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< Back Mara Purl When Birds Sing Miranda Jones, a respected wildlife artist, has been commissioned by the state of Oregon to paint the state bird, the Western Meadowlark. The prestigious assignment takes her on a journey to Oregon’s lush landscapes, where she immerses herself in the bird’s habitat, capturing its essence through observation, photography, hiking and plein air painting. Miranda’s adventure is not just about art; it’s a deep exploration of her connection to nature and her own aspirations. Her fascination with birds and their communication becomes a central theme, as she learns from a bird expert about the intricate social systems and vocalizations of avian species. When Miranda finds herself in a dramatic rescue situation on the Columbia River, her attentiveness to bird calls leads her to save a fellow traveller from drowning. The narrative is enriched by vivid descriptions of Oregon’s landscapes, the river’s power, and the delicate beauty of the meadowlark. Purl’s writing is lyrical and evocative, seamlessly weaving together themes of art, nature, and human relationships. The novella stands alone as a complete story but also fits into the larger tapestry of the Milford-Haven saga. When Birds Sing by author Mara Purl is a beautifully crafted novella that celebrates the harmony between humans and nature, the power of art, and the courage to embrace life’s challenges. Purl’s ability to blend fiction with environmental and emotional themes makes this a compelling read for fans of small-town fiction, nature enthusiasts, and those who appreciate stories of personal growth. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A captivating novella set within the Milford-Haven saga, blending themes of nature, art, and human connection. Purchase here

< Back Nicole Frankel What are bees good for anyway? Bennie learns the importance of honeybees for our planet and people. One day, Bennie is stung by a bee while playing in the garden with his brother and sister. Bennie hates bees after his brother was stung and had an allergic reaction, and after a colony of bees built a hive in his favourite tree. Bennie asks, What are bees good for, anyway? Bennie’s Aunt Beatrice takes him on a walk to learn about all the other wonderful things that bee’s do. Bennie learns how bee’s dance to communicate with other bees, how fast they flap their wings and travel for long distances, their anatomy and how they have two stomachs, and the importance of honeybees to the ecosystem. Aunt Beatrice also explains that bees are not naturally aggressive, and only sting when they feel threatened. As Bennie tucks into his dinner that evening, he talks about his walk with his Aunt, and how bees are important for life. UnBEElievable! What are bees good for, anyway? by author Nicole Frankel is an illustrated picture book about a little boy who doesn’t like bees, and his wonder when he discovers the importance of bees to our planet and people. This is a fantastic picture book for younger age readers, that will help children understand bees, and their contribution to the environment and ecosystem. With lots of interesting bee facts and figures (Did you know, bees have 3 million hairs on their bodies that attract pollen?!) this book will captivate and fascinate younger readers. The book introduces complicated words and topics, such as anatomy and ecosystem, in an engaging and accessible way for younger aged children. It will help younger children build new vocabulary and knowledge and will hopefully inspire a love for nature and conservation. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, entertaining and educational picture book, for young readers, bee enthusiasts and budding conservationists. 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 Tracey Smith Where's Grandma? A Child's View on Loss, Grief and Bereavement Jordyn looks for her grandma, but cannot find her anywhere. Her bed is empty, her wheelchair is abandoned, and her place at the table unoccupied. Jordyn’s mommy tells her that her grandma has ‘transitioned’, but Jordyn does not know what that means. Her mommy explains that Grandma is now in heaven with other family members. Jordyn misses her grandma and remembers good times spent with her, singing and dancing for her, watching movies together, and playing games. She remembers how her grandma like to spend time with the family, and cook big family dinners. Jordyn’s mommy encourages her to focus on happy memories of her grandma and turn tears of sadness into tears of joy. Jordyn knows that whenever she misses her grandma, she can look back at old pictures and videos, and remember the fun times they spent together. Where's Grandma? A Child's View on Loss, Grief and Bereavement is a heartfelt and touching picture book by Tracey Smith about a little girl named Jordyn who faces the loss of her beloved grandma. Struggling with sadness, Jordyn finds it difficult to understand where her grandma has gone. Her mom helps her to cope by gently remembering the happy times they shared. Through these memories, Jordyn discovers that although grandma is no longer there, her love will remain in her heart forever. The author handles the subject of death in a sensitive way that is suitable for young readers. The book includes helpful notes to help parents talk to children about their grief. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heartfelt and touching story about grief, and a valuable resource for families who may have experienced the death of a loved one. 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 Matthew Binder Pure Cosmos Club Can a flailing artist find his place in the lavish New York art scene? Paul, a thirty-seven-year-old New Yorker, is sacked from his job for not meeting the minimum expectations of performance. He lies to his girlfriend and keeps up the pretence of going to work for several months, while at the same time trying to set himself up as a visual artist. When his girlfriend discovers his betrayal she leaves him instantly, leaving him alone in his apartment in New York City with his disabled dog named Blanche. In an art studio with his friend and fellow artist, Danny, Paul attempts to make a living creating and selling art. But his art is unconventional and often misunderstood, and he struggles to be accepted by the traditional art world. When Paul has an affair with a married woman, he discovers that her husband is the leader of the Pure Cosmo Club, a secretive, quasi-religious cult that promotes rebirth and freedom of thought. In his quest to find his true self and a deeper purpose in life, Paul becomes obsessed with the club. He desperately tries to reach the clubs highest ranks, sacrificing his friendships and business relationships along the way. Pure Cosmos Club by author Matthew Binder is an original satirical comedy, that follows the chaotic life of an eccentric visual artist as he attempts to navigate the art world in New York City. The author delivers a hilarious and thought-provoking commentary on the world of high art, celebrity, and fashion. Paul is a typical anti-hero, self-absorbed, annoying, and deeply flawed. But somehow, he is a relatable and likeable character, that readers will root for. His relationship with his dog, is endearing. Overall, a unique, clever, funny, and entertaining novel. This is not my preferred genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy satire and dry humour. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A clever, sharp, and funny satire about the lavish art world. Wild, weird, and wonderful in equal measure. Purchase here

< Back Inga Aksamit Between Worlds: An Expat's Quest for Belonging Book blurb... At age thirteen, Inga Aksamit finds herself caught in her second war zone, listening to gunfire in East Pakistan while contemplating what few possessions she can take if evacuated. But her story begins years earlier, when at four years old, her family leaves their comfortable California life behind for a posting in West Pakistan. From a terrifying separation from her mother in a crowded Tokyo train station to hiding under restaurant tables in Hong Kong, young Inga's journey across Asia is just the beginning of a life straddling cultures. As the daughter of an American engineer working on crucial infrastructure projects in Pakistan, she navigates a world of armed compounds, household servants, cultural misunderstandings, and political unrest. "Between Worlds: An Expat's Quest for Belonging" is a vivid memoir that captures the challenges and adventures of growing up as a Western child in South Asia and South America during the 1960s. Through the eyes of a four-year-old and to teenager, Aksamit brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of a world that no longer exists, while exploring universal themes of identity, belonging, and what it truly means to be home. Perfect for readers who enjoyed "Reading Lolita in Tehran" and "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight," this memoir offers a unique perspective on a pivotal time in South Asian history through the lens of a young American caught between two worlds. Purchase here

< Back Janice Hechter Where Are the Women? Girl scouts will stop at nothing to get a statue of women represented in Central Park. Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park tells the true story of a group of young girl scouts who set out to raise awareness of the lack of women statues in Central Park, New York, in 2016. At the time, none of twenty-two statues in the park portrayed a real-life woman. The girls supported an organisation called Monumental Women, which works to bring statues of women into the park. The girl scouts made signs, cards and pins, and marched down the cobbled sidewalks of Central Park West to raise awareness and protest about the number of women represented on pedestals in Central Park. The girls raised funds to help pay for a statue by selling cookies, and throughout 2017 and 2018 raised thousands of dollars. But the girls were disappointed when the proposed location of the statue was a dark, isolated corner outside of the park. As the girls continued to fight for a statue in the park, public awareness increased. Finally, in 2020, a sixty-year-old ban of new statues in the park was overturned and a statue of three inspirational women was revealed. The three women, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady changed history when they fought for women’s rights. Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park by author Janice Hechter is an inspirational true story about an inspirational group of girl scouts. Through perseverance and self-less determination, the young women worked tirelessly to get the first statues of real-life women in Central Park. This is an inspiring and empowering story, which highlights not only the importance of representation, but also the impact of youth activism. It demonstrates how the collective efforts of individuals, can drive significant change. The young women featured in this book, are a credit to girls and women everywhere. Truth, Anthony, Cady, and all the other women who fought for gender equality, would be proud of their achievements. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : This is an inspiring and empowering story, and a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, history and youth advocacy. Purchase here

< Back Shonna Waters The Coaching Shift: How A Coaching Mindset and Skills Can Change You, Your Interactions, and the World Around You ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Purchase here

Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) < Back Coriana Hope Reign or Shine (The Forged Flower Saga Book 1) A contemporary twist on the traditional fairy tale, by author Coriana Hope Princess Chrisithia (Chris) heir of Agaedith is invited to the birthday party of Princess Coralla in the neighbouring kingdom of SeaCrest. When Chris is attacked by a swarm of bees on the birthday parade float, the horses pulling the float are spooked, and career through the parade, before crashing into the ocean. Princess Coralla is furious and yells at Chris, who responds by punching the birthday girl in the face. Chris flees the scene and is banished from SeaCrest. She meets a strange boy in the forest and learns he is Coralla’s secret brother, Prince Kedrick. Chris and Kedrick become good friends and they meet in the woods one day, where they are attacked by possessed trees and chased by a pack of wolves and their leader, a talking alpha wolf. Chris’s parents, the Queen SnowWhite and King Orrluxe, are embarrassed by their daughter’s unprincessly behaviour and send her to the Interkingdom Collaborative University for Princesses, in the hope that the boarding school will control her behaviour and secure her a prince for a husband. Chris loathes the school and the wretched princesses that reside there. She tries everything she can to get expelled, skipping classes and being rude to the teachers, but all of her attempts fail. As Chris develops an unlikely friendship with a commoner girl named Rachaella, the wolves who chased her through the woods track her down, and threaten to kill her. Meanwhile, princesses are disappearing across the land and Chris discovers a monstrous evil power roaming through Agaedith. Chris must seek the help of her arch-enemy the alpha wolf, and her old friend, Kedrick, to solve the mystery before the evil power destroys the entire kingdom. Reign or Shine by author Coriana Hope is a wonderful adventure and fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, with a contemporary twist on the traditional fairy tale. The book features some familiar fairy tale characters, such as Snow White, but not quite as you might remember them. Chris is a strong and feisty female protagonist, who rebels against her parents and their expectations of good princess behavour. She is a typical teen, with a desire for fun, friendship and adventure, but is abandoned and neglected by her parents, and trapped in a hostile royal castle. Despite her privilege, she experiences many challenges, anxieties and insecurities, that young adult readers will relate to. The book ends on a thrilling cliff-hanger, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful adventure and fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, with a strong and feisty female protagonist, and some familiar fairy tale characters. Purchase here

< Back Marianne Hartley ALIGN & SHINE A step-by-step guide to brand design by author Marianne Hartley. Align & Shine is a reference book about business, marketing, and brand design. Author, brand consultant and designer, Marianne Hartley, describes how to create beautiful, inspiring, and powerful brands, by connecting the heart and mind. Hartley discusses her personal journey, from studying graphic design at l’Ecole d’Art Appliques, in Switzerland, to settting up a successful agency, Hartley & Soul. The company was created to bring together the author’s interests in energy healing and design. The book is divided into three parts: Dive, Discover and Define. Dive is the foundational stage, which involves diving deep into the business, understanding what is unique about the business, and identifying the problem it is trying to solve. Dive involves the left, logical side of the brain. Discover involves connecting with intuition and engaging with the heart to get a deeper level of understanding, and aligning the brand with both the heart and the vision. It involves working with the right hand, creative side of the brain. Define brings both sides of thinking together, connecting logic and intuition, to develop a coherent vision, mission and value, to bring the brand to life. Hartley provides many examples through real life client stories and testimonials. At the end of each chapter there are exercises and questions to help guide the reader on their own brand journey, and tips and tools to support self reflection, guided meditation an visualisation. Align & Shine is an inspiring and insightful book by a guru of brand design, Marianne Hartley. Hartley is a leading authority on brand design, and her knowledge and expertise shines throughout this book. The book’s emphasis on the emotional aspects of branding, and connecting hearts and minds, is refreshing. As a reader with little knowledge of brand design, I found the book fascinating. I would love to see more images and examples within the book, as I found myself googling many of the brands the author references. The book is aimed at anyone who has a business idea and wants to turn it into brand; those who are already running a successful business and want to refresh their brand; and serial entrepreneurs who want to create iconic brands for their businesses. It will also appeal to students, teachers, and anyone interested in branding and design. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Connecting hearts and minds: a refreshing and fascinating insight into brand design. Purchase here

< Back Once Upon a Dance Franie's Wish: A Wander in the Wonder Another fabulous adventure in the Once Upon a Dance series Frankie’s Wish: A Wander in the Wonder, tells the story of Frankie, who lives on the magical island of Anorac. There is a legend on the island, that a magic blue feather would grant a birthday wish to the lucky person who finds it. On the day of Frankie’s special birthday, Frankie sets out on a quest to find the magic feather. Frankie’s wish is to become a famous dancer, and hopes to find the feather to make the wish come true. Frankie catches a ferry and arrives at a mysterious forest. With a little help from a number of forest friends, an eagle, a T-Rex, and a gorilla, Frankie must solve the clues hidden throughout the forest to find the magic blue feather. The final task is to ‘dance your journey’ and Frankie decides to dance the day from the beginning, from entering the forest, to meeting the forest creatures. Frankie reflects on the forest journey and realises that what is most important in life is friendship, family, and adventure. Will Frankie find the magic blue feather? And what will he wish for? Frankie's Wish: A Wander in the Wonder is a children’s picture book in the Once Upon a Dance series. Once Upon a Dance, is a unique and creative concept with Ballerina Konora narrating the story through movement and dance. Frankie is a gender neutral and relatable character, who will appeal to young children who love adventure and fantasy stories. Frankie learns important life lessons throughout the journey, which will encourage self-belief and confidence in young children. The digital illustrations are bold, bright, and engaging. Konora provides prompts and ideas for readers to act out the story, and encourages readers to use their own imagination and experiment with new movements. With photographs to accompany each movement, the book encourages active participation in the story through movement and creativity. This book is a great resource for children, parents and carers, and teachers, and will encourage readers to experiment with movement and dance. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fabulous interactive picture book, which will inspire movement and creativity in young children. Purchase here