Cirrus@Austlit

'Death, possum invasion, gangsters and murder are not news items you expect to see in connection with a church opportunity shop. It is certainly not what Susan Sutherland expected when she became voluntary manager of The Blue Bowl Opportunity Shop in Piegum, near Gympie.

'Living and working in this town has been a way for Susan to escape the painful memory of her husband’s death in Sydney, but she discovers her sense of safety in the town has been illusory. Gossip plays a part in making her feel isolated, but worse is to come when a local man sells information about her whereabouts to criminals, this puts her in physical danger.

'Throughout this time, Susan wrestles with the problem of whether she can still believe in God, prompted by the imaginary voice of her Aunt Mildred.

'McPherson portrays the towns, residents and beautiful countryside of this area of Queensland with a loving eye and distinctive voice, laced with humour. She does not shy away from disturbing questions and emotions, nor does she allow stereotypes to go unquestioned.' (Publisher's blurb)

'This book is about children who are not defined by labels, but by their character, different qualities, and talents. As you meet them you will see that these children are unique and happy in their own skin and have created a positive self-image for themselves and for those around them. Furthermore, it is a journey for the reader of self-exploration and promotion of equality for children. Children reading this book will create a strong sense of self-awareness and see children with a difference as children just like them, with a similar exterior that possess similar qualities and talents.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Fate has a plan for Sophie Oliver ...

'In the arms of a beautiful stranger, what Sophie assumes is just a one night stand, quickly becomes a head-spinning, all consuming love affair.

'Dion is everything she has ever dreamt of ... but he secretly hides a dark history. Sophie finds herself questioning whether all is as it seems.

'As Sophie learns to embrace the unexpected, she faces an even tougher lesson. The one thing that you cannot outrun is your past and it is intent on catching up with her.

I'n falling for Dion, she learns that the lines between life and death aren’t always very clear.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Find My Soul is a channelled story that unfolds through the unique verse of one woman's personal journey. A journey that began with great adversity, followed by decades of despair, confusion and loneliness. She finally sought change from the emotional chains that bound her. ' (Publisher's blurb)

'The Adventures of Annie and Bindi tells of two little dogs waiting to be rescued from an Animal Welfare Shelter. They eventually escape and just as they find a loving home, a man that resembles the very same man who took them to the Shelter, comes to visit their new home. So frightened he has come to take them back, they hide in the bush and suddenly find themselves very lost. This begins a journey of many adventures. They are guided by Angels whenever they need help, and meet lots of other animals who become friends forever.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Pebbles in the Road takes you inside the extraordinary experiences of joy, sorrow, strength, hope and survival in one woman’s life. This story will wrench at the heart.

'From a difficult childhood through the 50s and 60s in Brisbane to abusive and neglectful relationships, motherhood, and the love and loss of a son ... these are the happenings that have shaped a life.

'Readers will be able to relate to what it was like growing up in a time when children could be children and those too young to know will enjoy the anecdotes of an era filled with things we take for granted now.

'This story is about finding strength in the face of the greatest adversity and the courage to make choices. During challenging times in our life, ultimately we are responsible for our own well-being and happiness.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Our modern world is fast-paced, unsettled and rather stressful. Stress is a normal part of a child’s everyday life, however if the level of stress outweighs a child’s ability to cope, then it becomes a problem.

Our children need to develop skills and strategies to be able to cope with stress in their lives.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Oofoo - the anxious and crazy magpie, introduces us to some of the most common symptoms of stress in children and how to counteract them in a fun, light-hearted way!'

' How can you find love when your dating history is a disaster and all of your previous relationships have failed? In Explicably Single by Helen Joyce, the key character Angela is in her fifties, living alone, with a reasonably well paid job. She's done her time bringing up her now adult children, and her life is now her own. Though she has the company of close friends, happiness still eludes her. Angela longs to make her life complete with a long-term relationship, but everything she has tried has failed.

Her dating history is a disaster. Her last relationship was a disaster. So with the help of her three friends, the women start to conduct some investigating into the social options open to older single women. Struck by a particularly persuasive brochure, Angela decides to consult a life coach; a decision that changes her life. Between consultations, Angela and her friends continue to conduct their own investigations into the social options open to older single women. The pubs, the dances, the singles get-togethers - and online dating.

All four women find their own answers to what to do about their personal lives. And true love beckons Angela from a most unexpected source. As they say - things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out! Source: http://www.joshuabooks.com/ (Sighted 27/03/2012).