Gail Simpkins, author of 'Praying for Strawberries', will be at the Max Webber Fuction Centre on Thursday 23rd November.  Join Gail for a reading of her book and even get the chance to quiz Gail on 'Praying for Strawberries'. You may even be able to get yourself a signed copy! Have you ever wondered what an Autism Assistance Dog does? Or about the unique perspective of a person living with autism? Through his mother's diary, follow nine-year old Lachlan's journey with his new friend "Itsal" the Labrador as they navigate the world together with Lachlan achieving one of his many dreams and goals-learning to surf! Read about the fantastic improvements Itsal makes to Lachlan's life, and how he strengthens and supports Lachlan and his family.   "Praying for Strawberries is a remarkable story of the daily real life events of a mother, a child and a family whose testimony to the joys and sorrows of a normal family who have been blessed as they travel with each other on a journey where each day unfolds with many surprises not planned for. It is this uncertainty that can be both exhilarating and challenging. The reader will not remain untouched."  - Trevor R Parmenter AM, Professor Emeritus, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney    

Author Lilli Sutherland will be at Rowanfield Junior School for a reading of her new book 'Max Saves Bellisa'. Book synopsis: When an unexpected tropical storm hits a small island on Christmas Eve, it causes devastation to many lives. In the rainforest, animals and plants suffer too. A mongoose named Max loses his home. Surrounded by friends, including an armadillo and an agouti, Max becomes very concerned when his friend Bellisa, a butterfly, gets her wing broken. How will she survive? Max imparts his knowledge about a healing plant to his friends and together, they urgently go in search for it. Max, as leader, shows great strength and determination. They encounter many obstacles and their characters are tested. But their willingness, kindness and team-work shines through in their quest to find the remedy. Follow them on their hazardous and emotional journey to save Bellisa.

Stuart Rees, author of 'A Lover's Country', will be at Nowra Library on Wednesday 8th November at 5:30pm.  Stuart will be giving a reading and taking part in a Q&A session. You might even be able to grab yourself a signed copy of the book. In the course of their passionate relationship, Tom Markson and his much younger Jewish lover Naomi Branath support a Palestinian leader, Fadeela Qubra who has been awarded an international prize for peace and who knows the details of a murder and a massacre. Fierce opponents of Dr. Qubra want her story suppressed and the award to her cancelled. Tom and Naomi find the courage and the stamina to resist the opposition and eventually enable Fadeela to leave Ramallah, fly to Australia to tell her story and receive her award. Despite death threats and opposition from powerful lobbies, human rights are upheld, love triumphs and the story is told. Told with a compelling immediacy, 'A Lover's Country' sheds light on the intrigue, struggle and behind-the-scenes wrangling associated with the nomination of a Palestinian woman as the recipient of a major peace prize. With a cast of memorable characters, a tightly crafted plot and touches of memorable poetry, A Lover's Country is an illuminating tale of justice with a hard won message of hope. In particular it is a must-read for anyone interested in the current plight of the Palestinians, Arab Israeli relations, and the presentation of these questions by the Western media. - William Lane Author of the highly acclaimed novels, Over the Water and The Horses This is a beautifully written and engaging story. It traces the kind of love that can only develop when people fight for the rights of others and never waver despite incessant and dangerous opposition. In events set largely in San Francisco, London, Sydney, Jerusalem, and Ramallah, that opposition includes powerful politicians and a compliant media who try to stifle accounts of a murder and a massacre. In spite of the pressures which confront them, the leading characters weather the storms and show how courage defeats compromise, principle overcomes pragmatism and how the passion of gutsy individuals lives up to the ideals of 'A Lover's Country'. - Adam Courtenay Author of the dramatic, revealing history Amazon Men

Two time AMP author, David McCaddon will be at Congleton Library on Tuesday 7th November from 2:30pm. Come meet David and quiz him on all your book based questions and grab yourself a signed copy of his two books - 'In Digital Pursuit' and 'Following Digital Footprints'. 'Following Digital Footprints' Following digital footprints is a detective story with a difference. Different sections of a police force are investigating cases of hire car theft, credit card fraud and identity theft using traditional methods supported by ever more sophisticated IT systems. The criminals, meanwhile, become increasingly greedy but appear to be committing their crimes under the radar. The suspense builds, as the police build their case methodically and with the occasional element of luck. There are several twists and turns as the plot races towards a conclusion, and the reader can only wait and see whether the police or the criminals will succeed. David McCaddon has written an enthralling whodunnit by drawing on his many years of experience in law enforcement systems development working with police forces worldwide. The technical details are described with a light touch and this adds to the enjoyment of the novel. A satisfying read. 'In Digital Pursuit' Digital Pursuit continues the story of criminal Tim Ridgway, first encountered in Following Digital Footprints. Tim has now been sentenced to ten years for his credit card and identity theft crimes and is taken to HMP Dinas Bay in Wales to serve his sentence. Ever one to use his skills to his own advantage, Tim sets about planning his escape, whilst at the same time the authorities get wind of something big going down in the prison. Midshire Police set up an investigation and follow up various leads, putting two and two together and, in an entertaining fashion, not always coming up with four. This is another enjoyable book from David McCaddon, in which the reader can become re-acquainted with old friends from Midshire Police and follow the threads of the plot which twist and turn in a satisfying manner.

Listen to Fiona Bowman as she takes us through her emotional story of pain and suffering. ‘Did I Wake You, Pet?’ is all about her horrific experiences of domestic violence which she continuously faced for more than ten years. Victimised and abused systematically for years, she recounts the story of her journey of hope as she details her tale of escape. With the help of her friends and her employers, she was transferred to position 400 miles away, from her husband where she sees light, hope, a new start to her life. Where she decides that it’s time to look in the forward direction only. She is currently the managing director of Dysart 57 Ltd and also the Interim Head of Facilities at Safer places Domestic Abuse Charity in Hertfordshire and Essex. Fiona turns out to be a personality to follow for women who is of the view that happiness is never out of reach.

Simon Adepetun is visiting Northwich Library to talk about his book. The Manchester born has mostly lived in Warrington. He has a degree in English Studies and a Postgraduate certificate in Theatre Studies from the University of Manchester. Working as full time sales manager, Simon enjoys spending quality time with his family and writing. The children’s book is also a treat for the adults where eleven-year-old Daniel Jeremiah Chambers has parents Philip and Susan who love work and shopping and who just don't listen. Daniel is an only child ... no, he's lying ... he has a sister, Alice, who has a dolly fixation; Dan is sure she is an alien. So, Dan has a few problems, none insurmountable, until his friend, Benji, introduces him to the find of the century - a derelict bee hive which could become a den. Of course, such a simple thing is never so simple and when Dan finds a map well, all kinds of things just go horribly wrong. For example - Alice noses her nosey way in and two strange men suddenly turn up wanting what's theirs - and then there's the bank, too. The Beehive by Simon Adepetun is a tight little sharp-witted bumble through a short period in Dan's young life.

Listen to Mick Drewery as he talks about his historical book based on true events ‘Intimidation: The History, the Times and the People of the Sheffield Outrages.’ In the book he portrays the state of Sheffield in the 19th century and clearly points out towards the catastrophes caused by the trade union thugs and leader like William Broadhead. Mick in his book, beautifully pictures in what way the hard working skilled men suffered at the hands of exploitative masters. He also writes about how William Broadhead, the main character, was behind all the arson attacks, shootings, killings, bombings hamstrung horses and anonymous letters. The whole story of Sheffield outrages isn’t about defaming the union leader like William but it revolves around the transitional times of industrial relations and the development of trade unionism. The author graduated from Sheffield Hallam University and served the Barnsley Council as a Community Development Worker in 2002. This historical book is his third publication.

Settle in ladies and gentlemen for a fantastic event as you'll get to hear the author and award winning playwright David McCaddon as he talks about his expertise in IT in Law Enforcement, and of course his brilliant book 'Following Digital Footprints'. This enthralling novel will have you pouring over it from its first page to its last. Following digital footprints is a detective story with a difference. Different sections of a police force are investigating cases of hire car theft, credit card fraud and identity theft using traditional methods supported by ever more sophisticated IT systems. The criminals, meanwhile, become increasingly greedy but appear to be committing their crimes under the radar. The suspense builds, as the police build their case methodically and with the occasional element of luck. There are several twists and turns as the plot races towards a conclusion, and the reader can only wait and see whether the police or the criminals will succeed. David McCaddon has written an enthralling whodunnit by drawing on his many years of experience in law enforcement systems development working with police forces worldwide. The technical details are described with a light touch and this adds to the enjoyment of the novel. A satisfying read. .