Cirrus@Austlit

'"We were propelled, my little family and I, into a dense fog, driven by grief's unbearable pain. The faith we held so dear hung loosely across us like a worn life jacket that we hoped might somehow save us. Each had the task of traversing Tragedy's waters. Every man for himself, yet bonded by our loss"

'Life changed forever for Barbara and Paul Ireland and their family following a freak accident that claimed their little daughter's life. Three-year-old Laura died tragically and, in the process, left the Irelands devastated.

'Daddy Will Carry Me is a powerful story told by Barb with rawness and honesty. She confronts the question of "why?" and the dilemma of where God is when the worst happens. The hope-filled pages will bring assurance and encouragement to all who encounter heartbreak and those who stand with them.

'Barb and her husband Paul were married in 1986. Between them, they have many roles, including Pastor, Farmer, and Teacher. They are passionate about helping people overcome adversity. Barb and Paul live in regional South Australia with their youngest daughter and two dogs. Family gatherings with their children and granddaughters are among their favourite things.' (Publication summary)

'Australians all rejoice in being young and free. Armed with a shiny new degree in social work and determined to make a difference in the world, one such idealistic caseworker begins work for the Department of Child Services in Sydney. Given the nickname 'Twenty-one' they soon find their faith put to the test as ethical decisions refuse to remain in defined categories of black and white. Child Welfare cases are no longer impersonal, lost in the pages of a file; they are confronting and demand an answer, from the face of a child. Bidura is the Children's Court where rulings are made over these cases everyday. Twenty-one is challenged by an Aboriginal client, Doreen, that Bidura is also a place haunted by institutional abuse. Can this history move us from a place of judgement to compassion? Twenty-one joins Lucy, Ben and the team to fight for their clients and find a way through murky ethical choices towards faith. Is it possible to find God with us, in the depths of broken humanity?' (Publication summary)

'It’s not your everyday family adventure, packing up to live in one of the world’s poorest nations. But in the wake of the devastating 2015 earthquake, Nicola McGunnigle took a leap of faith, heading to Nepal to work with NGO International Nepal Fellowship, her family in tow.

'Not letting challenges get in the way of contentment, she shares everyday moments of living life with restricted electricity and unclean water, in the midst of political instability, which resulted in country-wide fuel and gas shortages. Moved by the resilience of the nation, the family were welcomed into Nepali culture and generous hospitality, despite the obvious additional hardships around them.

'Through her eyes as a volunteer, Nicola paints uplifting scenes of committed Nepali staff who work to empower the poorest and most marginalised in Nepal. Through work, travel and everyday encounters, the reader journeys through each season of learning, challenges, hardship and reward.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Here lie the complete chronicles of Shamira.

'Once the rebellious warrior princess of the Autumn Province, Shamira unwillingly embarks on a journey of penance. Unbeknownst to her, her exile is destined to unearth her soul and fulfil the prophecies of old.

'With the intoxicating Sir Devon haunting her every step, and the benevolent Keagan eager to defend her honour, Shamira must choose between darkness and light, ignorance and faith, immorality and love.

'After all, in the end only three things remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love...'

Source: Publisher's blurb (Elephant House Press).

'In the brooding jungle of equatorial New Ireland, Ali and Dave are searching for excitement. Could God have something bigger in mind? Teaching at Barrington Place (a fictitious school based on the real Madina Girls High School) set in the steamy, brooding jungle of New Ireland, P.N.G., Ali and Dave and the other single teachers enjoy evenings around the flickering hurricane lantern, sharing everything from jokes to secrets. Ali and Tessa vie for the affection of loveable larrikin Dave, who keeps them all entertained. Ali longs for a challenge but Dave is even more restless and decides to do a dangerous trek. Ali's friend Craig agrees to accompany him. They do not return. What has become of them? In her desperation, Ali remembers the God her mother believes in and the bible tucked away in her suitcase. Her life is to change even more than she dreamt.' (Publication summary)

'What if He said there was another? Newly married Cooper Grace is transported through to Joktan, a planet on the other side of the galaxy which is also inhabited by humans. The inhabitants of Joktan excel in space travel and all resources are used to further the reach for the stars however it comes as a cost. Cooper meets Ragan and together they unfold the mystery of how he got there and if he can return home. All the while Cooper and his new friends discover a new disease which is being covered up by the government, and he and his friends must race against time to find a cure to save the ones they love. Joktan whisks you away to another place, with Cooper as he wrestles with hope when there is no end in sight, having purpose and the meaning of friendship and family.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The Tibetan Godfather is a fascinating and unique story of holistic healing and ministry to the Tibetan people. Working in remote regions on the wind-swept plateau of Tibet, God’s love and power shines through the darkness to bring healing to an untouched people. A story of distress, disease and darkness being met with hope, healing and grace over ten years in Tibet, Rhys entwines his personal story in, out and around the stories of the lives he touched while working there as a nurse.' (Publication summary)

'Journey of Hope is the inspiring story of Dr J. Michael Davey. Fostered as a baby and placed in four state-run institutions, Michael experienced significant abuse. Kidnapped by his father, he eventually came home only to discover his mother was a violent and crazed schizophrenic who hated him.

At the hands of his deranged mother Michael was beaten mercilessly. To escape her violence and neglect, Michael left home to join the Royal Australian Navy when he was just 15 years old. As a child, everyday was a struggle, but Michael fought against the overwhelming odds. Showing extraordinary determination and raw courage he managed to survive the horrors of his early years.

Eventually rising above it all, Michael went on to university where he was the recipient of both PhD and prestigious Medicine scholarships. Journey with Michael from heartache to happiness, from tragedy to triumph. Smile at his clowning and mischievous antics and be inspired by the inimitable way he survived an obliterated and lost childhood.' (From the publisher's website.)

'Annotation. London, 1840. How could she believe in her future when she couldn't escape her past? Employed as a governess, Megan did not suspect the turmoil she would soon be facing. After secretly marrying her great love, Charles, he left for the battlefield, and her nightmare began. Expelled from the household by its scheming mistress, she faced transportation to a penal colony. Would Charles ever find her?' (publication blurb).

'Doctor Susan Curtis finds herself facing the birth of her first child alone, bitter at the rejection she has suffered from her fiancé and family.

'Eventually she begins her own journey towards God, but it is not until she accepts help from Heléna Hajek that she finds the strength to forgive. Heléna soon becomes an integral part of Susan's life and longs to bring God's healing to other family members as well. Is there a way she can help Susan's son Peter - or perhaps even Susan's mother?

'Yet Heléna knows she is nearing the end of her life. What legacy can she leave that will bring most blessing to those she loves?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Australia's most famous Aboriginal painter is dead...supposedly killed when a heavy object tumbled onto him in his studio during an earth tremor. But then doubts arise. For a start, the police now suspect murder. And why was the victim heard earlier predicting his own violent death. Enter private detective Johnny Ravine to solve the mystery...he suddenly finds himself thrust into a byzantine world of art and artists where questions are far more numerous than answers. Where did the victim's art dealer obtain the incredibly rare artwork that he was secretly selling? Is the controversial green energy company Rokpower really going to harness power from hot rocks deep under the ground, and did it kill the artist's Dreaming spirit when it injected water onto the rocks? And who is the beautiful and mysterious Asian lady who seems to be able to converse with the dead, and who says she knows how the artist really died? A killer is on the loose and even Johnny's own life is in danger. But first he needs to understand that the death of the artist has unleashed spiritual forces that threaten an entire community.' (Publication summary)

'For Heidi Jordan, young and lovely, life is neatly mapped out and right on target. Her university grades are high, her future in the medical field all but guaranteed and her only dark secret is well kept. Until the first of October, that is, when Heidi discovers that reckless choices can have desperate consequences, and pain and anguish cannot be outrun.

'For Annaliese Miller and her handsome fiancé Ben, the party on the evening of October the first was just the beginning of their brand new life together. But by midnight, Annaliese is lying on the cold flagstones in a pool of blood, her devastated husband-to-be kneeling in horror beside her.

'Will Heidi return and face those she has shattered? Can healing happen when relationships and dreams have been ripped apart? Or are some things just too big to forgive?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Jenna Ramsey believes God is calling her to fulltime ministry training, so steps out in faith, determined to overcome her self-doubt and to grow in her gifts of leadership, teaching and encouragement. But some disapprove – are theological studies and ministry truly something women should undertake? And while Jenna grows in confidence and many come to value highly what she has to offer her church and community, some, including close colleagues, are not so supportive. Will she be able to stand firm and continue serving God as she desires? Will she find true fulfilment in both her ministry role and her personal life?

'Jenna's story is told in the hope that it will inspire and encourage readers, both male and female, to pursue all they are called to do in life with faith and hope in their hearts, secure in God's love and reliant on the strength and wisdom only God can provide.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When Melissa Stonelea's born-again Christian husband Grant is found strangled in the bondage room of the city's classiest brothel, a page of the Bible stuffed in his mouth, she doesn't need to hear sermons on the healing power of forgiveness. She needs revenge. Enter private detective Johnny Ravine. The murdered man was his best friend.' (Publication summary)

'"The fire was raging and loud and red and it consumed my whole world. My skin felt like it was blistering from the intense heat, but I could not move."

'At seventeen, Elizabeth Hunter has more than enough to worry about in surviving her unstable mother, her final year of school and some unsettling dreams without Jill Waters deciding to be her friend as well. Jill, always cheerful, is determined to find the real Elizabeth behind the stubborn front, while Elizabeth is trying to make decisions about her family, beliefs and love-life. With help from her rugged father and gentle aunt, she goes from the city to a drought-stricken farm and back again in search for something she's not sure is worth fighting for.

'Soon she will see that to find and keep the things most important to her, she will have to make huge sacrifices, leave those she loves, and go through the fire...' (From the publisher's website.)