reviews

Educational fact-books have never been so fun with Dave Gunson's combination of info-text and a vast variety of illustrations. A complete and comprehensive range of chapters from formation and Maori tribal lands through to settlement and the how Aotearoa New Zealand...

Drawing from her own medical knowledge as a doctor, Joanna Nell always brings humour, reflective thoughts and positive ageing themes - I have read all of her books and she's never missed a beat. Dr and Dr Winterbottom have lived their married lives alongside being the...

Blending not only flour, eggs, butter and sugar with their exacting baker's hands, A Bakery In Paris also combines the key ingredients of drama, romance and courage that make this historical tale a success Paris, 1870 and the Prussians are on the move to surround...

From the pages of New Zealand history, The German raider attack on Rangitane in 1940 is woven into this wartime drama by Olivia Spooner. From the bomb blitz of London, to Sydney, then Auckland and a tiny Pacific Island. Emirau Island, New Zealand author Olivia Spooner...

Raw and confronting, as you bear witness to the unraveling of all that Therese has built into both marriage and business. Caused to question her crafted existence - more hand-moulded at the hands of husband Trevor than anything of her own doing. How did she deny so...

In essence, this is a tale about Marie-Jeanne Claudel's place in the world - growing up in the knowledge and awareness of those around her as she can see 'love-glows' in others. Marie-Jeanne was born into tragic family circumstances in 1958, but is surrounded by a...

A vibrant cast of quirky and unique characters come together to satisfy fans of Phryne Fisher Murder Mysteries. Mystery, suspense and shady identities anchor this succinct but perfectly formed tale. In 1930s Sydney, just streets away from from the Razor Gang wars,...

With strange new world 'wobbles' and unpredictable devastating weather events, our food security is foremost in our mind more than ever. When my nose is not in a book I can be found tending to my own vegetable patches, committed to growing my own food supply. I am not...

Five chapters, five unique characters at different stages and phases of their lives. Tomoka, Ryo, Natsumi, Hiroya and Masao have all hit a time 'Where their lives haven't stuck to the life plan they set out with' and both Librarian and Library Assistant have a key...

A full-bodied historical tale merging land and sea. London, 1847, Thomas Rutherford is on extended shore leave from his maritime service and has the chance to indulge in his second love, painting. Watercolours, charcoal sketches and a mind full of ideas he has stored...

In a culture that screams 'reach your highs' or 'go big or go home' mantras, author Josie Shapiro brings a sporting narrative steeped in reality, but also Mickey's character rebuilds with tenacity to find a calm new strength. Treat yourself when it comes to debut...

You become invested in the characters of Ellen and Gordon and you want to believe in what's good, have hope and a justified outcome for them...but, there's just enough doubt that builds the tense pressure in The Watchful Wife. A story of immense personal resilience...