Cirrus@Austlit

‘After three years and a total of nine embryo transfers, Glenn and I are hanging up our saddles ... For many, three years might seem an insufficient effort, but I am tired. My body is tired, my mind is tired and most of all my heart is tired. I still believe that IVF is a modern, medical miracle ... But I no longer believe it will be our miracle.'

What happens when the quest for a family seems to bring only tears and despair? As Kylie and her husband Glenn discovered you simply pick yourself up, take a deep breath and carry on.

‘As harsh as it seems, the adoption process in Western Australia can only be described as excruciating: intrusive, intense, bureaucratic and judgemental.'

Kylie's struggle to conquer the intricacies and inconsistencies of the adoption process push both her and Glenn to the limits of their endurance, and just when all seems lost they are handed a lifeline that sees their hope of becoming parents flicker back to life.

‘Is it bad news?' ‘No, it is very good news ... we have a baby for you, a little boy.'

Honest, perceptive and deeply personal From Here to Maternity is a warm and ultimately joyful story about one couple's determination to overcome infertility and bureaucracy and become a family against all the odds. (MBS Press)

'When a discontented career woman begins to question what life should really be about, she makes a courageous change that sets her adrift from financial and personal security.

'Moving from the west to the east coast of Australia, and then on to New Zealand, she searches for answers. But it is in the South Pacific, when she becomes part of the world of oceangoing yachts and the people who have made the sea their home, that she finally finds what she is looking for.

'In this adventurous but somewhat dangerous world, maintaining her place sets new challenges, and she almost loses everything she has gained.

'Afloat and Adrift is a journey of inner resolution, life contemplation and interpersonal discovery peppered with conflict and romance.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Born into the throes of wartime Europe. The progeny of a turbulent family environment. An unwitting youngster regularly caught in bombings and ground action. Abandoned during a particularly grim situation. A child escapee and refugee. Internee of the German Works Camp programme and classified a Displaced Person (IDP) at conflict's end. Drafted by the UNO with the small remnants of his immediate family, a newly born sister included. Deemed fit and transported to far off 1950s Australia; all before the age of ten!

This account will touch every reader and allows him or her to relate with the traumas of a ‘wide eyed' young witness Arpad junior, his estranged father Arpad senior, a traumatised young mother Charlotte, plus a doting and unhappy grandmother Lidia. Equally as along with many other ‘war weary' family and friends. Hofmann the guide and mentor being such one. It crosses all borders and nationalities, along with every cultural shock, and is particularly applicable to our present Millennium and its unpredictable turbulent times.' (Publisher's blurb)

'His best friend Pipi, a little Pee-wit bird, Squealy goes wondering to a neighbouring field. Expecting to see plants in the paddocks he is very shocked to actually see piles of old rags instead. It seems Scarecrow has been damaged by a passing storm and he needs someone to help him get back to his normal self.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Mr Squealy is a tiny piglet who has a huge heart and an adventurous spirit.

One morning he sets off for a very long walk only to be stopped by an unusual and disturbing noise. What he unexpectantly finds is a beautiful but injured pee-wit bird. With some smart moves and clever thinking he manages to bring the pee-wit to the attention of his friends. He then awaits with great anticipation to see if his new feather friend will recover.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Mr Squealy is a tiny piglet who has a huge heart and an adventurous spirit. Being such a curious little piglet he chooses an unusual place to have a sleep ... oops in Grandpa's car. When Mr Squealy finally wakes up he finds himself somewhere new and exciting. Off he goes exploring and poking his nose into everything. Oh what an adventure.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Paul Marriott was twelve years old when he witnessed the death of his father. This experience awakened a dark, malevolence which resided in his inner sanctum, an evilness that in coming years would be unleashed through the murder of innocent women. He believed his scheme was one of pure brilliance. By enticing his chosen victims to divulge their greatest fears he'd create a way to manifest them into a reality. No one would question lives taken through seemingly accidental events. But he hadn't counted on the scientific expertise and supernatural insight of Chief Pathologist, Dr Tahilia Baxter or the investigative prowess of Detective Brodie Halligan. The psychological background of a serial killer unfolds. Portraying the distinctive roles of Pathologists, Criminologists and Police Officers along with the victim's journey in to the afterlife brings together the rational world of science and the esoteric forces of the spiritual domain. This spine-tingling murder mystery captures the intrinsic nature of forensics, takes you into the sinister realm of a killer's mind and transforms you into another dimension. May the words instill an understanding of forensic science and evoke an awareness of spirit which allows you to question your own beliefs...the unique connection between life and death.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When Gregory the kid mischievously decides to sneak outside the farm gate he meets a very sad and lonely kitten who has lost her way. What starts with an act of kindness ends in a lifelong friendship between the kid and the cat.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Storm. A tale of horses; of trust, betrayal and letting go. Everyone has a story, Rachel thought she knew hers. She was the sensible daughter of the local larrikin - hard working, passionate, principled - in control of her destiny. Storm is the racehorse she rescued from an untimely demise. Together they have forged an unbeatable partnership and the ultimate success is at hand. Then, Rachel discovers that her life is built on a lie; the foundation of her existence crumbles and she loses everything. You can run but you can't hide, although she gives it her best shot. Unexpectedly thrust into a powerful experience of nature, she reluctantly confronts the reality of 'the moment', discovers how to align her heart and mind with truth, and is guided by the soul of a horse, to a place of power. Despite the past, or perhaps because of it, she chooses to create a sense of self she can believe in and learns what it is to be free.' (Publication summary)

This is a traditional story of a kingdom ruled over by a benevolent sovereigns and a young heir.