Fellow member of The Ten Penners and writing friend Kate has recommended a New Zealand author and her books. As always, anything Kate loves, I do too. So I've added this series to my To Be Read list. Ned Lightbourne is a sometimes assassin who is smitten with Cecilia from the moment they meet. Unfortunately,… Continue reading India Holton – New books in my To Be Read list…
Big B Books March Newsletter…
I love this local bookshop. The Ten Penners have been there to sell our books. Candice Lemon Scott is a lovely bookshop owner, writing friend, I've read and reviewed many of her books. She's also involved with Gold Coast Writers. I'm a long term member of this group, although I don't get to the meetings… Continue reading Big B Books March Newsletter…
Book Review – The Whispering Palms by Annette Leigh…
This is another book I purchased at BookFest last November. Again, good local writers come up trumps. Jill Smith's Reviews > The Whispering Palms The Whispering Palmsby Annette Leigh (Goodreads Author) Jill Smith's review copyright Mar 22, 2026  Andrea Yates, ex-cop and crime novelist, is drawn into helping Maureen Daniels search for her missing daughter. The small beachside… Continue reading Book Review – The Whispering Palms by Annette Leigh…
Book Review – The Siege of Masada Jodie Lane…
This book is one I purchased at BookFest last November. It's an enticing start to an enthralling series. Here's my review. I will be getting hold of the rest of the series to enjoy. Turning Points #1 The Siege of Masada Jodie Lane My Review Jill Smith copyright March 22, 2026 Gwyn, a nineteen-year-old history buff,… Continue reading Book Review – The Siege of Masada Jodie Lane…
Somerset StoryFest author Nikki Mottram…
Here's another interesting author using her experience to write crime fiction. Nikki Mottram is the best selling author of Crows Nest (UQP, 2023) and Kilarney (UQP, 2024). She has a psychology degree from the University of Queensland and has worked in London and Australia protecting and promoting the welfare of children at risk of harm… Continue reading Somerset StoryFest author Nikki Mottram…
Somerset StoryFest 2026 writer, performer, speaker – Olivia Muscat…
Some of the sessions for this author are already sold out. So kids are keen to see her humous presentations. Olivia Muscat is a writer, performer, speaker, and disability arts activist living on Wurundjeri land. Based in Narrm/Melbourne she writes stories that celebrate intersectional, disabled identities and the fun, colourful, and weird parts of life.… Continue reading Somerset StoryFest 2026 writer, performer, speaker – Olivia Muscat…
Somerset StoryFest 2026 Penny McNamee…
I do love when talented people turn their hands to other forms of entertainment. Penny McNamee is an example of an actress who translates stories into books for children, Somerset audiences will be enthralled. Penny McNamee is an Australian actress, best known for originating the role of Nessarose in the Australian premier of Wicked, playing… Continue reading Somerset StoryFest 2026 Penny McNamee…
Somerset StoryFest author – Carla Salmon…
Somerset this year has small children, middle grade and older readers covered. I'm bound to buy this book, it's a teen who done it! CARLA SALMON AUTHOR. TEACHER. SPEAKER. BLUE SKY SEEKER. ‘This cover. This story. These characters. We Saw What You Started is just itching to be gobbled up by the teens of Australia.… Continue reading Somerset StoryFest author – Carla Salmon…
Somerset StoryFest 2026 author – Tina Wilson…
Somerset StoryFest continues to excite children and adults alike at this years event. Tina Wilson is an award-winning artist who loves creativity in all its forms. From her Rainforest studio high on a mountain, she writes, paints, photographs, and makes animated films. Inspired by the world around her Tina's work captures the wonder, joy and… Continue reading Somerset StoryFest 2026 author – Tina Wilson…
Somerset StoryFest author – Lisa Williams…
Here is another interesting author and first nations presenter at Somerset. Lisa Williams is a proud Wiradjuri woman who grew up in the small town of Bathurst in south-western New South Wales, where life was simple and creativity came naturally. As a child, she was happiest with a all at her feet or mud on… Continue reading Somerset StoryFest author – Lisa Williams…
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