Feb 20 2020

The Saint of Lake Topaz (The Starlight Club Book 11)

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

Dirty dealings and kidnapping at Lake Topaz.

Those, who like myself love the Starlight Club series adore them not only for their excitement, but also for the way they immerse us into the sights and sounds of a time long past. The stories which an elderly Bobby tell his daughter Lynn allow an insight into the ruthless, yet honourable life of Big Red Fortunato and the men who worked for him.

In this story, Lynn has joined Bobby in the new rumpus room to hear a story about Bull. So Bobby takes us all back to 1962 and the Lucky Draw Card Club in Anaheim, California.

 Things have settled down nicely at the club and Bull decides it’s time to move on and take up his job as manager of Red’s Double Seven casino in Las Vegas, but on the way he decides to pop in on his old army buddy Sal Stark.

When Bull arrives at the Lucky Lady Restaurant and Casino which Sal and his wife Cindy own he is troubled to discover that they are being bullied by Jarret Hastings a local business man who wants to buy the casino. He finds Sal recovering in hospital, and it appears Hastings will stop at nothing to get his own way. However, Hastings is yet to meet the formidable Bull who owes Sal an enormous debt of gratitude for saving his life in Korea, and when Bull discovers more about Hastings ‘businesses’ it becomes apparent that he must be stopped!

Hastings, working from a warehouse has some very shady business deals going down, and when Bull discovers that one of them is kidnapping young girls and selling them to rich Arabs for perverse acts he is incensed.

However, this turns to blood lust when little orphan Susie, who has been praying for a saviour from her captors gets the chance to plead to her ‘saint’ Bull. Hearing her story he immediately takes her to Sal and his wife Cindy, and sets about stopping the horrific trafficking of young girls.

Bull is joined by Red, (who leaves the Starlight Club in the charge of Tarzan,) Trenchie, Pissclam, and Johnny Eight Fingers. These men hardened to what life has dealt them have very strict rules and one of them is that they will not tolerate anyone abusing kids, they believe that kids are innocent and should be kept away from harm.

With temperatures rising to boiling point, Hastings is determined to get the casino to facilitate money laundering, the Arabs expect to have their shipments of young girls on time, and Bull, Red, and the boys are determined that they will be stopped!

Through the Starlight Club stories those of us who have never been, and hopefully never will be part of this type of world are treated to a fly-on-the-wall view of the honour system that these types of men live by. The underworld which those not in the know don’t see, a world of corruption and greed, where life is expendable yet debts are honoured and always repaid, and men who have each other’s backs, are loyal without question, and put family first.

The author Joe Corso has, in this exciting new book in the Starlight Club series yet again brought the sights, sounds and values of a bygone era back to life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an exciting adventure full of crime, love, passion, and twists and turns at every page turn.

About the Author:

I Grew up in Queens, New York. I’m a Korea Veteran and I retired from the FDNY. I started writing late in life hoping to help my grandchildren pay for their college education. I found that I could write a good story that resulted in 33 books and 38 awards and a multiple top 100 author.

About the Book

Taking a detour on his way back to Vegas, Bull, one of Big Red Fortunato’s right-hand men, visits his old army buddy, Sal Stark. Sal has bought a small casino in Lake Topaz, a small town off Route 66 in the Mojave desert.
Upon arriving at the Lucky Lady, Bull is dismayed to discover that Sal has been severely beaten, apparently by local “businessmen” who want to claim the casino as their own. Further investigation reveals that the head of this organization, Jarret Hastings, is holding a group of little girls captive. One of the little girls, Susie, is rescued by Bull and believes him to be “The Saint of Lake Topaz” she’s been praying for.
Bull’s hardened heart is unfrozen and he immediately calls his boss, Big Red, owner of the famous Starlight Club in Queens, to assist in taking down what is likely a human trafficking ring. But what Red and Bull, with the assistance of the usual players—Pissclam, Johnny Eight Fingers, Trenchie, and others—find out is that the kidnapping of young girls by Hastings is just the tip of the iceberg.
In this 11th installment of the popular, multi-award-winning Starlight Club series, author Joe Corso takes us on a thrill ride through the little-traveled roads of Nevada desert in the 1960s, when the local law was often subject to interpretation!

Available from Amazon in Paperback and Kindle format:

https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Lake-Topaz-Starlight-Club-ebook/dp/B0845W5H43/ref=sr_1_24?keywords=joe+corso&qid=1582108844&sr=8-24


Jan 27 2020

My Walk Among the Stars: Rubbing Shoulders With Country Giants by Dick Flood

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

Do you love country music, are you fans of the legends in the industry? Well, if so, then now is the opportunity you’ve been looking for, a chance to take a trip down memory lane with Dick Flood, one of its stars, as he shares with you in words and pictures his experiences in the Nashville music scene.

This epic adventure starts with the author in the US army, stepping out of a C-47 at the Clark Air Force Base in the Philippine Islands, in early winter 1954. Fresh from South Korea, he fell in love with the beautiful islands and their people, despite the secret dangers lurking in its jungles.

However, his ‘My Walk Among the Stars’ began when he was discharged and returned to the United States two years later in 1956. He arrived back to an exciting time when television was coming into people’s homes, overnight, so it seemed, the world shrank as the stars of radio could now be seen on television programs, and become even more real to their fans.

Teaming up with his friend Billy Graves, the pair became “The Country Lads.” Their manager Mr. Connie B. Gay signed then up with CBS Television and they became known around the world for the next two years as they appeared on the Jimmy Dean morning show on Network TV.

Over the following years the author travelled with his music extensively throughout the United States, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean Islands, Labrador, Newfoundland, and Puerto Rico. Throughout the book he recounts his adventures in exotic destinations, and experiences rubbing shoulders with legends like Patsy Cline and Roy Orbison, when he performed with them in many shows, and the music they made proved immortal. Even now his songs are being used in movies and as backing, and of course enjoyed by country music fans worldwide in formats which the artists could not have imagined in their wildest dreams, at the time.

The interesting thing about this book is that, as the author chronicles the ups and down of his life, the reader is also treated to rare glimpses behind the scenes of the music industry, and the big film corporations of the day. Playing live in shows, and on TV, in prisons and military bases, including a three-months tour of the US military bases in the Far East, where the Dick Flood Show visited Guam, Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines and hostile South Vietnam, his music captured the heart of his audiences. His story brings the superstar singers, musicians and performers of that time back to life, and his personal recollections of these people as friends and work colleagues, show the fans a side they don’t usually get to see.

The twists, turns, and leaps of faith which happen to us all (and to the music industry) led Dick Flood to a complete change of career in midlife. He became an eco-warrior living amongst the wildlife in the Okefenokee Swamp, a 438,000-acre, peat-filled wetland which bestrides the Georgia–Florida line of the United States. He recounted that period of his life in his first book “Swampwise,” (which was reviewed here favourably) where he writes under the pen name of ‘Okefenokee Joe.’

In Summary: The country music scene, career opportunities seized, and lost, and a family life well lived, are all revealed in this astonishing and highly compelling biography of this talented musician, singer, and songwriter. Highly recommended! 

Available from the Author’s website: https://dickflood.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/My-Walk-Among-Stars-Shoulders/dp/0997337184/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1580127631&refinements=p_27%3ADick+Flood&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Dick+Flood

and

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-walk-among-the-stars-dick-flood/1135678015?ean=9780997337181

Jan 27 2020

Rise to The Rhythm: Awaken The Beat and Live Your Life’s Highest Capabilities by Joey L. Dowdy

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

Essential Reading on how to maximize your personal potential.

Joey L. Dowdy, or Dr. Dance, is a talented Choreographer who has worked with famous names such as the Backstreet Boys and Take Five. He is also an International Performer, Fitness Motivator, Writer, Host, Artistic Director, Producer, Author, and founder of “World Dance Grove & Get Up & Groove Entertainment.” He brings his unique zest for life, and rhythm to life for his readers in this, his latest inspirational new book.

In it, he asks his readers “Are you tired of living a life that’s going nowhere? If you’ve been down for too long or have you lost your life’s rhythm?”

I for one answered yes. Like many my life was set in a hopeless rut. The New Year had past and as usual, it brought forth the usual resolutions from me. I would take more care of myself, take control of my life, variations on the same promises I have been making to myself for years, and then as the year goes by, I tried starting every new Monday. However, the truth is, I didn’t have any idea how to change.

That was until the title of this well written and motivational book took my eye. Within, I discovered were the answers which I needed to set myself free. Reading it I have discovered how to find my own self-worth, and come to terms with the fact that it is okay to think of myself as a very important person, instead of putting others first all the time, something which as a wife, mother and grandmother doesn’t come naturally.

How did this happen? Well, I discovered it through the author sharing his life stories and experiences with me. Reading about his passion for dance, the industry, people, and his absolute determination to succeed has been a real inspiration. Despite setbacks, and embracing challenges, with humor, and strength of character, he has not only succeeded, but inspired others. His life, like all of us, has been a learning curve, he has learnt and grown, and he, in turn, provides us with the tools we need to pick ourselves up, realize that no-one is perfect, and live our lives reaching our full potential. It won’t be easy, as he says, after all, there is “No Gain, Without Pain,” but you can do it!

In conclusion: Joey L. Dowdy is an inspiration, a self-made man who has worked and battled to get to where he is. This hard work and dedication he shares with his readers, not only inspiring within them the faith that they can be who they dream of, but also by then giving them the tools with which to achieve their own success.

Available from the author’s website https://www.joeyldowdy.com/

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Rhythm-Awaken-Highest-Capabilities/dp/1733207317/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

and

Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise-to-the-rhythm-awaken-the-beat-and-live-your-lifes-highest-capabilities-joey-l-dowdy/1134864310?ean=2940163672394

Jan 21 2020

Fubars by Paddy Bostock

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

A thoroughly entertaining and irreverent look at the political world today.

Over the years some unusual children’s names have had their time in the spotlight, such as Mercedes, Beyoncé, and Lovely. However, there are others, which have been chosen specially by doting parents, who are sometimes extremely short-sighted, or perhaps not worldly-wise, like Lord Xavier and Lady Hermione Barr. They chose to call their first, and only son Fergus Ulysses. A grand name, however one which was to be both his undoing and making when at the tender age of 11 he found himself catapulted from the vague education carried out by governesses and home tutors at Piddlington Hall, the family seat situated in a massive estate on the outskirts of Little Piddlington In The Marsh. His education was now to take place in a high-class boarding school, one of the best, the type of establishment where the Headmaster happily assured Fergus Ulysses’ father it that would “…soon break him in, and make him the backbone of the nation…”

Fergus Ulysses endured life at this lofty establishment with fortitude, as one would expect from a boy from the upper classes, until NYC banker’s son Dwayne Zobinski arrived. Then, as boys do, Dwayne nicknamed him Fubar. This at first seemed to be a harmless act, that is until Dwayne educated the boys on the meanings of this American acronym, and poor Fergus Ulysses had even more reason to resent his parents.

However, as fate would have it, one day an unfortunate incident (for some) took place and Fergus Ulysses made his escape and headed for ‘Town’ or London as others know it. Although from a sheltered upbringing, it soon becomes apparent that the young Fergus Ulysses is a clever young man as he uses wit, and cunning to remain a ‘non-person,’ and stay below the radar, with the aid of a new friend, a like-minded and equally talented musician Tosh, and his canine best friend Mutt.

As the now named ‘The Fubar’s’ notoriety grows their gigs become more frequent, and the band gains new members. This talented author very cleverly entwines the lives of his characters and their families. As the idiosyncrasies of the individual characters become even more shocking, some might say they are unbelievable, that is, until they think about it and realise that they know, or have heard of someone who just might fit the bill.

This incredible story takes its readers across the world, into shady places, and into dangerous and farcical situations. There is never a dull moment on this rollercoaster ride, which is not only full of twists and turns but reverses, and full stops too.

I have loved reading Paddy Bostock’s extremely funny books for some time. In this comically irreverent story, whose characters’ true names are cleverly veiled, the current political climate, the countries, their leaders and their characters are humorously and accurately portrayed. In writing this incredibly entertaining story, the author has summed up cleverly Brexit, Trump, and the political intrigue which plagues our world today. I highly recommend this brilliant story to everyone who is looking for a book which is thoroughly entertaining until the very last page.

Available from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Fubars-Paddy-Bostock-ebook/dp/B08375SM14/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JTXQS7GSW72&keywords=fubars+paddy+bostock&qid=1579596920&sprefix=fubars+by+paddy%2Caps%2C262&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fubars-Paddy-Bostock-ebook/dp/B08375SM14/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=fubars+by+paddy+bostock&qid=1579596965&sr=8-2

Barnes and Noble

http:// https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fubars-paddy-bostock/1136053984?ean=9781613095928#

Jan 17 2020

Imagine God by Rick Pribell

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

An inspirational guide to understanding God’s word.

This book was written after the author, Rick Pribell, had a heart attack in 2015. This near-death experience, a prophecy from Zachariah (Luke 1:78-79, NIV,) and his own inspirational encounter with a rising sun brought about a profound need to share with the world his message of “…how our emotions reflect God’s spirit, an epiphany that transcends religious differences.”

I have never read another book which so clearly and in such a straight-forward manner conveys the word of God in a format which will encourage the curious, and the needy, to explore the meanings behind his teachings in an easy to understand way.

Simply and yet with great clarity, in his own words the author explains what is meant when God said he had created us “in His own image.” Once we understand this, the author then explores how our emotions, actions, thoughts, hopes fears and wants, are reflected in how God wants us to act, towards others, in situations, and in our journey of faith. In reading it I felt it helped me to understand his word so much better, look at emotional situations in another light, and it has enabled me to begin to know Him, and what he wants me to do and be, more.

The photograph on the front cover was taken by the author himself in Melbourne Beach, Florida. It has great significance to the author as it symbolizes a light shining in the darkness and showing him a path to guide his feet. It is a picture and a meaning which can be an inspiration to us all…

At a time when Scientific American reports 23 percent of us have forsaken religion entirely, this book is sorely needed. It is inspiring and heart-warming to read, helps us to understand how much God loves us, and its short compact format makes it quick and easy to reference when needed. Highly recommended!

About the Book:

By the end of this book, you will be able to

•recognize God and begin to know Him better, regardless of your faith
•understand what it really means to be created “in His own image”
•contemplate unresolved issues with new insight
•reflect on your experiences in a divine way
•enlighten others

Illustrated by the photograph on the book’s cover, author Rick Pribell shares with us his inspirational encounter with the “rising sun” revealing not only the literal truth of scripture in the world, but also the relevance of divine communication in our lives today.

Available from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-God-Rick-Pribell/dp/1644587300/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1579268307&sr=1-1

and

Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/imagine-god-rick-pribell/1132631534?ean=9781644587300

Jan 15 2020

Enlightened in the 21st Century by Richard Krauland

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

Essential reading for the enquiring mind.

Right from the Introduction I had a feeling this book was going to be fascinating and it was. Why? Because the author invites us to draw a tree and then, after we have done so, he enlightens us about an incredibly common yet very accurate fact about that drawing, without seeing it himself, just from his observance of human nature. From that moment I was hooked, and thoroughly enjoyed every page!

Most people have important times in their lives which they remember clearly, and for Richard Krauland one of these times was one night in 1971 when he had a life-changing experience. He was 18 at the time, Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy had been assassinated, the infamous Democrat’s National Convention in Chicago had taken place, and the war in Vietnam was raging, causing unrest in the country. That night and through to the next day, instead of sleeping the author found himself examining his life, what he had been told, what he knew, and what he believed in, or not. The result was his ‘philosophy of life,’ one which he has followed in the intervening forty-eight years. This was just one of the divine interventions which he believes has shaped his life and made him the man he is today, despite health challenges, a successful businessman, philosopher, and mathematician.

From the wonders of science to his controversial views on ‘fake science’ this book contains his thoughts and philosophies, in a no-holds-barred format, because, in his words “I believe that being well-grounded in the truth is absolutely necessary for a successful life as a free person.”

It was very interesting to read about our senses, and perceptions of things, and how these are continually evolving throughout time, from the far distant past into the future as scientific discoveries open our eyes to an infinite world which is waiting to be discovered. Yet at the other flip of the coin, he makes us think about the information we are fed via the social media, truths, half-truths, and lies, and emphasizes it is essential that we can differentiate between them to lead an enlightened life

I have no hesitation in highly recommending this thought-provoking book, and I challenge anyone with an inquisitive mind not to find it absolutely fascinating. Whether it is from the hundreds of interesting facts it contains, from the questions it answers, or the ability it has to make you sit up and think. Definitely one for those of us who have an enquiring mind which screams to be enlightened!

Available From: Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1645696308?pf_rd_p=2d1ab404-3b11-4c97-b3db-48081e145e35&pf_rd_r=S6RJP4ED6XDCDQ8SNCH6

and

Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enlightened-richard-krauland/1133194001?ean=9781645696308

Dec 14 2019

High Heels & Beetle Crushers: The Life, Losses and Loves of an Officer and Lady by Jackie Skingley

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

NEW RELEASE TODAY ON AMAZON

Jackie Skingley, the author of this fascinating memoir begins by taking her readers back to her earliest recollections, bitter sweet childhood memories of Christmas 1944 in Reigate, Surrey.  

Immediately, through her vivid descriptive writing I was catapulted back through the decades to wartime Britain. I could almost imagine being her, a small frightened child, hearing the air raid sirens going off and huddling in the damp, musky shelter with her heavily pregnant mother, and her Nanny Rose.

For those of us who were lucky enough not to have been alive during the war, these memories are priceless reminders of a bygone era, a time which should not be forgotten and a generation who bravely endured so much so that we could live in freedom and peace. Yes you can still see some of the old aircraft fly, and there are films about the wars but nothing can compare to the memories written by those who lived through those years, listening with dread to the droning of the German bombers as they flew overhead along Bomb Alley, towards London, and the sound of the bombs dropping, never knowing if they would be safe, or what carnage the enemy would leave in their wake.

The price of peace was appalling, and shaped the future of the author and her family, as it did for so many people. Life went on, and the incredible community spirit of those post war years are brought wonderfully to life throughout these pages. These were times when families and friends were truly there for each other, the local bobby knew everyone and mums were to be found in the kitchen making jam and cooking Victoria sandwiches. However, most families have some secrets and the author bravely reveals those too.

I read with interest of her convent education by strict nuns, and with envy of her life as a young woman at a time where young ladies wore taffeta dresses, gloves, and beaded bags, and of course had to adhere to strict etiquette codes.

Despite being very popular, at a time when most girls wanted to settle down, marry and have a family, the author wanted more, she had a deep desire to serve her country.

Accepted into the WRAC, she completed her training and began an interesting and eventful military career both at home and abroad, in which strong friendships are formed and love is lost and found.

A powerful coming-of–age story, this memoir gives the reader a real insight into post war Britain, and the spirit of its people. This strong spirit is typified in the author, as her reader discovers within these pages as she overcomes adversity, and defiantly stands resolute and true to herself, and those she loves.

New Release available TODAY on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1789042909/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

Dec 10 2019

I Believe: It Is Easy to Be Kind and Good to One Another and to Animals, Just Like Baxter, the Magnificent Dog by Suzanne Mondoux

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

Understanding the importance of taking responsibility for actions.

Baxter is a beautiful black and white Pointer mix who loves to play, however he is nervous of smaller dogs, and he doesn’t know why.

This day it’s snowing and Baxter and his friends are having fun chasing around in the snow, when Carlo and Teddy the horses arrive in the field.

Baxter goes over to say hello, but then he discovers that they have with them a little Pug. She’s called Lulu, and wants to be friendly, but Baxter just ignores her. Carlo and Teddy explain that they have brought Lulu with them and that in their pouches are two of her puppies, Bessie and Tulip.

When they get the puppies out, to everyone’s surprise they are so small! So small in fact that when danger strikes it takes a big dog like Baxter to save them, which he does without thinking. Their mum is so grateful that she gives him a big hugs of thanks.

Suddenly, the incident reminds Baxter of a terrible event which happed in the past and is the reason why he is nervous of smaller dogs. He relays the tale, and the other animals listen on. At the end Lulu comforts him by saying that he is a big and happy dog and that what happened was an accident. However, she then explains that accident or not, he is still responsible for his actions, and that it’s important to say sorry, and so Baxter does…

There are some lovely pictures to colour in in this story, but also it is interactive as for the next thirty days, Baxter invites you to write one thing you have said or done which you know has caused hurt, or made a person, or an animal cry. It can be something you did not mean to do, just like Baxter’s accident. However the important thing is to take responsibility, and like Baxter, right the wrong doing. In writing these down, you will understand the mistakes you have made, learn from them, and become a better person.

Taking responsibility for your mistakes is something which is very hard to do sometimes, and in this sensitive children’s book the author explains gently that whatever we do in life, if we do it, it is our responsibility and we must own up to it. Highly recommended as a wonderful life lesson story.

About the Author:

Suzanne Mondoux: A Voice For Animals
Explorer, Environmental Professional, Author.
French Canadian-born author and environmentally-conscious mining manager Suzanne Mondoux is dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the environment. “I am passionate about the well-being of animals.” In the Republic of Congo she wrote about her work with elephants. “The title of my first book ‘How I Became a Dragon’ refers to the tusks of elephants killed for the ivory that arrives in China, where the dragon is synonymous with Chinese culture.”
Mondoux wrote her second novel while working the Rep of Guinea –
Her second novel ‘Tragedy of the Moth’. Since then she has published The Adventures of Anuk: the first leap, and Anuk: book of words, and children series colouring and activity books (10) – I Believe series. She continues to work in Africa doing Biodiversity work.

Available from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Believe-Another-Animals-Baxter-Magnificent/dp/1982222689/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=suzanne+mondoux&qid=1575975715&sr=8-8

Dec 09 2019

High Heels & Beetle Crushers: The Life, Losses and Loves of an Officer and Lady by Jackie Skingley

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

Jackie Skingley, the author of this fascinating memoir begins by taking her readers back to her earliest recollections, bitter sweet childhood memories of Christmas 1944 in Reigate, Surrey.  

Immediately, through her vivid descriptive writing I was catapulted back through the decades to wartime Britain. I could almost imagine being her, a small frightened child, hearing the air raid sirens going off and huddling in the damp, musky shelter with her heavily pregnant mother, and her Nanny Rose.

For those of us who were lucky enough not to have been alive during the war, these memories are priceless reminders of a bygone era, a time which should not be forgotten and a generation who bravely endured so much so that we could live in freedom and peace. Yes you can still see some of the old aircraft fly, and there are films about the wars but nothing can compare to the memories written by those who lived through those years, listening with dread to the droning of the German bombers as they flew overhead along Bomb Alley, towards London, and the sound of the bombs dropping, never knowing if they would be safe, or what carnage the enemy would leave in their wake.

The price of peace was appalling, and shaped the future of the author and her family, as it did for so many people. Life went on, and the incredible community spirit of those post war years are brought wonderfully to life throughout these pages. These were times when families and friends were truly there for each other, the local bobby knew everyone and mums were to be found in the kitchen making jam and cooking Victoria sandwiches. However, most families have some secrets and the author bravely reveals those too.

I read with interest of her convent education by strict nuns, and with envy of her life as a young woman at a time where young ladies wore taffeta dresses, gloves, and beaded bags, and of course had to adhere to strict etiquette codes.

Despite being very popular, at a time when most girls wanted to settle down, marry and have a family, the author wanted more, she had a deep desire to serve her country.

Accepted into the WRAC, she completed her training and began an interesting and eventful military career both at home and abroad, in which strong friendships are formed and love is lost and found.

A powerful coming-of–age story, this memoir gives the reader a real insight into post war Britain, and the spirit of its people. This strong spirit is typified in the author, as her reader discovers within these pages as she overcomes adversity, and defiantly stands resolute and true to herself, and those she loves.

High Heels and Beetle Crushers is available for pre-order from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Heels-Beetle-Crushers-Officer/dp/1789042909/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=High+Heels+and+Beetle+Crushers&qid=1575898786&sr=8-1

Nov 28 2019

I Believe: I Can Learn Something New, Just Like Cody, the Best Dog Swimmer by Suzanne Mondoux

Author: susan • Discussion: No Comments

A wonderfully interactive children’s book inspiring self-confidence.

In this wonderful interactive children’s book, the two horses Carlo and Teddy are yet again on their adventures, this time they arrive at the sea. There they meet a very friendly tiny grey dog called Cody, he just loves to play in the waves and swim.

He asks Carlo and Teddy to swim with him, but the horses have to admit that they don’t know how. Undaunted, Cody offers to teach them, and he also explains the 6 very important rules of safety when swimming.

Under Cody’s tuition the horses are soon having a wonderful time, and swimming confidently. Afterwards they are happy to be invited to Cody’s home for dinner. Whilst they are there the new friends discuss all the wonderful things they would like to learn to do, and decide to make lists of what they are, and what they will have to do to achieve them.

Throughout the preceding pages there are lots of pictures to colour in, and now the book becomes even more interactive when the author encourages her reader to write down for 30 days the things which interest them, and also the steps they need to take to make the learning possible. Being an animal lover and advocate Suzanne Mondoux then goes on to invite her readers to also find the name of an animal who lives in the sea, find out about it, and then draw a picture of it too.

My granddaughter and I are really enjoying this ‘I Believe’ series. Natalie loves colouring the books in and the excitement of dreaming of things she would like to do, and I love the messages they convey, and their ability to encourage self-confidence.

About the Author:

Suzanne Mondoux: A Voice For Animals
Explorer, Environmental Professional, Author.
French Canadian-born author and environmentally-conscious mining manager Suzanne Mondoux is dedicated to the protection of wildlife and the environment. “I am passionate about the well-being of animals.” In the Republic of Congo she wrote about her work with elephants. “The title of my first book ‘How I Became a Dragon’ refers to the tusks of elephants killed for the ivory that arrives in China, where the dragon is synonymous with Chinese culture.”
Mondoux wrote her second novel while working the Rep of Guinea –
Her second novel ‘Tragedy of the Moth’. Since then she has published The Adventures of Anuk: the first leap, and Anuk: book of words, and children series colouring and activity books (10) – I Believe series. She continues to work in Africa doing Biodiversity work.

About the Book:

The series I Believe is a journey of discovery and gratitude with amazing animal beings. 1. I Believe: I Am Courageous and an Explorer, Just Like Carlo and Teddy, Two Amazing Horses. 2. I Believe: I Am a Great Reader and Writer, Just Like Jojo, the Talented Horse. 3. I Believe: I Can Learn to Draw and Paint, Just Like Sara, the Golden Mare. 4. I Believe: It Is Okay to Be Afraid and Talk about My Fears, Just Like Sparky, the Amazing Dog. 5. I Believe: I Can Learn Something New, Just Like Cody, The Best Dog Swimmer. 6. I Believe: It Is Easy to Be Kind and Good to One Another and to Animals, Just Like Baxter, the Magnificent Dog. 7. I Believe: I Have Confidence in Myself, Just Like Rocky, the Musical Dog. 8. I Believe: I Can Find Solutions to Any Challenge or Adversity, Just Like Max, the Cat. 9. I Believe: It Is Fun Discovering the World Around Me, Just Like Sara, Carlo, and Teddy, the Curious Horses. 10. I Believe: I Can Be Thankful and Grateful Every Day for One Thing in My Life, Just Like Carlo and Teddy and All Their Friends at the Ranch. Suzanne Mondoux—A Voice for Animals (http://suzannemondoux.com). Suzanne Mondoux is the author of the series The Adventures of Anuk: The First Leap, an ecological story of a young girl on a quest to save the world.

). Suzanne Mondoux is the author of the series The Adventures of Anuk: The First Leap, an ecological story of a young girl on a quest to save the world.

Available from:

Balboa Press https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/792848-i-believe

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Believe-Learn-Something-Just-Swimmer/dp/1982222662/ref=sr_1_6?qid=1574937024&refinements=p_27%3ASuzanne+Mondoux&s=books&sr=1-6&text=Suzanne+Mondoux