Tag Archive | Austin Macauley Publishers

The Girl In The Picture by Terry Marsh

Aug28

Cleverly Constructed & Well Executed

The Girl In The Picture by Terry Marsh is a cleverly constructed dual timeline novel that intrigued me from the start.

The novel is set in present day and 1870. Both time periods are linked by a photograph. In present day there is a search to find out who the people are in the photo. In 1870 there is also a search to fit in and find out where a character belongs.

Terry Marsh has cleverly planned out and executed the plotline. The reader knows the answers to some of the present day questions as we are privy to both time periods. Characters in present day are relentless in their search for the truth. Each answer provokes them to dig deeper.

We witness the vital role of DNA in shedding light on our pasts and our ancestors.

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Harold The British Bulldog by Monica Ann Fourie

Aug19

Bringing Harold To Life

Harold The British Bulldog by Monica Ann Fourie is a wonderful book for children that surrounds choosing and owning a new pet – in this case, Harold the British Bulldog.

The book is suitable for our children aged over three years old – either to read to them or for more confident readers to read themselves.

The book covers all aspects of owning a new puppy, this is in the form of a story. We see the preparation needed in choosing our pet, the toys/food/bedding needed, the love and care required to take care of our pet. We see the need to seek veterinary care if they get ill.

Included at the back of the book are facts about British Bulldogs – I was surprised to see that they only live for 3-10 years.

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The Invitation by Diana Gordon

Aug19

All Welcome

The Invitation by Diana Gordon is a beautiful tale for the under fives based on Luke 14: 15-24 and Matthew 22: 2-14.

The original Bible story can be read alongside the children’s book so that the children realise that the invitation is issued to them whoever they are – Jesus asks them to come as they are, and where they are. Jesus has prepared a feast for each and everyone of us. Jesus is calling you – will you accept His invitation?

The Invitation does not preach to our children. It talks to us through love, showing that our Father has prepared a party for us with love and care.

We see that when our friends do not come, we are to go outside and invite those we meet. They are an eclectic mix but all are welcome. It reminds me of Jesus’ command to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28: 19).

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Sammy The Spaniel by Rusty Godwin

Aug16

Totally Charming

Sammy The Spaniel And So The Story Begins by Rusty Godwin is a charming book, perfect to be read to young children or for more confident readers to read themselves.

There are several tales within the book about Sammy and ten year old twins Steven and Sarah.

Each chapter is a new adventure for Sammy – going to the beach, on a farm, bonfire night, Christmas and more. All are very charming tales as we experience life from the point of view of Sammy, although the book is written in the third person.

The illustrations are simply done but a lovely accompaniment to the tales. Sammy is such a cute, small puppy.

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