Gail Simpkins, author of 'Praying for Strawberries', will be at the Max Webber Fuction Centre on Thursday 23rd November.  Join Gail for a reading of her book and even get the chance to quiz Gail on 'Praying for Strawberries'. You may even be able to get yourself a signed copy! Have you ever wondered what an Autism Assistance Dog does? Or about the unique perspective of a person living with autism? Through his mother's diary, follow nine-year old Lachlan's journey with his new friend "Itsal" the Labrador as they navigate the world together with Lachlan achieving one of his many dreams and goals-learning to surf! Read about the fantastic improvements Itsal makes to Lachlan's life, and how he strengthens and supports Lachlan and his family.   "Praying for Strawberries is a remarkable story of the daily real life events of a mother, a child and a family whose testimony to the joys and sorrows of a normal family who have been blessed as they travel with each other on a journey where each day unfolds with many surprises not planned for. It is this uncertainty that can be both exhilarating and challenging. The reader will not remain untouched."  - Trevor R Parmenter AM, Professor Emeritus, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney    

Don’t miss out the radio interview of Steve Costello as he talks about his classic story. The reader is hooked from the very first sentence, where Catharine and Ben set out for their home in Carcassonne, France. The story takes off when they meet a lookalike of Catherine named as Elionor, whom she starts liking a lot. Michael, who is the spirit guide of Catherine, connects her spirit to ancient Carassonne and the spirit of Elionor, whose thirteenth century life entangles with Catherine’s current life. Ben is quite concerned about the whole scenario of her but he also finds out that his life is also interlinked with a whole group of people they know in the present world. It becomes a complicated scenario for the duo who find their connections with friends of the past and meet their age-old selves. Will they be able to solve the mystery? Will they be able to save their present? Tune in to find out!

Join author Richard Bloss and the main man himself, Barney the dog, at Waterstones on Plymouth New Street on 11th November 2017. Richard, author of 'About a Dog', will be available to sign copies of the book and answer any questions you might have. ‘Barney the dog is a Westie crossed with a Cairn terrier.' More than that, Barney is, for Richard Bloss, ‘...a dishevelled scrap with his own distinct personality and character.' In 'About a Dog' Richard Bloss describes the adventure of owning a dog: the relationship with Boh the cat, the desperate need for chewsticks, the joy of walkies and the fear when cute little Barney goes walkies all on his own in next door's garden.  Delightfully illustrated and written with charming comedy, 'About a Dog' will be familiar territory for dog lovers; showing the trials and tribulations - but more importantly, the joy - of owning a rapid-moving, sentient ball of fur.

Stuart Rees, author of 'A Lover's Country', will be at Nowra Library on Wednesday 8th November at 5:30pm.  Stuart will be giving a reading and taking part in a Q&A session. You might even be able to grab yourself a signed copy of the book. In the course of their passionate relationship, Tom Markson and his much younger Jewish lover Naomi Branath support a Palestinian leader, Fadeela Qubra who has been awarded an international prize for peace and who knows the details of a murder and a massacre. Fierce opponents of Dr. Qubra want her story suppressed and the award to her cancelled. Tom and Naomi find the courage and the stamina to resist the opposition and eventually enable Fadeela to leave Ramallah, fly to Australia to tell her story and receive her award. Despite death threats and opposition from powerful lobbies, human rights are upheld, love triumphs and the story is told. Told with a compelling immediacy, 'A Lover's Country' sheds light on the intrigue, struggle and behind-the-scenes wrangling associated with the nomination of a Palestinian woman as the recipient of a major peace prize. With a cast of memorable characters, a tightly crafted plot and touches of memorable poetry, A Lover's Country is an illuminating tale of justice with a hard won message of hope. In particular it is a must-read for anyone interested in the current plight of the Palestinians, Arab Israeli relations, and the presentation of these questions by the Western media. - William Lane Author of the highly acclaimed novels, Over the Water and The Horses This is a beautifully written and engaging story. It traces the kind of love that can only develop when people fight for the rights of others and never waver despite incessant and dangerous opposition. In events set largely in San Francisco, London, Sydney, Jerusalem, and Ramallah, that opposition includes powerful politicians and a compliant media who try to stifle accounts of a murder and a massacre. In spite of the pressures which confront them, the leading characters weather the storms and show how courage defeats compromise, principle overcomes pragmatism and how the passion of gutsy individuals lives up to the ideals of 'A Lover's Country'. - Adam Courtenay Author of the dramatic, revealing history Amazon Men

Looking for some quality and constructive time in the evening! Then make sure to become a part of this upcoming event. The launch will be taking place in one of the function rooms of The Railway, a bar and gastropub that is located next to Teddington railway station. Whether you are a student, a teacher or you belong to any other profession, you are surely going to love the way how the main issues in education are addressed. In the book K M Hall gives an insight on how to motivate children to learn from his experiences of a career that spans over four decades. The book is intended towards the education sector and people who are looking to start a career as a teacher. The author brings to attention the pathos of education system and emphasizes that every child is unique. He also talks about the mischievous behavior of the children in a humorous way. The theme of the book is to make radical changes to the educational system for the betterment of future generations.

Two time AMP author, David McCaddon will be at Congleton Library on Tuesday 7th November from 2:30pm. Come meet David and quiz him on all your book based questions and grab yourself a signed copy of his two books - 'In Digital Pursuit' and 'Following Digital Footprints'. 'Following Digital Footprints' Following digital footprints is a detective story with a difference. Different sections of a police force are investigating cases of hire car theft, credit card fraud and identity theft using traditional methods supported by ever more sophisticated IT systems. The criminals, meanwhile, become increasingly greedy but appear to be committing their crimes under the radar. The suspense builds, as the police build their case methodically and with the occasional element of luck. There are several twists and turns as the plot races towards a conclusion, and the reader can only wait and see whether the police or the criminals will succeed. David McCaddon has written an enthralling whodunnit by drawing on his many years of experience in law enforcement systems development working with police forces worldwide. The technical details are described with a light touch and this adds to the enjoyment of the novel. A satisfying read. 'In Digital Pursuit' Digital Pursuit continues the story of criminal Tim Ridgway, first encountered in Following Digital Footprints. Tim has now been sentenced to ten years for his credit card and identity theft crimes and is taken to HMP Dinas Bay in Wales to serve his sentence. Ever one to use his skills to his own advantage, Tim sets about planning his escape, whilst at the same time the authorities get wind of something big going down in the prison. Midshire Police set up an investigation and follow up various leads, putting two and two together and, in an entertaining fashion, not always coming up with four. This is another enjoyable book from David McCaddon, in which the reader can become re-acquainted with old friends from Midshire Police and follow the threads of the plot which twist and turn in a satisfying manner.

Engage yourself into an exciting event with Richard Bloss author of ‘About a Dog’ on the speaker and Q&A event, followed by a book signing. So join the event and grab a signed copy of the book that is a must read for every dog lover. Richard has also written two more books in past and ‘About a Dog’ is his new departure. The story of the book describes the adventure of owning a dog. It shows that how a little dog Barney became Richard’s best buddy and opened door to the new universe of affection and love. The delightful illustration of the books and sense of humor will keep you glued to the book. In his book, Robert has pictured that how Barney formed his relationship with Boh the cat, his family and with other dogs around. Every dog lover is going to enjoy this book from the very first page and it will also develop your liking towards Barney, The Dog.  

Join in author Jack Cartwright who is a retired bank manager, he’s like his main character’s abhors mindless violence, terrorism, and all areas of nasty crimes and their protagonists, but there the comparison ends. Much of the early background material is based on his own experiences, particularly in his time in the RAF, but all the characters are fictitious. The book presents a kind of fictional biography of a mild-mannered young man, who likes and excels at all kinds of sporting combat. The idea of using his exceptional talent anywhere outside a sporting arena is anathema to him, but because of various circumstances that he encounters along the way and a strong dislike of bullies and criminals of all kinds, he gradually discovers a darker side to his nature. In due course, this is harnessed by forces of law and order to help them achieve their purpose, without knowing too much or indeed caring too much about how he goes about it. It is perhaps surprising how two separate love affairs affect the directions he takes. Get a signed copy of the book at the event too!