Reader's Choice

  Book: The Stag Diary  Author: Doug Limbrick  Review: Doug Limbrick’s The Stag Diary – Passage to Colonial Adelaide 1850 is a compelling read. The book traces the voyage of roughly 260 emigrants who set sail for colonial South Australia in 1850 aboard The Stag. Most passengers travelled in steerage, including Francis Taylor, whose vivid reflection—“… you cannot by day or night enjoy one moment of solitude…”—captures the lack of privacy and difficult conditions on board. Limbrick highlights the challenges faced by the emigrants, from sleepless nights caused by the ship’s constant motion to the struggle with seasickness, particularly during the slow progress toward Plymouth in the early days of the voyage. The book enriches the historical record with illustrations, including depictions of The Stag itself, and carefully brings to life the emotions of the emigrants as they neared their destination. Through thoughtful narration and extensive references, Limbrick provides not ...

  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Book: Shaggy's Cheeseburgers Author: Ron Ladman  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Review: Ronnie’s storytelling really shines in this book. He’s open, funny, and straightforward, which makes it easy to connect with his words. He talks about tough situations but never makes them sound hopeless. Instead, he focuses on what can be learned. I liked how he didn’t just focus on the good times. He admitted mistakes, challenges, and failures, which made his journey more relatable. Life isn’t perfect, and this book shows that even messy paths can lead to something great. The Katrina chapters were emotional and gripping. You could feel the chaos and the heartbreak, but you could also feel the strength of people who refused to let the storm define their future. Those moments give the book its depth. If you want a story that mixes humor, honesty, and hope, this book is a great choice. It feels real and stays with you long after you finish reading. 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Rating: 5/5

  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Book: Mr. Blackematics: Money Matters  Author: Darrell Hubbard  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Review: I love filling my kids’ bookshelf with meaningful reads, and this time I added Mr. Blackematics: Money Matters. The story introduces us to Mr. Blackematics, a math teacher who inspires children to explore, discover, and enjoy learning. Through a magical portal, Mr. Blackematics takes his students to Mathtopia. What lessons will they uncover there, and how will this journey transform the way they view math? You’ll have to read the book to find out! Darrell Hubbard has turned math—often seen as challenging or intimidating—into an engaging adventure. With imaginative storytelling and vibrant visuals, he makes learning both fun and approachable. This book is a fantastic resource for parents and teachers looking to build confidence in young learners and show them that math isn’t a burden—it’s a friend. 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Rating: 5/5

  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸  Book: Consumed with Fire  Author: Theresa Gage  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Review: I had been eagerly anticipating the release of Theresa Gage’s latest book, and Consumed with Fire was absolutely worth the wait. Cassie shines as a strong and compelling protagonist—brave, determined, and deeply committed to training her clan for the battles to come. Yet beneath her strength lies a quiet loneliness, as she longs for adult companionship amid the heavy responsibilities of leadership. At one point, Cassie had considered marrying Jarlath, Rory’s friend, but his untimely death after the war added to her grief. She reflects on the unfairness of it all—the children growing up without parents, her own loss of Rory, and the decimation of her clan. Despite her sorrow, she remains steadfast, determined to toughen up the youngsters and prepare them for what lies ahead. She asked Aidan if he could show the youngsters how to shoot an arrow. The writing style is clear and accessible, w...

  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Book: Colonial Artist S.T. Gill  Author: Doug Limbrick  🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸 Review: S.T. Gill was one of the most observant artists of nineteenth-century Australia, capturing the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of ordinary people during a transformative era. His works provide an unparalleled visual record of colonial society, particularly the tumultuous years of the gold rush. Gill was the ideal artist to portray the goldfields, noting his keen eye for every detail. Gill’s art vividly encapsulates both the harsh realities and the spirited resilience of life on the frontier. In this richly illustrated account, historian Doug Limbrick traces Gill’s life and career, from his arrival in Australia in 1838 to his tragic death in 1880. Through this book, readers gain a unique window into the landscapes, people, and events that shaped the colonies. I am grateful to read this book that is rich in history. Doug has undoubtedly done fantastic work in this book. I was easily...