Elaine Ouston books…

Elaine is a friend of mine, publisher, and her books for children and middle-grade, young adults books are adventures and facts delivered about Australian animals from pre-history. She writes under E J Ouston. The Mystery of Nida Valley #1 Elaine Ouston Review by Jill Smith copyright July 13, 2020 This book draws you in from…

Karen Brooks books…

This is my next instalment of favourite authors and the books I have reviewed by them. This time Karen Brooks, who is a brilliant writer. Australian star of literature, who has appeared on television, and become an inspiring ambassador for our country. Her covers are stunning and the stories of strong women who overcome enormous…

Peter Watt books…

The next of my long-time favourite Australian Authors is Peter Watt. I started by reading 'Cry of the Curlew', 'Shadow of the Osprey' and 'Flight of the Eagle'. My Review by Jill Smith copyright September 18, 2023 Peter is a masterful writer who displays a wonderful ability to make every word count. Carefully researched this…

Fiona McIntosh books…

As I did yesterday, I'm sharing a talented Australian Author's books I have read and reviewed. The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh Book Review Jill Smith by copyright January 23, 2019 The journey begins when Severine Kassel, a jewellery expert on loan from the Louvre in 1963 to The British Museum, is asked to identify…

James Moloney books…

I've decided to recap my favourite Australian authors with the covers and some reviews. I may even do a tab on the book review pages for each author to give you readers easy access to them. Jill Smith copyright May 6, 2022 Marcel woke up in a home for foundlings in Fallside. Mrs Timmins and…

Book Review-The Rewilding…

Jill Smith's Reviews > The Rewilding The Rewildingby Donna M Cameron (Goodreads Author) Jill Smith's review copyright Mar 04, 2024 - 4 STARS really liked it Jagger Eccerman is on the run from his father and boss, his sidekick Ed, and his dangerous son. They are killers. He flees to the safety of a cave he shared with his…

More playing with Canva…

Okay, so my original 'Microworld Covers' were of a really cute wizard with bubbles and lights around him. Sadly, this doesn't fit with the book. So I'm trying again. A brief synopsis of the books to give you a feel for the images is: Neo lives with his mother in a post-environmental disaster era, in…

Book Review Tiny Timmy #1-

Jill Smith's Reviews > Tiny Timmy: Soccer Superstar! Tiny Timmy: Soccer Superstar! (Tiny Timmy #1)by Tim Cahill Jill Smith's review copyright Mar 16, 2024  This is the first book in a series I’ve read and reviewed previously. At that time I didn’t have the first installment. Tim Cahill did become a soccer superstar and these books show…

The Kitten Next Door…

Hi blog following friends, I'm adding another younger readers chapter book today. by Holly Webb and Author and Illustrator Sopy Williams. Animal Stories #50 The Kitten Next Door Holly Webb, Sophy Williams (Illustrator) Sophia loves cats but her parents think she and her sister are too young to have one of their own. So when a tiny kitten…

More books in my collection…

Here's another brilliant cover that enchanted me enough to pick it up. I'm sure I'll be reading this one soon, stay tuned for the review. Once There Was Kiyash Monsef A novel about an Iranian American girl who discovers that her father was secretly a veterinarian to mythical creatures—and that she must take up his…

Book Review – The Wizards of Once – Knock Three Times

Jill Smith's Reviews > The Wizards of Once: Knock Three Times: Book 3 The Wizards of Once: Knock Three Times: Book 3by Cressida Cowell Jill Smith's review copyright Mar 14, 2024  really liked it This is the third book in the Wizards of Once series. As a reader who’d not read the first two, l had to…

Reading Challenge Feb…

Here's my February reading, not so many as January. They are larger books and the year of work and activities has begun, I've little less time to read. 2024 READINGCHALLENGE Participants6,538,044Books Pledged258,687,828Avg. Books Pledged39Time Left294 days, 7 hours You have read 24 of 122 books in 2024. YOUR 2024 BOOKS https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/49325939 These books were memorable…

Reading challenge Jan books…

These are the books I read in January 2024, check out my reviews on Goodreads... 2024 READINGCHALLENGE Participants6,528,165Books Pledged258,262,361Avg. Books Pledged39Time Left294 days, 21 hours Some of these books I really loved, and the covers were brilliant too. You have read 24 of 122 books in 2024.YOUR 2024 BOOKS JANUARY BOOKS https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/49325939 Tomorrow I'll share…

The Ten Penners Library visit…

The Ten Penners Robina Library visit… Robina Library visit Saturday 9th March… The Ten Penners were at Robina Library on Saturday 9th March between 10.30 am and 11.30 am. Carly read her story 'Theo Wants to Wakeboard.' We will be going there another time with more advertising so that people can come as we had…

What we do to stay young…

If you read my blog in recent years, you'll know that as I approach retirement, we belive in laughter and friendship is the way to happiness. I have a large family, and visitors join us to make this a reality. Our regular group of friends make our monthly themed Game Day hysterically funny. Here's our…

The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer…

This is a great-looking cover. Here is the Goodreads blurb. Another book I'm bound to relish. The Fowl Twins #1 The Fowl Twins Eoin Colfer Criminal genius runs in the family...Myles and Beckett are eleven-year-old twins, but the two boys are wildly different. Beckett is blonde, messy, and sulks whenever he has to wear clothes. Myles…

The Ten Penners Robina Library visit…

Robina Library visit Saturday 9th March... The Ten Penners were at Robina Library on Saturday 9th March between 10.30 am and 11.30 am. If you'd like to hear about our latest anthology 'Backyard Beasts & Curious Capers' come along. We'll be reading 'Theo Wants to Wakeboard' and handing out colouring images. For those clever people…

The Butterfly in Amber…

I found another Kate Forsyth gem today. The Chain of Charms #6 The Butterfly in Amber by Kate Forsyth Life is always hard for the gypsies, who live to their own rhythm and their own rules, but since Oliver Cromwell had seized control of England, life had been harder – and drabber – than ever. But…

Blog update – About

Another update to my blog pages. It's amazing how time flys and the information tends to get a little outdated. Here' my latest updated page. About page Jill, was born in Victoria and has always loved reading, writing, and creating wonderful worlds. After her marriage and the birth of their son, they moved to Queensland.…

Book Review challenge…

Goodreads Challenge says - You have read 24 of 122 books in 2024 That's not quite true. The last two books I've only been able to read as samples. I will do a full review when I get them. I've ordered this book through 'Booktopia' and will put my full review in when I receive…

Blog update – 2

MY CHILDREN'S BOOKS PAGE FAN-TAS-TIC-AL TALES published May 2009, this anthology includes 34 short stories, poems and three novellas! This is the first book by The Ten Penners, that I was involved with. The group at the time consisted of: Lindy Standage, Yvette Coutts, Kate Pepper, Maria O’Donnell, Marion Martineer, Jill Smith, Lorraine Blomberg and…

Reviewing my blog pages…

I'm up to 728 consecutive posts! I thought, goodness, it's been a while since I looked at my blog site to see what I've written on some of the pages. So, first up, Review submissions, was sadly out of date. Here's the updated page now; WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO REVIEW YOUR BOOK? ANNOUNCEMENT -…

Book Review – The Dictionary of Lost Words, by Pip Williams…

Jill Smith's Reviews > The Dictionary of Lost Words The Dictionary of Lost Wordsby Pip Williams Jill Smith's review copyright Mar 02, 2024   it was amazing 'The Dictionary of Lost Words' started as a game. Esme would hide under the table where the words were being defined. She would collect the scraps of paper that had floated…

The Ten Penners promo…

2024 promises to be another exciting year for The Ten Penners. We will continue to promote our latest anthology and encourage young readers to enjoy our magical stories. We will be starting with Robina Library on Saturday the 9th of March between 10.30 am to 11.30 am. We'll be reading stories, chatting about 'Backyard Beasts…

Now for something completely different…

Normally, when I add books to my collection, they are fiction, fantasy, young adult, children's or historical fiction. Today, I'm adding something completely different. Speeches that Shaped the Modern World by Alan J. Whiticker Speeches that Shaped the Modern World is a collection of potent and memorable speeches delivered since the beginning of the 20th…

Out of This World…

This is a large hardcover book with brilliant illustrations and descriptions of fanciful beings and imaginative worlds, creatures and explanations of them all. Book characters feature also, such as Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The Contents Page of this book Of the Cosmos Of the Ground & Underground Of Wonderland Of Magic, Science & Invention…

Tarin of the Mammoths…

I purchased this trilogy from Jo Sandu at the Gold Coast Writers on the 17th February. Jo was there with a group of Children's writers from SCWBI (Society of Children's Writers & Book Illustrators). I've met Jo on a few occasions and love her work so took the opportunity to buy her books. Tarin of…

Book Review-River Charm…

I love Belinda Murrell's writing and her books. I've already read and reviewed 'Locket of Dreams' and 'The Ivory Rose,' timeslip books in this series. I've also read 'The Sun Sword Trilogy', again the reviews are on Goodreads. Jill Smith's Reviews > The River Charm The River Charm (Timeslip, #5)by Belinda Murrell Jill Smith's review Feb 25,…

Murder in Midwinter…

Many things attracted me to this book when I found it. The cover, the snow (which I never see her in Queensland) the title woven into the tree branches and the publisher 'nosy crow' as a little red symbol in the bottom right-hand corner of the cover. It's also a middle-grade story, which for those…

Writing Workshop…

The workshop at Gold Coast Writers on Saturday the 17th of February was informative, and engaging and gave Kate Foster's audience wonderful writing tips. I'll do a brief summary of parts of the experience for my readers. Naturally, this is Kate's work and she retains the copyright. This is just from my notes and therefore…

I won a raffle prize at the GCW meeting…

I love it when I win a book. What could be a better prize for an avid reader like me? The Riddle of Tanglewood Manor by Tracey Hawkins I'm looking forward to reading this middle-grade book. This is part of a review by Jennie on Goodreads to give you an idea of the story. This…

Book Review Gravity

Book Review by Jill Smith copyright 20/2/2024 Gravity by Tess Gerritsen Dr Emma Watson was an astronaut. She'd always dreamed of being in space. Now she was here, and mistakes that happened in experiments on board caused the International Space Station, ISS crew to be at risk. The mice had died terrible deaths, and people…

Talon Series continued…

I have these next three books and will be reading them in the future. As I mentioned previously I am a Facebook friend of Gigi's for some time. Her books are out there to inspire our hearts to soar like an eagle. Talon #3 Flight for Life Gigi Sedlmayer NEW APPLE: was chosen as an "OfficialSelection"…

SCWBI children’s writers…

I'm continuing the panel of authors Q&A from last Saturday's Gold Coast Writers meeting. Kate Foster asks the panel - What has everything been like for you since you've been published? For her, the struggle was with her editor and agent. The agent didn't want the new editor. By then she had four books under…

Book Review -Bitter Greens…

This is a large volume of over 500 pages and covers a history of turbulent times in Europe with Catholics routing protestants and gruesome inquisitions. It's also the story of Rapunzel reimagined and the woman who lived in those times, who lived a long and extraordinary life. I doubt anyone else could create this masterful…

SCBWI children’s writers…

The Queensland chapter of SCBWI visited Gold Coast Writers on Saturday 17th February. I was delighted to meet up with a former member of The Ten Penners Angela Sunde who had been the Queensland chapter leader for thirteen years. The picture on the left is Angela in red, Dimity Powell and Angela's sister. Society of…

Talon series by Gigi Sedlmayer…

Here is a series I've been meaning to read because I have the author as a Facebook friend. I don't have book one but I'll put the summary in here for you. Talon #1 Come Fly with Me by Gigi Sedlmayer Nine year old Matica lives in a remote village on a dry plateau in the…

Gold Coast Writers ✍️

This Saturday I went to the February meeting of Gold Coast Writers. It was a brilliant meeting with a children’s writing and illustration panel talking about getting published. Children’s writers from SCBWI There was a wonderful workshop too. Writing friends Angela, Jo in front of Jo’s Mammoth book series Books for sale Candice, and Jo’s…

Deadly Decisions by Kathy Reichs…

Okay, this is book #3 in the series, I have other books by this author but I've yet to read her work. Crime Thrillers are always great reads. Temperance Brennan #3 Deadly Decisions Kathy Reichs Nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussaint is fatally shot on a Montreal street. A North Carolina teenager disappears from her home, and parts…

The Disappeared by C.J. Box…

This is another author with 'The #1 American Crime Writer' label on the book. This is a Crime Thriller and should be a great read. Joe Pickett #18 The Disappeared C.J. Box Wyoming's new governor isn't sure what to make of Joe Pickett, but he has a job for him that is extremely delicate. Three British…

The Narrows by Michael Connelly…

Another popular author I've yet to read. This book will remedy that. I do mostly read Australian Authors, however, you'll have noticed recently I'm adding authors from overseas. Harry Bosch #10 The Narrows by Michael Connelly by Michael Connelly Comprised of Love and Evil, this is the most compelling, frightening, and masterful novel Michael Connelly has…

It’s Valentines’ Day!!

This is a day to reflect on all the good things in your life, the people you love and who love you. I am blessed with a wonderful husband, a son and a daughter-in-law who make our world whole. Our granddaughters. And a fabulous bunch of friends who share fun and joy with us often.…

Book Review-The Possum Magic Cookbook…

I've bought this book for my Great Neice whose birthday is in April. I love to send the youngsters in my family books. Jill Smith's Reviews > The Possum Magic Cookbook The Possum Magic Cookbookby Mem Fox Jill Smith's review copyright Feb 11, 2024 it was amazing This is a gift for my Great Neice. I'll send…

In The Clearing by J.P. Pomare…

Yet another author I haven't read. This is the basis of a TV series. I haven't seen the show, so this book will be through fresh eyes. The book is always better! In the Clearing J.P. Pomare The novel behind the hit TV series The Clearing was released globally on Disney+ and Hulu.Amy has only ever known…

Sahara by Clive Cussler…

This is an author I've yet to read. I now have a few of his books, so will remedy this. My current reading challenge is to read as many of the volumes I have in my collection as I can, review them all, and then distribute them. I have some I will never give away.…

Book Review-His name was Walter…

I've become an avid fan of Emily Rodda. This review shows you why. Jill Smith's Reviews > His Name Was Walter His Name Was Walterby Emily Rodda (Goodreads Author) Jill Smith's review copyright Feb 06, 2024   it was amazing He was a quiet boy who grew up in an orphan home. At fourteen he was sent to work…

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier…

Here's another book I'm adding to my collection that I'm certain to enjoy. Shadowfell: Shadowfell Book 1 by Juliet Marillier The first book in the Shadowfell trilogy from the acclaimed author of the Sevenwaters series. An exquisitely written tale of love, fear, faith and difficult choices … Marillier is a consummate craftswoman. Sydney Morning Herald The…

Perfect Timing by Jill Mansell…

Here's another chick-lit and light read. I've read a few of Jill Mansell's books and always enjoyed them. Perfect Timing by Jill Mansell Poppy Dunbar is out on her hen night when she meets Tom Kennedy. With his dark eyes and quirky smile, he could lure any girl off the straight and narrow, but what…