Advent Count Down- Book 20

This story is inspired by the real life story of Annie Oakley. She rose to fame as a sharp shooter on the circus trail of the Wild West. This imagined story is that of young Maggie whose family are in destitute circumstances after the death of her father. Her mother is very much against her using her shooting skills gained from going out with Pa. I loved that fact that despite the challenging relationship she has with her mother young Maggie keeps trying to find ways of supporting her family. Great to have a story about a strong willed woman.

Advent Count Down - Book 19

I have read many of Elizabeth George's adult crime novels and loved the story telling and detail. This series is aimed at Young Adults. But it is crime novel with the addition of fantasy. Imagine you could hear what others are  thinking. Becca is on the run from an abusive family situation and has been sent to an island where one of her mum's old school friends lives. But that friend dies just as Becca arrives and Becca is out of phone contact with her mum and has little money to survive on.  One of those stories which raises lots of questions but you just can't put it down!

Advent Count Down - Book 18

Two people jump from a building and disappear. As various characters tell their version of events this mystery is gradually revealed in this sci-fi fantasy romance. Could it be a government cover-up, a secret genetic experiment, or young people just living too close to the edge?  

Christmas BOOK CLUB

Had a fun lunch with the BOOK Group and our Christmas book quiz. 

A few of us had time to have a go at book corners. Great aren't they?

Advent Count Down - Book 17

This was my favourite read of the senior/staff book group. A crime from the past and a crime from the present are threaded together in outback Australia. This novel has a strong sense of place and the geography, the weather (the heat) and the landscape all build up the tension to make this a gripping read.

Advent Count Down- Book 16

“Believe in the impossible”

The story of Nikolas and his visit to Elfdom to find his father. On route he heals Blitzen and the seeds of the Christmas story are sown. A magical tale of what it means to be kind and to give.

Advent Count Down - Books 13-15

Ok I am cheating a bit taking a series- to go over the weekend. But I'll Count two as one. I may have read most of these a few years ago but every so often I will pick one of them out and start re-reading.    War is awful and terrible things happen in these books but the resilience of the young people is remarkable.  Beautifully and simply told with a wonderful light humorous touch.

"Once I escaped from an orphanage to find Mum and Dad.

Once I saved a girl called Zelda from a burning house.

Once I made a Nazi with a toothache laugh.

My name is Felix. This is my story."