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In The Good Books Blog
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25.01.2022 One of my first few reads for 2021 was News Of The World by Paulette Jiles. I loved the sound of this one, but it wasn’t as good as I was hoping it to be. I liked the two main characters, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, an elderly man that travels through towns reading out newspapers for a small fee to audiences, and 10 year-old Joanna Leonberger, who was orphaned four years prior when a group of Kiowa raiders murdered her family. I found that the story was a little slow, and the ending felt rushed, but it still was an enjoyable enough story. I’d like to see the movie adaptation (starring Tom Hanks) to see how it compares. News Of The World is available now through HarperCollins Books Australia RRP $22.99
24.01.2022 Lonely Planet have a great range of informative and educational books. Some of their most recent releases include The Complete Guide To Space Exploration, The Ocean Book, and a Lift-The-Flap Atlas. The Space guide is filled with photos, infographics, and facts about everything from how a rocket blasts off to the first astronomers. The Ocean Book has info about marine life, oceans, and habitats. The Atlas has over 100 lift-the-flap tabs showcasing each continent and allowing readers to explore geography in a fun way. Available now through Lonely Planet
24.01.2022 This book has been getting some pretty good reviews, but unfortunately I didnt enjoy it as much as I was hoping to. I could predict what was going to happen early on in the story, and it didnt have the element of suspense I was expecting. Still an ok read, but not one of my favourites of the year. Have you read any good thrillers yet? The Girl In The Mirror is available now through Allen & Unwin Books RRP $29.99 #
23.01.2022 What books are waiting patiently on your TBR pile? These two are what I’m planning to read after I finish my current book as they sound like excellent choices! Last Tang Standing is about a woman named Andrea Tang who is doing her best to live up to her mother’s standards but failing! In debt, and with problems with both her love and work life, Andrea is struggling. To make matters worse, her last single cousin jut got engaged, creating romantic meddling on all sides! This i...s ideal for fans of Crazy Rich Asians. RRP $22.99 Contacts (RRP $32.99) is about a man named James Chiltern who boards a train. At 23:55, he sends a text message to all contacts in his phone - a total of 158 people, telling them that he plans to commit suicide in the morning. He switches off his phone, and feels as though he has said his goodbye.. but when his contacts receive his message, it is only the beginning.. Both books are available now through HarperCollins Books Australia and I am looking forward to getting stuck into them. See more
22.01.2022 I read this recent release from HarperCollins Books Australia recently and have posted a full review on the blog. Stranger In The Lake is out now, RRP $29.99 https://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com//book-review-stran
22.01.2022 What are you currently reading? I finished these two recent releases not long ago, and enjoyed them both. The Hidden Beach by Karen Swan is a family drama novel set in Stockholm. Available through Pan Macmillan Australia RRP $32.99 The Paris Model by Alexandra Joel is inspired by a true story and follows the story of Grace Woods, a young woman who leaves her sheep station in Australia to work as a mannequin for Christian Dior. Available through HarperCollins Books Australia
21.01.2022 These books are part of a series by Linda Chapman that are ideal for animal loving readers aged 5+ years. The series of books are about 9-year-old twins Jack and Grace, who run a rehoming service to help find animals their forever homes. Each story centres around a different animal and a different adventure. The books are beautifully illustrated in black and white, and the font is large, which helps young readers. At the end of each story, there is a quiz and jokes included. The books are available now through Nosy Crow RRP $12.99 AUD ea
19.01.2022 These three recent release books from Penguin Kids Australia are perfect for middle grade readers. Pictured are books 3 and 4 in the League Of Llammas (LOL) series. (RRP $9.99 ea). Secret agent llamas, high adventure, and lots of laughs - this series has it all! Also pictured is the second book in the Edies Experiments series, How To Be The Best. (RRP $14.99) Science-loving Edie is back and this time she wants to win the Eco Fair competition with her friend Annie. But when a new boy named Dean arrives, he thinks that he is the best scientist and aims to win! So who will take out the title?
17.01.2022 Stay safe and stay positive fellow Victorians. Its such a concerning time right now.
17.01.2022 How adorable is this printable Mothers Day booklet from Read by Renee? Perfect for the kids to complete in time for Sunday
16.01.2022 Who else has enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles since being stuck at home? I recently completed this one with the help of my three daughters, and it seems weve got the seal of approval from our cat Bibi. Its from the Mindbogglers range from Hinkler @screenfreetime
15.01.2022 School holiday reading made easy with these recent released children’s books from Penguin Books Australia. ~ A Dragon In A Wagon (RRP $14.99) board book is perfect for young readers, with its rhyming verse from the popular author of the Hairy Maclary series, Lynley Dodd. ~ Bluey, The Pool (RRP $14.99)is also a board book and perfect for any fan of the show! Bluey and Bingo head to the pools with their dad but they don’t heed Mum’s warning to take their pool things. What coul...d possibly go wrong? ~ Little Gem (RRP $14.99) is the first book in a new series featuring Gem. Follow her on her journey as she makes friends, solves mysteries and casts spells, even wrong ones! ~ Nelson , Broccoli and Spies (RRP $12.99) is the second book in the Nelson series. Nelson Hunter hates vegetables, but discovers that they are the key to gaining superpowers. Join him in this spy mystery! See more
15.01.2022 Release day for these childrens books from Penguin Books Australia. What Zola Did On Monday (RRP $12.99) is the first in a new series of books aimed at children aged 6+ to encourage newly independent readers. From the author of Looking For Alibrandi, Melinda Marchetta. It has adorable black and white illustrations and large font. The Power Of Positive Pranking by Nat Amoore (RRP $14.99) is the story of three best friends, a greedy town mayor and lots of pranking! Perfect for readers aged 812 years. Alice-Miranda In The Outback (RRP $16.99) is the latest book in the hugely popular series by Jacqueline Harvey. And Embrace Your Body (RRP $19.99) is a fantastic picture book that encourages children embrace their bodies and be accepting of who they are.
15.01.2022 The Silver Arrow is a magical adventure story about a young girl named Kate and her brother Tom who are whisked away on a steam train given to Kate on her birthday by her Uncle Herbert. My 10 year old daughter loved this book (it is recommended for readers aged 8-12 years). The Silver Arrow is available through Bloomsbury Publishing Australia RRP $14.99
14.01.2022 Aussie Kids is such a lovely series of books ideal for beginner learners aged 5-8 years old. The stories feature short sentences and chapters, simple vocabulary and a cast of Australian children living all across the land. These are the two latest books in the series - Meet Matilda At The Festival and Meet Dooley On The Farm. Available through Penguin Books Australia RRP $12.99
13.01.2022 Release day for this beautiful picture book, Little Lion A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley. Based on the true story that became a bestselling book and the award-winning film, Lion, starring Dev Patel. Saroo was just 5 years old when he became lost on a train in India. After weeks of living on the street, he was sent to an orphanage and adopted a short time later by an Australian family. Saroo never stopped thinking about his family in India. Were his mother and siblings sti...ll alive? What train station did he depart from? And would he ever be able to find his home town? After years of searching, Saroo was able to find the answers to his questions, 25 years later. This is such a beautiful story that celebrates the importance of never giving up and of having hope. Younger audiences will now be able to read and appreciate Saroo’s journey too. Available through Penguin Books Australia RRP $24.99 See more
13.01.2022 On the blog today I share my review on new release Who We Were by B.M Carroll (Viper Books). I thought it was a great read! http://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com//book-review-who-we
13.01.2022 Release day for this debut novel by Emma Gannon titled Olive. I really enjoyed this book. It explores friendships, motherhood, and being child-free by choice. My full review is on the blog. Available through HarperCollins Books Australia RRP $29.99 http://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com//book-review-olive-
13.01.2022 When Oliver shifts into a new home, he leaves most of his things behind, but he does bring along his beloved books. One day, he finds a lost library book and sets out on a journey to return it, along with his new neighbour Rosie. The Lost Library explores friendships, a love of reading, and the power of using your imagination. Available now through Penguin Books Australia RRP $24.99
12.01.2022 Being in lockdown, with the first day of home-schooling 2.0 beginning, and with my elderly father having heart surgery today, its fair to say that my reading choices have to be easy and light as I just cant manage anything too deep and emotional right now. Thankfully, Maya Linnells latest book, Bottlebrush Creek, ticks the boxes. I finished it early this morning and was grateful for the distraction this beautiful story about family, country living, and relationships provided. Available now through Allen & Unwin Books RRP $29.99
11.01.2022 This beautiful picture book shows us a childs interpretation of homelessness in a sensitive and sweet way. I Saw Pete And Pete Saw Me is the story of a young boy who one day stops to say hello to a homeless man named Pete. The two share a connection that leaves a lasting impression on the little boys life. I adored the message in this book, and the detailed and delightful illustrations compliment the story. This book is a great platform for parents and adults to discuss homelessness with their children or young readers. Available now through Affirm Press RRP $24.99. $1 of every book sold will go The Big Issue.
11.01.2022 I finished The Dictionary Of Lost Words over the weekend. This was a lovely story spanning generations about the power of language and words. It was refreshingly different to anything Ive read recently. The positive reviews it is getting is certainly warranted. Have you read it yet?
10.01.2022 Im not a huge fan of horror because basically Im a big scaredy cat, but I had read the synopsis for this debut novel and knew that it was one I wanted to read. Thanks to HarperCollins Books Australia, I had the opportunity to do so recently. The Patient is told from the perspective of psychiatrist Parker H, who shares his account of the time he spent working in a mental hospital, and his efforts to diagnose a long-term patient named Joe. Through his online posts, we ...discover Parkers fascination with Joe, and his need to work out why hes been hospitalised for 34 years, and the reasons that hes highly dangerous and pretty messed up. But as the story progresses, Parker is forced to question just what he can do to help a man like Joe. The Patient is very well written, and it had me really drawn into it, especially up to about 3/4 of the way through. The ending was a little bit underwhelming for me but it still gave me goosebumps and Id recommend it, especially for those who are fans of horror. Film rights have already been snapped up for it so itll be one to watch out for on the screens too. The Patient is our now, RRP $27.99 See more
09.01.2022 We Begin At The End by Chris Whitaker. This is my favourite book of the year so far!!! I thought that it was so good that I read it twice in a row, and am now missing the characters and still thinking about the story Head to the blog for the full review and then go and get yourself a copy. Available now through Allen & Unwin Books RRP $29.99 http://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com//book-review-we-beg
09.01.2022 A new series released this week featuring a cat who is equal parts adorable and grumpy - Marshmallow Pie. He loves the easy life and expects to be waited on by his owner Amelia. These books are aimed at young readers 7+, and have large sized font and black and white illustrations. RRP $9.99 ea, available through HarperCollins Books Australia (special thanks to Bibi for posing; we adopted her 2 years ago today!)
09.01.2022 Are your kids fans of the Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Books? Mine are! The series has been hugely popular worldwide, and its easy to see why! Now Rowley Jefferson (Greg Heffleys best friend) is back for another Wimpy Kid story. Rowley lets his imagination run wild when he conjures up a story about Roland and Garg the Barbarian as they go on a quest to save Rolands mum. But will they survive? One of my daughters read this and loved it; the other two are debating who is going to ...read it next! Available now through Penguin Kids Australia RRP $14.99 See more
09.01.2022 I thought this was a great thriller! Creepy and a real page-turner. Head to the blog for my full review of I Follow You by Peter James. Available through Pan Macmillan Australia RRP $32.99 https://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com//review-i-follow-y
08.01.2022 I read Something Like This recently and enjoyed this rural romance novel. It is Karly Lane’s 16th novel, and is available now from Allen & Unwin Books. For my full review, head to the blog.
07.01.2022 Belly Flop is the 8th book in the hilarious Funny Kid series by Matt Stanton. My younger daughters adore these books and thought this latest one was so good! Released through HarperCollins Books Australia. Ideal for readers aged 7+, RRP $14.99.
07.01.2022 Thank you so much to the lovely Maya.Linnell.Writes for my copy of The Champagne War by Fiona McIntosh that I won! I’m looking forward to reading it! What book are you ending the year with?
07.01.2022 Im not sure who recommended this book to me, but whoever it was, thank you so much!!! Miss Bensons Beetle by Rachel Joyce is a fabulous book. It took me on an adventure and I loved it. Miss Benson is endearing, as is Enid Pretty. And the ending!! Aaah!! Do yourself a favour and read it. I will be definitely reading more from this author.
07.01.2022 These two recently released picture books are available through Affirm Press. Dragon is the story of a little boy named Sam who moves far away from his two friends, Lena and Luka. They are desperate to see Sam again but can’t afford the plane fare. So what to do but hitch a ride with an accident-prone Dragon?! This story encourages imagination and creativity. Sing Me The Summer is a sweet story that dances through the seasons in rhyming verse, celebrating every day moments.
06.01.2022 These lovely childrens books released through Penguin Kids Australia are all dad themed; perfect for Fathers Day which is exactly two weeks away! Theres an adorable touch & feel board book that babies will enjoy, titled Hello, Daddy! (RRP $12.99) Australian singer/songwriter John Williamsons book My Dad Snores is a hilarious story told in rhyming verse. (RRP $19.99) And I Love You, Daddy Pig features Peppa and George spending the day with their dad on a dadventure. (RRP $14.99)
06.01.2022 The Shelf by Helly Acton was released yesterday through Allen & Unwin Books (RRP $29.99), and I thought that this was a great read! Amy Wright is in her 30s and in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend Jamie. With most of her friends married with children, Amy feels as though she is falling behind. So when Jamie organises a surprise getaway for Amy, she thinks he is finally going to propose. Instead, he dumps her live on air on the set of a new reality tv show called The Shelf (similar to Big Brother). Amy soon finds herself competing against 5 other women who all want to be crowned The Keeper, but the women soon realise that being dumped isnt as bad as they first thought.. This is an enjoyable and easy read, and I look forward to reading more titles from this author.
05.01.2022 My youngest daughter has been having some trouble with getting to sleep some nights due to anxiety. I read Go Away, Worry Monster to her and it offered some helpful coping techniques that she was able to make sense of and use. Go Away, Worry Monster is a great book to help teach children how to make their own worries leave when faced with stressful situations. It is available now through EK Books RRP $24.99 Recommended for children aged 4-9 years old
04.01.2022 Well done Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service, Australia, looking forward to when you reopen!!
04.01.2022 I recently read rural romance novel Fool Me Once by Karly Lane author, and today I share my full review on the blog. Fool Me Once is available now through Allen & Unwin Books, RRP $29.99 http://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com//book-review-fool-m
04.01.2022 First day of Spring, and also release day for YA novel Ruby Tuesday by Hayley Lawrence. Ive posted a review on the blog, so head there to check out my thoughts. Available through Penguin Books Australia RRP $19.99 https://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com//book-review-ruby-
04.01.2022 Release day for Lonely In Longreach by Eva Scott. If youre a fan of the romantic comedy flick Sleepless In Seattle, then give this one a read as its like the modernised, rural version of it! Head to the blog for the full review. Available through HarperCollins Books Australia RRP $29.99 https://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com//book-review-lonel
03.01.2022 What are you reading this weekend? I recently finished The Promise by Lucy Diamond. It’s a pleasant family drama novel. I’ve shared a review on the blog if you’d like to check it out. The Promise is available now through Pan Macmillan Australia RRP $32.99
03.01.2022 These two lift-the-flap board books are sure to be a hit with young ones! Peppa Pig heads to the aquarium with her family to find a friend for her pet goldfish Goldie. (RRP $14.99) And Wheres Spot features in this new 40th anniversary edition of the original lift-the-flap book that has captured the hearts of many young readers over the years. (RRP $16.99) Available through Penguin Books
03.01.2022 I finished this book during the week, and it certainly was an emotional novel. I enjoyed it, and although its not one of my favourites of the year, its certainly one worth reading. Have you read American Dirt yet and if so, what did you think of it?
03.01.2022 I won this book from the beautiful Kelly Rimmer (Author) a few months ago (thanks again Kel!), and finally read it this week. Im a big fan of Natasha Lester - Author. One of my earliest book reviews was of her first novel, A Kiss From Mr Fitzgerald, which I adored. The Paris Secret is another lovely story she has written. The research that goes into her work is evident on each page, and I love how fashion is intertwined throughout her historical fiction novels. The Paris Secret is available now through Hachette Australia Books. Have you read it yet?
02.01.2022 The Queen’s Captain is the 3rd and final book in the Colonial series by bestselling author & former soldier Peter Watt. It is a historical fiction novel set in 1863-64, spanning across India, America and New Zealand. It is available now through Pan Macmillan Australia RRP $32.99
02.01.2022 Danielle Steel is one of the worlds most popular authors, with almost a billion of her novels sold! Ive read quite a few of her books over the years. Daddys Girls is one of her latest books, released through Pan Macmillan. Sisters Kate, Gemma and Caroline may all have different personalities, but their love for their father Jimmy is something that they all have in common. Jimmy raised them singlehandedly in Texas on a beautiful ranch after their mother le...ft under mysterious circumstances. The women dont see each other as much as they would like. Kate works on the farm with Jimmy, while Gemma is a well-known actress, and Caroline is a writer with two children. But when tragedy strikes, the girls come together to face some very difficult decisions and redevelop their sisterly bond. I enjoyed this novel, and although it was a little predictable in some parts, it was still an entertaining read. Are you a fan of Danielle Steel books? Daddys Girls is available now, RRP $32.99. See more
02.01.2022 Love, Creekwood is the highly anticipated epilogue novella featuring the characters from the Simonverse novels, including Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda. The crew from Creekwood are now in their first years at numerous colleges, adapting to friendships and romance by email, just as their story first began. Love, Creekwood by Becky Albertalli is available now through Penguin Books Australia RRP $12.99
02.01.2022 Has anyone read Sheer Water yet? I'd love to know what you thought of it if you have! I finished it earlier this week and thought it was a very emotional and haunting story. Head to the blog for the full review: http://inthegoodbooksblog.blogspot.com//book-review-sheer- Available through HarperCollins Books Australia RRP $32.99
01.01.2022 One of my other favourite pastimes apart from reading is gardening. I love growing vegetables, flowers and herbs. Its so exciting and satisfying being able to create dishes using things Ive grown. This guide shows how to make your own veggie patch, even in the smallest of spaces. It is packed with information for over 40 veg & fruit, including when to sow and harvest, and recipes too! The Little Veggie Patch Co is available through Pan Macmillan Australia RRP $26.99
01.01.2022 Release day for Anh Do’s latest book, E-Boy 2: Robofight. Ethan returns with his super-human power to hack into any computer system using only his mind, and when he and Dr Penny find themselves on the run from a corrupt government, they think the Robofight Games will be the perfect cover for their plans. But will they be able to pull it off? Robofight is available through Allen & Unwin Books RRP $15.99 Anh has a great range of book series for kids, including WeirDo, Skydragon, and Wolf Girl (Book 4 pictured).
