph L Licari Mia's Marvelous Farm Adventure Mia and her three mouse friends—Squeaky, Speedy, and Nibbles—explore the farm and have fun learning new words. The author cleverly uses rhymes and wordplay to introduce children to the concept of homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. For example, the book explains the difference between ‘pear’ and ‘pair,’ ‘knight’ and ‘night,’ and many more. These lessons are woven into a fun and enjoyable story, making it an excellent resource for building vocabulary and literacy skills. Mia’s journey to understand homophones is guided by big sister, Pia, who serves as a wise and supportive mentor. This sibling dynamic encourages young readers to seek help and learn from others, fostering a positive attitude towards learning and problem-solving. Mia’s Marvelous Farm Adventure by Joseph L Licari is a charming and captivating picture book, and part of a series that aims to teach young readers important language concepts. The illustrations are vibrant and cheerful, perfectly complementing the tone of the book. The images bring the farm and its characters to life, making the story visually appealing and engaging for young readers. The playful depiction of the mice and their antics adds an extra layer of charm. The rhymes are catchy and memorable, ensuring that the lessons learned stick with young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A charming and captivating picture book that will entertain and educate young children, and spark a life-long love of language and learning. Purchase here

Keeper of the Lost Flame: Book Two < Back Rose M Delorane Keeper of the Lost Flame: Book Two Book blurb... Lit Square has gotten caught up in the paranormal, arcane magic, and supernatural trouble - and still hasn't surrendered. Tough, seasoned, yet still sweet and unassuming, he is unafraid to take what he wants. No longer is he the same awkward boy who left behind his home, family, and the girl he loved, just to search for his forgotten bloodline. Not quite seventeen, he's undeniably handsome despite the deep scars no one can see. Yet, he has no idea the effect he has on others. Especially on Greta, the girl who runs the iconic Merry's Tavern and Inn within the small mountain town of Mountainview. When Lit travels there on the trail of an ancient artifact, he uncovers secrets kept silent for generations. The picturesque town has existed under a supernatural threat so malevolent that it forces residents to lock their doors by nightfall. Dark forces own the streets after sunset, and the boarded Cemetery of Eternal Sorrow guards secrets the living fear to speak. Purchase here

< Back Mariah Clark Skewes O is for Pig O is for Pig by author Mariah Clark Skewes is an illustrated, A to Z picture book for young children. The book features a diverse and colourful cast of characters and creatures, from babies to weightlifters, and pigs to kangaroos. But this is not your average A to Z book. Instead of naming the animal or object, this picture book highlights either the sound the animals make, or an alternative expression, for example ‘O’ for oink’, ‘B for baaa’, ‘E for eeekk’. This is a unique and creative A to Z picture book by Mariah Clark Skewes, which invites parents and caregivers to be playful with storytelling and phonetics. Young readers will laugh out loud at the vibrant illustrations and the sound effects that leap off the page. Written in rhyme, with lots of lovely alliteration, young children will enjoy repeating the sounds aloud. The unique concept not only makes learning the alphabet fun, it will also help build vocabulary and develop phonemic awareness. The illustrations by Terri Einer are lively and full of personality, complementing the fun journey through the alphabet perfectly. At the end of the book there is a ‘real letter list’, for those who want to teach the alphabet in the traditional way. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun, fresh and playful take on the classic alphabet picture book. Purchase here

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

< Back Terry Ray King Deathly Vision Book blurb... Dean Malcolm begins to experience troubling premonitions from his brief death following a shooting at his workplace in New York City. These premonitions alert him to impending tragedies that will occur to others around him, which he struggles to understand. His journey of self-discovery leads him to confront his abilities and the impact they have on his life and the lives of others. Each vision leaves him feeling more isolated and desperate to find a way to change the fate of those he sees in danger. He moved to the Outer Banks where he meets a beautiful Hispanic woman named Amelia Lopez who has her own minor premonitions. She begins to provide emotional support for Dean and begins walking through each premonition at his side. A psychiatrist named Doctor Ascott pressures Dean to visit his Psychiatric facility to allow him to expose Dean to some unconventional and possible dangerous testing to understand what is causing Deans premonitions. Dean receives an offer from Alberto Black, who wants to recruit him and Amelia to work together in a team of individuals with special abilities to help solve crimes. This opportunity presents a chance for Dean to use his premonitions for good, but it also raises concerns about their safety and the nature of their work. Purchase here